MSMarijke Smit
@marijkesmit
Dedicated primary educator and school leader focused on child development, inclusive teaching, and school management.
South AfricaWhat I'm looking for
I am a BEd-qualified educator (Intermediate & Senior Phase) with hands-on experience from preschool through primary and aftercare settings, and I currently run a preschool and aftercare. I specialise in curriculum planning, learner-centred instruction, and supporting children with diverse learning and behavioural needs.
Throughout my career I have served as classroom teacher, educational assistant, co-owner/principal of aftercare, and founder/principal of a preschool, leading staff, managing budgets, and implementing school improvement initiatives. I have worked with learners with Down syndrome, reactive attachment disorder, and ADHD, and I hold certificates in therapeutic healing facilitation and TEFL/TESOL.
I bring strong organisational skills, safety awareness, and a collaborative leadership style focused on professional development, parental engagement, and delivering high-quality learning experiences that support academic and social-emotional growth.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Principal and Owner
Klein Breintjies Preschool
Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 8 months)
Founded and led the preschool and aftercare, developed school vision and curriculum, managed budgets and staff, and ensured compliance with education and safety standards.
Grade 4–6 Teacher
Ed-U-College (Vaal)
Jan 2021 - Oct 2021 (9 months)
Planned and taught according to CAPS, delivered Afrikaans FAL and Natural Science & Technology, assisted as coordinator for school image and social development initiatives.
Educational Assistant
Reitz High School
Sep 2020 - Dec 2020 (3 months)
Provided general teaching assistance for Grades 4–9, supported classroom instruction in Afrikaans, English and Mathematics during a teaching practical placement.
Co-owner and Principal
Goudstêr Naskool
Jan 2019 - Mar 2020 (1 year 2 months)
Managed and ran an aftercare facility for up to 68 students, overseeing staff, finances and operations while providing homework support and holiday care.
Foundation Phase Educator
Meridian College
Jan 2018 - Dec 2018 (11 months)
Taught Grade 3 English, Mathematics and Life Skills, planned curriculum-aligned lessons, and organised concerts and fundraising activities.
Pre-school Educator
Lollos Preschool and Daycare
Dec 2016 - Mar 2017 (3 months)
Implemented activities to meet children's emotional, physical and cognitive needs, maintained progress records, and promoted self-esteem and social and emotional skills.
Pre-school Educator
Babbelkousies Kleuterskool
Dec 2012 - Dec 2015 (3 years)
Planned and delivered developmental activities for preschool children, managed toilet training and social skills, and supported children with Down syndrome, reactive attachment disorder, and ADHD.
Intermediate Phase Educator
Meridian College
Taught Grades 6–7 (Mathematics, Social Science, Natural Science & Technology, English and Life Skills), prepared assessments and managed portfolios.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
TEFL Universal
120-hour Advanced TEFL/TESOL Certificate, Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Completed a 120-hour Advanced TEFL/TESOL certificate from TEFL Universal on 15 July 2025.
UNUNISA
Bachelor of Education, Education
Activities and societies: Teaching practice (PST), taught Mathematics, Afrikaans and English (Grades 4–9); UNISA student number 61195987; NQF Exit Level 7.
Completed a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate and Senior Phase) at UNISA, final statement issued July 2021.
Harvesting Rainbow Nations (facilitation course)
Therapeutic Healing Facilitation Certificate, Therapeutic Facilitation
2014 - 2014
Activities and societies: Facilitator: Theresa Pierneef.
Completed a Therapeutic Healing Facilitation certificate focused on identifying and helping children with trauma and behaviour disorders.
Secondary / Matric
Matric (National Senior Certificate), General Secondary Education
Activities and societies: Sports: hockey, cross-country, athletics.
Completed Matric (UMALUSI/Sekai certificate) in 2013; Dux student and prefect in 2008.
FCFGASA (field course)
FGASA short course, Environmental Studies / Field Tracking
Completed an FGASA short student tracking course focused on environmental and field-tracking skills.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
South AfricaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
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