More than 20 of South Africa’s top private school teachers have been recognised at two flagship celebrations: the STELLAR Teacher Awards and the ADvLEARN Celebration of Excellence. This unified event highlighted the outstanding achievements of the country’s teachers, fostering a shared commitment to innovation, professional growth, and educational excellence.
The STELLAR Teacher Awards honoured exceptional teachers who have made remarkable contributions to teaching and learning. Nominated by their peers, teachers submitted portfolios showcasing their dedication, creativity, and impact. Finalists were invited to present live, with their submissions reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges.
The objectives of the awards were to recognise excellence by celebrating teachers who demonstrate exemplary practices and positively influence their school communities; promote professional growth by encouraging continuous development through recognising teachers’ dedication and achievements, and to foster a culture of recognition, by creating a motivating environment where teachers feel valued and inspired.
Award Categories
· Outstanding Teacher Award: Celebrating teachers who excel in teaching and student engagement.
· Innovative Teaching Award: Honouring teachers who bring creativity and innovation to learning.
· Collaborative Teacher Award: Recognising teachers who build strong partnerships with colleagues and communities.
· Student Impact Award: Acknowledging teachers who make a significant difference in students’ academic and personal growth.
The list of winners is:
| 1 | Kirstin Price | Glenwood House | Outstanding Teacher Award |
| 2 | Andrea Kruger | Crawford International Pretoria | Innovative Teacher Award |
| 3 | Vicky Baard | Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge | Outstanding Teacher Award |
| 4 | Sue Jackelman | Glenwood House | Outstanding Teacher Award |
| 5 | Natalie Kruger | Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge | Collaborative Award |
| 6 | Cheryl Williams | Glenwood House | Collaborative Award |
| 7 | Heather Laubscher | Elkanah House High School | Innovative Teacher Award |
| 8 | Samantha Govender | Pinnacle College Linden | Innovative Teacher Award |
| 9 | Genevieve Claassen | Glenwood House | Student Impact Award |
| 10 | Carmen Groenewald | Crawford International Pretoria | Outstanding Teacher Award |
| 11 | Freedom Munukha | Trinityhosue Centurion | Outstanding Teacher Award |
| 12 | Jana Antonites | Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge | Student Impact Award |
ADvLEARN Celebration of Excellence
This segment celebrated teachers leveraging ADvTECH’s unique ADvLEARN platform to improve student outcomes and personalized learning. With over 19,000 students and over 450 teachers engaged on ADvLEARN, the platform has driven remarkable improvements in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, and Physical Sciences, with student improvement ranging between 15 and 30%.
These teachers were recognised for their exceptional use of ADvLEARN’s data insights to close learning gaps and maximise student success. These teachers exemplified the spirit of excellence in personalised education.
The event proudly recognised the following teachers for their extraordinary contributions:
ADvLEARN Top 10 Teachers:
| 1st | Lihle Gungqisa | Abbotts College Northcliff |
| 2nd | Patsy Muller Fourie | Trinityhouse Glenvista |
| 3rd | Kenny Zinyandu | Trinityhouse Glenvista |
| 4th | David Maartens | Crawford International Pretoria |
| 5th | Alicia Allen | Crawford International La Lucia |
| 6th | Rianette van Vollenstee | Maragon Mooikloof |
| 7th | Kerryn Viljoen | Crawford International North Coast |
| 8th | Manju Deepchand | Crawford International Lonehill |
| 9th | Margaret Manana | Trinityhouse Glenvista |
| 10th | Laurentia Stephanie Van Muylwyk | Crawford International Ruimsig |
“The STELLAR Teacher Awards was a powerful testament to the extraordinary talent, innovation, and dedication of teachers across ADvTECH. It was a day of inspiration and pride, reinforcing our shared commitment to empowering students and advancing education,” said Darren Purdon: Academic Project Manager from the ADvTECH Central Academic Team Schools Division.
Desiree Hugo, Academic Head of ADvTECH Schools Division said the Group was incredibly proud to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of the top private school teachers.
“These teachers embody the values of innovation, excellence, and dedication that are at the heart of our educational mission. Through initiatives like the STELLAR Teacher Awards and the ADvLEARN awards, we are committed to fostering a culture of recognition, promoting professional growth, and ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to deliver world-class education.” We thank them all!