The 2025 National Teaching Awards' winner for Excellence in Special Needs Education, Chantelle Carstens with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Deputy Minister Dr. Regina Mhaule and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube.
When Chantelle Carstens’ name was announced as the 2025 National Teaching Awards winner for Excellence in Special Needs Education, the reality took a moment to sink in.
For the passionate educator from Paarl School in the Western Cape, the recognition was not just about winning a brand-new car or a trip to Denmark — it was a moment that affirmed years of dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in children with different forms of disabilities.
Soon, Carstens will jet off to Denmark for professional training as part of her award — a trip she describes as both humbling and inspiring.
The recognition, she says, means far more than any material prize. It represents a celebration of a teaching journey grounded in patience, love, and purpose.
Elated Carstens said:
"Winning the National Teaching Award 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. To be recognised on a national level for doing what I love is a humbling experience.
She added, "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."
For Carstens, the Denmark training trip offers an invaluable opportunity to grow as an educator, learn new strategies, and bring fresh ideas back to her learners.
"It’s an opportunity to spread my wings and learn about different countries, cultures and building connections. If my school and learners can benefit from my prizes and experiences, I will feel really happy and blessed."
When asked if she expected to win, she smiled and admitted that while she was confident in her work, she didn’t anticipate such high recognition.
She said:
"I felt confident with what I presented, I was authentic with everything I said, and my work came from a place of passion, love and dedication. But I was also aware that the competition was exceptionally strong, and I never imagined that my work would receive national recognition. So, when I heard my name announced, I was truly overwhelmed and in disbelief. What contributed to my emotions was the fact that my family and kids couldn’t watch me receive the award. They were on holiday in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park without signal and I had to leave them for three days without any communication to attend the ceremony. They only got the news the next day when I reunited with them. When I heard that I won the National Award for Excellence in Special Needs it made all the tears, hard work and sacrifices so much more worth it."
At Paarl School, Carstens teaches Afrikaans to Grades seven to nine and Social Sciences to Grade seven learners with specific learning disabilities, physical impairments, and cerebral palsy. Yet, she refuses to define them by their limitations.
"Each learner brings their own unique strengths, challenges, and personality, and it’s a privilege to guide and support them as they grow in confidence, independence, and self-belief."
One of her biggest challenges, she says, is addressing the wide range of abilities within one classroom while ensuring that every learner receives the individual attention and encouragement they deserve. Another hurdle is the shortage of resources and assistive tools that make learning accessible and engaging for all pupils.
But Carstens has learned to overcome these challenges with creativity, collaboration, and heart.
She tailors her lessons
to accommodate different learning styles, creatively uses limited resources,
and collaborates closely with parents, therapists, and colleagues to create a
strong support network for each child.
"At the end of the day, it is important to focus on the learners’ individual needs and help them reach their full potential. Even the smallest progress is worth celebrating."
Her approach to teaching, she says, is deeply personal.
"I take time to understand their world, their challenges, their strengths, and their ways of communicating and learning. I believe that every child deserves to feel seen and valued, and I create a classroom environment where they can thrive with confidence. I make learning meaningful and accessible for my learners. I don’t measure success only by academic results, but by the growth I see in each learner’s confidence, independence, and joy. My goal is to help every child discover what they are capable of and to make them believe in that, too. Above all, I teach with heart. My work is guided by love, and I see every day as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of learners who continue to inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them."
Carstens also holds deep respect for teachers across all sectors, acknowledging that every school environment presents its own unique challenges.
Her message to other teachers, especially those in special schools, is one of encouragement and purpose:
"You sit with a massive amount of power and responsibility and that is – you can choose to make a difference in a child’s life every single day, even in ways you might not always see. Keep teaching with love, patience, and faith - you are making a difference that truly matters."
The South African National Association for Special Education (SANASE) President Fanny Mashaphu, said, “We are very proud of our members. It is a testimony of the commitment and hard work that our members continue to inject in the special needs education space. This tells us all that good things are happening in our schools and that SANASE is championing the cause of quality public special needs and inclusive education in our country. We once again urge all teachers in our special schools, full-service schools and care centres to participate in this all empowering and rewarding National Teaching Awards experience. Your teaching experience is incomplete without a passage through the National Teaching Awards journey.”
