Annie: School principal
Annie has been teaching and managing preschools for 22 years. She has worked in many schools both pre-primary and primary. She has always had a passion to work with children. Annie has been trained in the Montessori methods while also having studied traditional approaches. She has completed an additional diploma at UNISA on Grade-R teaching (cum laude). Annie is also a drama and music/vocal coach. Her popular YouTube videos can be found here: YouTube video
Annie loves art and provides the art instruction for the school having been an art instructor for years. (YouTube video)
Annie’s Philosophy: I believe we need to follow the child and have an environment that is child centered. Education should be fun in a stimulating prepared environment.
Her latest academic publication can be found here: Research
Shelly Singh: Foundation phase educator
Shelly has 17 years’ experience in teaching children from two to six years of age. She has dealt with the emotional, social, intellectual, physical development and well being of the children in her care. She is passionate about working with children and creating a supportive and enriching learning environment. She has the ability to foster a love of learning in students and help them reach their fullest potential. Shelly believes that children learn best when they are allowed to explore at their own pace. Shelly has obtained her diploma in Early Childhood Development (ECD) at UNISA
Shelly’s philosophy: A good teacher cannot begin or continue to inspire learning without also being a learner. A good teacher often helps to create new knowledge. To follow this belief I must continuously examine my teaching methods and find new ones.
Leah Chirwa: Preschool educator and manager
Leah teaches the foundation phase from 18 months to three years of age. Leah also teaches the 3-4 years olds. She has eleven years of teaching and child care experience. She believes that you have to understand children’s character, give them love, and be patient in order for children to feel that they are cared for and feel at home in your presence. She believes that practical life skills are vital at this foundation age in developing the children’s fine muscle skills, coordination, and confidence. It is her pleasure to see her learners developing their skills.
Leah has completed different courses in childcare as well as attaining a preschool administration diploma.
Leah has worked at Little People’s Montessori Preschool for eleven years and is the preschool manager.
Leah’s philosophy: As a teacher, I give love to all the children and treat them equally. I make sure that every child feels free to ask questions at any time. I play with the young children doing different activities like music and movement. As a teacher it is my job to make sure children feel happy. I want children to enjoy life and to live in a safe and healthy environment. Each child needs to be heard and understood so they can feel special.
Lethukuhle Mavuso: Grade-R educator
I have eight years experience in teaching children from 3 to 6 yrs of age. I am a qualified Montessori teacher with a diploma. l have studied at modern Montessori teacher training college. l have achieved an “ABC health and educare child care worker” certification. l have been a teacher at Little People’s Montessori Preschool for five years. I believe in making learning fun for children and also learning from them. It is important to build their confidence from a very young age.
Lethukuhle’s philosophy: You may be just a teacher but to your students, you are a hero. Every child needs a champion who will never give up on them.
Regina Nyakupinda: Preschool educator
I completed my ECD diploma in 2006 and also have an AMI diploma from the Montessori Training Centre. l decided on education as a career path aqnd have found love for helping others to learn and grow to be the best they can be. I enjoy working with young children, helping students gain the vocabulary to talk about and express their feelings and needs. It is amazing to watch the childrens’ growth as they learn to communicate with others in the classroom.
What l like most about working at Little People’s Montessori is its focus on providing a strong solid educational foundation in the community. This school has a very welcoming atmosphere with passionate teachers and administration.
Regina’s philosophy: Montessori education provides a solid educational foundation for children to build from. Montessori is the method that will carry them throughout their lives.
Girlie Bonga: Preschool teacher
I am a qualified teacher with a diploma in education having studied at Morgenster Teacher’s College. I have eight years teaching experience. I taught primary school grade 3 as well as ECD levels. I have been a teacher at Little People’s Montessori for five year. In my teaching, I provide a quality classroom environment in which all students feel valued and respected by the teacher and fellow students. Apart from that, I work hard to develop positive relationships with all students. I’m currently studying educational psychology at SACP.
Girlie’s philosophy: My motto is teachers who love teaching, teaches children who love learning.
Philip (Co-Owner)
Philip is a researcher at the University of Johannesburg. He is an active researcher in the field of psychology, education, technology, and sociology. He holds a multidisciplinary PhD degree. He is an invited speaker at several local and international conferences and is currently a guest editor for an international journal.
In 2015 he was awarded the University of Johannesburg’s VC award for teaching excellence, and in 2016 the South African national tertiary education (CHE) award for teaching excellence. Philip has published across several disciplines
Google Scholar profile
Our staff complement collectively have the following qualifications:
- BA. Hons Pychology (UNISA)
- BA. Hons Religious Studies. (UNISA)
- M.Eng (UJ)
- B.Tech (TWR)
- N.Diploma (TWR)
- Higher certificate (Univ Zimbabwe)
- Grade-R and Foundation Phase Teaching (NQF 5) (UNISA)
- Foundation Phase Teaching (NQF 5) (UNISA)
- Pre-School Administration Diploma
- Montessori Diploma
- D.Litt et (UNISA)
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