At Keller Education, we celebrate teachers who transform the lives of their students through innovative and inclusive teaching. One such extraordinary EduHero is Deirdre Kempen, a pioneer in neurodiverse education and the visionary behind Shelanti Private School.
Deirdre’s educational journey spans over three decades. She initially qualified as a Foundation Phase teacher with a specialism in remedial teaching, before furthering her expertise in Gifted Education at the Teachers’ College in Pretoria. For nearly a decade, Deirdre taught grades 1 and 3 in mainstream schools before relocating to Cape Town in 1999. There, she established a remedial practice at the Blouberg Therapy Centre, supporting learners with diverse needs across various schools.
Recognising the growing need for specialised education in Table View, Deirdre founded Shelanti Private School in 2008. What began as three learners in a rented house has now blossomed into a thriving institution housing 85 learners in its own premises. Standing as a beacon of hope for neurodiverse children, Shelanti offers a mainstream curriculum with an inclusive ethos, catering to intellectually capable learners facing barriers to learning.
Deirdre’s innovative spirit is evident in her continuous pursuit of educational excellence. In 2013, she became a certified Kobus Neethling practitioner, tailoring teaching approaches to align with each learner’s unique thinking and learning style. In 2016, she introduced the first MiniChess franchise in the Western Cape, enriching students’ cognitive development through chess.
Shelanti became a proud Keller Partner School in 2022, a partnership which has positioned the institution at the forefront of educational innovation and aligned the school’s values with international education standards and techniques. Integrating neuroscience into her teaching methodologies, Deirdre’s innovative approach to inclusive education incorporates restorative discipline, lesson plans designed around the global competencies and the creation of a safe and engaging learning environment. Sensory regulation, movement, and novelty are core principles in Shelanti’s educational philosophy, ensuring even the most disengaged learners stay motivated.
Deirdre’s journey highlights the transformative impact of dedication and innovation, as she continues to inspire new standards for inclusive education. Just like Deirdre, every teacher has the power to be a hero in their students’ lives. Embrace the challenge, make a difference, and become an EduHero today.
Contact us at home@keller.education to find out more.