Ms Sagree Pillay

IP teacher, Eastern Cape, South Africa

“I started my journey with AIMSSEC in 2009 when I attended the MT11 residential course in July. It was the most enjoyable course I had ever attended. The 10 days changed my outlook, teaching approach and opened my eyes to many new experiences. I returned to KZN, a “new” teacher, one who turned mathematics lessons into joyful learning sessions.

It was a truly unique course, but the best part was that it did not stop on that 10th day. We had signed up for a 3-month course. Putting all those new skills and approaches into practise and evaluating and reflecting upon their efficacy proved to be a valuable didactic experience. With tutors giving me helpful and critical feedback, I was able to develop as a teacher. This spurred me on to enrol for the ACE in mathematics when it was offered at the end of the 3 month period.

The ACE course was another extremely enjoyable and deeply engaging course. In addition to the enriching content, I was very motivated and deeply touched by the sincerity and commitment with which tutors approached the courses they taught. It made me want to give of my very best; proving, once again, what an amazing impact a motivated teacher can have. I graduated with a Cum Laude pass at the end of 2011.

“It has always been my passion to be involved with teacher training as I feel that teachers need to learn and teach more than just content alone.”

Although it sounds clichéd, I will still remark that AIMSSEC had become family to me by that time, so I was honoured and delighted when I was approached to speak at the 10th Anniversary Graduation and join the tutoring team as a teaching assistant in 2012 and 2013. From this position, I was able to observe how the best, experienced and highly qualified tutors went about their duties. Julia Anghlieri was amazing, giving me opportunities to be an integral part of her teaching. She was generous in her praise and did wonders for my esteem.

It has always been my passion to be involved with teacher training as I feel that teachers need to learn and teach more than just content alone. They need to teach hope and bring joy to the classroom. That comes with confidence and genuine self-enjoyment. So, it was a dream-come-true when AIMSSEC invited me to attend the 2014 and 2015 winter courses as a LECTURER!

It was a rewarding, enjoyable and fruitful 10 days.

I look forward to a long and cherished relationship with this amazing institute.”