Outgoing maths teacher always waited at finish line for his pupils

Describing himself as a shy, awkward child who planned to study analytical chemistry, Michael Simon said he never envisioned himself one day standing up in front of a class.

Now, after 36 fulfilling years as a teacher, he reflects back on his journey leading to retirement.

But 59-year-old Simon’s career did not start in front of a blackboard, chalk in hand.

It was while working at Eveready that he found himself inspired to become a mathematics teacher at his alma mater, Paterson High School in Schauderville.

“I never saw myself as a teacher. I was a shy, awkward child. When the movie Revenge of the Nerds came out, I said to myself, ‘that’s me’,” he said, laughing.

Following in his late father Boet’s footsteps, Simon attended Paterson High School, unlike his three brothers.

“I matriculated in 1982 and was accepted at Rhodes University and the former PE Technikon to study analytical chemistry.

“Back then, non-white students needed a permit from the education department to attend these institutions.

“I never received the permit and ended up working in the raw materials division at Eveready.

“It was there, while helping my colleagues, that the idea of teaching was sparked.”

He said his colleagues told him how they had struggled with maths at school.

“Somewhere along the line, my heart told me to teach maths at Paterson.”

Simon then enrolled at Dower College in 1985, a year marked by political unrest.

“During the exams, we only got to write our names on the papers and then we had to hand them in.

“The following year, we were allowed to retake the exams.”

He eventually finished his studies in 1987 and began teaching at Paterson in 1988.

“I still remember the first student I met in my first week,” he said.

While teaching, Simon also improved his qualifications, completing a BTech in education management and the coursework for the MTech in education management.

A senior colleague’s advice set the tone for Simon’s teaching philosophy.

“Mr Eugene Coetzee asked me to be a timekeeper at a swimming gala at the Gelvandale pool. I told him I knew nothing about timekeeping.

“He said it didn’t matter, but a Paterson student needed to see a Paterson teacher at the end line.

“That set the tone for my teaching — to be there for the children.

“I am honoured that many students see me as a father figure. This year, a learner told me that I taught his grandmother,” he said.

Simon will put down his chalk at the end of the year to enjoy retirement — but the impact he has made was evident from the comments in a Facebook post by principal Rose de Doncker.

“I can count now, all because of this legend. Appreciate everything you’ve instilled in me and everyone who attended your classes,” one person wrote.

Another wrote: “The best teacher ever. A father figure to so many people. Thank you for your dedication.”

This was followed by: “It was a great honour being taught by you.

“Mathematics was not an easy subject, but you taught me the basics that made it easy for me to understand. And for that, I am grateful to you.”

Simon was also involved in the drama club and soccer at the school.

“I knew nothing about drama, but our kids got onto television three times.

“I similarly didn’t know anything about soccer but decided not to limit myself.”

Simon said he would not leave the school entirely at the end of the year.

“I am passionate about the Eskom Science Expo and will still be involved with that, as well as the coding and robotics club.

“I will also tutor pupils and have a space for that as well.

“And I have travel plans with the previous principal, Dr Sivan Pillay. I am not sure about the destination just yet.”

Simon said he would miss the sense of family at the school the most.

“Paterson has become like family to me. The younger colleagues see me as an uncle.

“I will miss the children. Most of our kids don’t come from stable homes and I will miss being a parent figure to them.”

Simon said he dreamt of the school becoming a hub for science, coding and mathematics.

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