At the heart of every thriving school is a leader who doesn’t just manage, but inspires – someone who sees education as more than just academics. At Mondeor Eco School, that leader is Anne-Lett Geldenhuys, Keller Education’s newest EduHero. For Anne-Lett, teaching is about nurturing the whole child, building genuine connections and creating a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued and empowered to reach beyond what they thought was possible.
From London to Leadership
Anne-Lett’s journey in education began in London’s Sebright Primary, an inner-city school facing serious challenges. Many learners were first-generation immigrants, struggling with language barriers, emotional hurdles and learning gaps. But instead of seeing problems, Anne-Lett saw potential.
Under visionary leadership, she contributed to Sebright’s transformation from a struggling school under government review to one of the fastest-improving schools in its district. It was here that she discovered the power of intentional school leadership, a lesson that would shape her approach for years to come.
After returning to South Africa, Anne-Lett taught Mathematics at Uitsig High and FH Odendaal High, all whilst juggling multiple leadership roles – from fundraising and discipline to mentoring learners and coordinating school-wide initiatives. But it was at Mondeor Eco School, where she stepped into the role of principal in 2020, that Anne-Lett truly made her mark.
Building a Culture of Participation
For Anne-Lett, school isn’t just a place to attend lessons, it’s a community where every learner is encouraged to show up fully, engage deeply and take ownership of their growth. Through interactive teaching methods, a strong emphasis on real-world skills and a commitment to student agency, Anne-Lett has transformed participation into a way of life at Mondeor Eco School. Joining in isn’t just encouraged – it’s embedded in the school’s DNA.
From the classroom to the sports field, from cultural activities to leadership roles, Mondeor’s learners aren’t just present; they are active contributors to their own success.
“I am very proud that we have established a culture in the school where learners set out at the beginning of the year with goals like becoming Eco Warrior of the Year, winning our Literacy Prize, or becoming a prefect,”
By fostering a mindset of goal-setting and personal achievement, Anne-Lett has created an environment where learners feel motivated to push themselves, take risks and strive for more.
The Keller Approach in Action
Anne-Lett has always believed that learners thrive when they feel connected and valued, but integrating Keller Education’s research-based methodology gave her a structured framework to solidify and refine this approach.
“The Keller methodology has provided a framework that formalises many of the practices I have instinctively followed throughout my career. It has given our teachers a shared language and clear direction, aligning our teaching practices to create a learning environment where learners thrive.”
By implementing the concepts intrinsic to the Keller themes of Social Emotional Intelligence and Growing Gritty Minds, Mondeor Eco School has seen dramatic improvements in:
1. Conflict resolution – Playground disputes are resolved faster and with deeper understanding
2. Teacher alignment – There is increased consistency in learning and discipline
3. Learner resilience – Children are learning to show up for themselves and each other
More Than a Principal: A Mentor to Every Learner
Despite her many leadership roles, Anne-Lett still gravitates towards the learners who need her most – the so-called “naughty” ones, the overlooked ones, the ones struggling to find their place. Instead of punishing behaviour, she seeks to understand it. By building trust and encouraging reflection, Anne-Lett creates an environment where learners choose to cooperate not out of obligation, but out of respect.
Anne-Lett’s greatest achievements? Not school rankings, but those moments when a learner chooses to trust her: when a student opens up about their struggles, when a quiet child steps forward with confidence and when a learner gives their best because they know they are valued.
We Need More Anne-Letts in Education!
Educators like Anne-Lett Geldenhuys don’t just run schools—they build communities, creating environments where learners don’t just survive, they thrive.
If, like Anne-Lett, you believe in connection over correction, in building learners up to be the best version of themselves and in creating schools where every child feels they belong, then you just might be our next EduHero. Email home@keller.education to join the movement today!