After 45 years in the classroom Krishnen Mogamberry Govender retired from the teaching profession.
A profession that chose him as a teenager.
Govender, 64, from Seatides, wanted to study law but didn’t have the funds to study and he settled for teaching after acquiring a bursary.
"Teaching wasn’t my first choice. So you can say teaching chose me. However, I have no regrets. It has been and still is a fulfilling profession," said Govender.
Govender studied for a bachelor of pedagogics degree, majoring in English and Geography, at the University of Durban-Westville, before it merged with Natal University to become UKZN.
He began teaching at Crossmoor Secondary in Chatsworth in 1981 where he taught English. In 1985, he was transferred to Grove End Secondary in Phoenix and continued to teach English. He was promoted to head of the language departmental, and in 2002, he was promoted to deputy principal of the school.
In 2013, he was transferred to Eastbury Secondary in Phoenix as the deputy principal and senior English teacher. In 2022, he was promoted to principal of Eastbury and continued teaching matric English. After 11 years at Eastbury, Govender retired last week.
The father of three and grandfather of two said the highlight of his career, apart from being promoted into senior management positions, has been witnessing his learners excel in English over the years.
"I was also lucky to straddle both high school and university teaching. When I obtained my masters in education degree, I lectured part time on the B. Ed (Hons) programme at the previous Natal University (PMB campus) and continued in this role at UKZN when I completed my PhD degree.
“I also lectured part time on the M.Ed course, Contemporary Issues in Language. As a post-doctoral fellow at UKZN I delivered papers nationally and internationally and wrote peer-reviewed articles on language issues. Language research and English language teaching have been my passion," he said.
Govender added that classroom dynamics had changed dramatically from the early 1980s.
"Learners are more vociferous now, sometimes for the wrong reasons. On the positive side, learners are more assertive now and hold very strong views on various issues. However, what is distressing for educators and parents is the breakdown of learner discipline in schools and this is creating new challenges for teachers and school managers," he said.
Govender now plans to relax more and do a lot of travelling with his wife.
"However, I will still tutor English and work as a consultant for language research at university level, albeit at a more relaxed pace," he said.