From Best Performing Teacher in Mathematics to one of the top educators in the Gert Sibande District, Mrs Lenie van Zyl has shown that excellence has no ceiling. Over a devoted 42-year career at Ligbron, she has reached remarkable milestones and left an enduring impact on hundreds of learners — not only by producing top academic results, but by shaping their confidence, discipline and love for Mathematics.
Her journey of achievement reached another highlight when she placed third nationally in the National Teachers Awards in the category for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. The final round of the competition was held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, where Van Zyl was honoured alongside the country’s finest educators.
Van Zyl has been attached to Ligbron for the past four decades, where she worked her way up to deputy head of academics. Over the years she has helped thousands of children to understand, appreciate and master Mathematics. Good marks in Mathematics have enabled many learners to go on to study further and live out their dreams. She has done her work with passion and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on learner performance and love for the subject.
According to Van Zyl, Mathematics is the language through which we can see God’s order in creation. She adds that it helps learners think logically and solve problems. In doing so they develop self-confidence. “To see that ‘I understand now!’ moment in a learner remains the greatest reward for me,” she says.
Apart from the honour of being named one of the top Mathematics teachers in the country, she also walked away with arms full of prizes. She received cash prizes, a R1 000 Woolworths gift voucher, a tablet, as well as online training in digital education. The biggest prize, however, is the opportunity to tour China for three weeks together with the other winners.
The “Liggies” honour Miss Lenie for the great contribution she makes at the school, as well as her role as a mentor to many young teachers and learners.