When you talk about teaching, your eyes light up!

Bas always enjoyed teaching in primary education, but in recent years he noticed that a classroom full of young children demanded a lot from him. He became overstimulated and decided to take a different approach. A career coach saw where his heart lay and suggested NT2 education. He took that advice to heart. It is truly wonderful to be teaching again, and I also find it to be rewarding work. Bas has not stopped learning: alongside his teaching hours at TopTaal, he completed the NT2 teacher training program at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences. The program also focused on trauma-sensitive teaching – knowledge that comes in handy given the background of many students. His students have different starting levels, and he adapts his lessons accordingly. He finds making a connection most important: achieving learning through a friendly atmosphere, so that students feel safe enough to dare to participate. From his time in primary school, Bas brought a secret weapon: Martin the Zebra. The stuffed animal gets to go home with a student every week, who then tells the class in the next lesson what Martin has experienced – an accessible way to get hesitant students to start speaking. More stories

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