1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am Mignonne Gerli, a Principal at Abbotts College Pretoria East, a high school in the private sector. I have a passion for the teaching profession and the demands that the job comes with. Being able to foresee possible challenges and enjoying problem-solving are part of my DNA.
I enjoy managing teachers, guiding and assisting them in giving their best in the classroom, as they play an important role in preparing students not only for tertiary education and the world of work, but also in dealing with life’s successes and disappointments.
Family life is very important to me. I am married, have 4 children and 2 grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them, chatting and laughing during family lunches. These are cherished times.
2. What work do you do?
I work in the field of Education as Principal of a high school (Abbotts College Pretoria-East).
3. How long have you been in the industry?
23 Years, 3 years as a primary school teacher and 20 years in the high school environment, first as a Teacher, then Head of Department, then Deputy Principal and currently as Principal.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Yes, my work has always been my passion, which has led to me seeking opportunities for growth in the field, as I wish to serve in the field of Education in the best way I can.
The reason why working in the field of Education is my passion is multifold. Firstly, I left my studies in my 3rd year as I did not feel that teaching was for me. Eight years later, as a mother of 3, I decided that I really wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I completed a Diploma in Education and started teaching, furthering my studies whilst in the field. I was hungry to teach.
Secondly, my first teaching job was at an inner-city school where I taught Grade 5, 6 and 7 students in one class, teaching all subjects bar English, at the required level for each grade. I absolutely loved it! This is where my true passion for teaching was ignited.
Finally, education is the key that unlocks opportunities in adulthood, through opening doors for further study and career prospects, but also by assisting children in developing strong values and morals and the ability to cope with and enjoy their adult lives. Those involved in Education have a mandate to educate and guide children to adulthood and it is a mandate that I embrace wholeheartedly.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
Times certainly have changed since I was first studying teaching in the late 1980s. Male teachers were paid more than female teachers as men were apparently seen as the breadwinners. School principals were male (as was most of upper management), except in all girl schools.
The landscape has changed with regards to upper management in schools. We now find that those who are best able to fulfil the role are the people in the position, be they male or female. My observation has been that positions seem to be obtained on merit and ability not gender.
With this in mind, I would say that what it takes to be a women in upper management (including the position of Principal) is to make your ambitions known, the willingness to work hard, strong management and administrative skills, an eye for detail and true passion for your school (students, staff and best practice). One also needs to be able to make tough (sometimes unpopular) decisions to ensure that the school community operates effectively, never losing sight of the main focus – the education, growth and development of one’s students.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
Sadly, I would have to say the most difficult challenge of my career was me not making my ambitions known and working towards them sooner.
I am a natural leader, promoted into lower management at the age of 24, whilst working at the Municipality of Pretoria. However, I only considered the possibility of serving a school as a Deputy Principal after I was promoted to Head of Department in 2014, after joining that school in 2011 as Senior English Teacher, and when working towards my Honours Degree in 2015-2016.
Once I realised that I had the ability and passion to lead a school, not only in the position of Deputy Principal but as Principal, I enrolled for a Master’s Degree in Education: Educational Management, which I completed in 2019.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
As with any industry, we all have our niche areas and preferred positions. Many teachers wish to serve as teachers and do not desire to be part of the school management team, preferring to focus all their attention on their teaching. They are the backbone of the Education industry.
For those women who wish to be part of the management of the school, either serving as Heads of Departments, Deputy Principals or Principals, my advice is: make your ambitions known to the school principal, have people who are currently holding positions you wish to grow into mentor you, further your studies in the area of school management and hone your administrative and management skills, all whilst being exemplary in the role you currently hold.
8. Plans for the future?
My short-term plans are to continue managing my current school (Abbotts College Pretoria-East) well and to train up-and-coming leaders in school management.
Looking to the future, I aim to enrol for a PHD Degree in Education: Educational Management and to serve as a Managing Director of one of the school brands within AdvTech, before retiring and conducting research in the field of Education, whilst on retirement.
