Evan Oncker takes teaching to the next level: ‘We must expand horizons’
When you see Evan Oncker for the first time, you’ll be forgiven for thinking he is a sportsman by trade. Though it is true (he is an avid sports lover) his biggest passion lies in the classroom.
The Worcester-born teacher has been educating learners for the best part of ten years, applying his knowledge at schools ranging from De Doorns outside Worcester to Blackheath in Cape Town.
It was at Blackheath that he spent most of his teaching years, educating and engaging with the learners from 2016 up until the end of the first term in 2024. But as with all things in life, it was time for change.
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“Three years ago, in 2021, I realised that it was time for the next step in my career as a teacher. I have gained so much experience in my eight years at Blackheath High and it was time to move,” Evan begins.
“And then I began applying for promotional posts, basically your HOD (Head of Department) positions. I went through quite a few interviews at a few schools, but never got the answer.”
In 2024, Evan secured a Senior Phase HOD position at Lambert’s Bay High School, trading the hustle and bustle of the city for the calm West Coast life. Though his specialisation is in Life Orientation and Business Studies, he will teach Grades 9 and 11 Afrikaans.
Continuing the trend
Having taught at different schools in different areas before Lambert’s Bay, Evan has seen many challenges faced by the communities. Yet, be it in the city or outside, his purpose has always been to educate. But as his experience accumulated, so too did his teaching fields.
Only now, the additional educational matters include everyday life-lessons that learners can use. And for Evan, if he can expand a learner’s mind to think about life outside of a town’s borders, then it’s a win.
“Being used to the city life for eight years and travelling a lot, there’s a new challenge that awaits me in Lamberts Bay,” Evan says.
“I’m looking forward to enriching and educating the learners with knowledge and wisdom and instilling a sense to expand their horizons in them.
“Having taught in the countryside before and living in the city, I realised that people tend to fall into the trap of just going about their normal routine. They settle in the comfort zone of life as they know it and do not make a concerted effort to experience life outside of their borders.
“So, for me, in addition to fulfilling my duties as a teacher, I want to help the learners see the bigger picture, help and guide them to reach their full potential, to strive to unlock the best versions of themselves, and to set and reach goals.”
Leaving a legacy
Like many teachers, Evan knows that the task awaiting any educator is a big one. With mounting societal challenges and children treating teachers as their equals, it becomes an increasingly more difficult job trying to give learners a holistic education.
Still, despite this, Evan believes that a learner’s trust can be won through a friendly face and an accepting attitude.
“I’m a very relaxed teacher or educator, whatever you want to call it, who is very open to new ideas,” Evan explains.
“I can be very strict at times, but I want learners to enjoy my classes. And in so doing, I want to create a space where they can take me in their confidence. And I think that I want that to be my legacy one day: being a teacher who did more.”
Evan looks at his position as an educator through a different glass, recognising one of the biggest challenges children face today: dealing with an absent father. While he cannot fill the shoes, he believes that guiding learners and winning their trust will go a long way in how a child’s future turns out.
Evan concludes: “We’ll see what God has in store for me for the next five to ten years. And hopefully, most of my old students will remember me as Mister Oncker, the guy who made education fun.”
