Behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed.
One such teacher is Chantelle Carstens, a special needs teacher at Paarl School in Brackenfell, who was named South Africa’s best special needs teacher at the National Teaching Awards held in Boksburg on Thursday evening.
Carstens was praised for her passion for inclusive education which is clear in everything she does. It is her philosophy of putting her learners at the heart of the learning process that distinguished her.
In her classroom, inclusion isn’t just a nice idea, it’s something she lives every day. She makes learning accessible for everyone by using a range of tools like tactile activities, visual aids, and assistive tech.
She sets ambitious goals for her students, believing they can achieve more than they think, with many of her former students having gone to graduate from university.
I want to be a voice for learners with special needs.”
Winning the National Teacher Award, Chantelle says still feels surreal.
“I am honestly overwhelmed and in disbelief that I was chosen for such an incredible honour. Teaching has always been more than a career to me, it’s a calling. And to be recognised on a national level for doing what I love is a humbling experience,” she told TygerBurger.
“As the reality begins to sink in, my heart remains full of amazement. This honour is one I will carry with pride, not for myself alone, but for every teacher who continues to pour their heart into shaping our children for the future.”
To her this recognition is not the end of a journey, but rather a new beginning.
“Going forward, I want to use this platform to uplift and inspire others. I want to be a voice for learners with special needs.”
She hopes to mentor young teachers and share her experiences to encourage them to believe in their purpose even when the challenges feel overwhelming.
“I also want to continue creating spaces where learners feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving beyond what they imagine. If my journey can spark only one teacher to believe in their impact, or one more learner to believe in their potential, then this honour will have served its true purpose.”
Deeply rewarding
Reflecting on her journey as a teacher, Carstens says: “I did not choose special needs education, it chose me. I first ended up in Paarl School as a stand-in teacher for six weeks and I never left. Life has a way of guiding us exactly where we are meant to be. I knew from the very first day that this is where I belong. Walking this journey with my learners has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
While special needs education is deeply rewarding, it comes with unique challenges.
“One of the greatest is ensuring that every learner receives the individualised attention and support they need. Each child learns differently, progresses at their own pace, and faces their own barriers, whether emotional, cognitive, or physical,” she says.
“Another challenge for special needs teaching is limited resources often available to support learners fully. This goes from assistive technologies to trained support staff. It can be difficult when you know what a learner needs, but the resources aren’t always within reach.”
There are emotional challenges too.
“Working with learners who struggle daily requires not only skill but resilience and compassion. You invest so much of yourself, your time, your energy, your heart, and it can be heavy at times. But the smallest victories make it all worthwhile.”
