UKZN academic recognised for innovative teaching

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has named Dr Andrew-John Bethke as the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Distinguished Teachers’ Award (DTA), recognising his outstanding innovation in teaching, transformative learning approaches, and a consistent commitment to education that goes beyond standard academic responsibilities.

“Dr Bethke’s teaching portfolio impressed the Senior Awards Committee with its meticulous quality and depth,” said UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku. “As a mid-career academic, he serves as an inspiration to the academic community.”

Dr Bethke, a musicologist and lecturer in Music Theory, joined UKZN in 2018 and has since become a prominent figure in curriculum development and academic leadership.

He credits much of his growth to the University Education Induction Programme (UEIP) courses he attended in his first year, which sparked his interest in curriculum innovation and bilingual pedagogy.

“These sessions significantly influenced my career trajectory,” he said. “They ignited a passion for teaching and learning that has continued to guide my academic path.”

Since then, Dr Bethke has played a leading role in the recurriculation of the Bachelor of Arts in Music degree and in the development of a foundation programme within the School of Arts. He has also served as Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning, where he tackled challenges with creative and adaptive strategies.

Dr Bethke’s research focus lies in church music, a passion rooted in his upbringing. A regular organist at his local parish, he finds spiritual fulfilment in preparing and performing sacred music. His scholarly work explores hymnody, particularly the localisation of Western hymns in South African contexts and the early translations of English hymns into isiZulu.

“I have written about hymn singing on Eastern Cape mission stations and about the contributions of early Xhosa converts to this tradition,” he said. “My work aims to reflect how music and spirituality intersect in diverse communities.”

Dr Bethke also publishes on curriculum design and bilingual teaching, informed directly by his classroom experiences. He emphasises mutual learning in his teaching philosophy and draws from his students' cultural insights to refine his approach.

“My students have been vital to my growth as a teacher. I view them as experts in their own contexts, and I constantly learn from them,” he said.

Humbled by the award, Dr Bethke expressed gratitude to colleagues, mentors, and students. “This recognition affirms that my calling lies in teaching and learning. I am grateful to all who have supported me on this journey, especially the many students who have engaged with my pedagogical experiments.”

Beyond academia, Dr Bethke is a devoted father to his nine-year-old son, with whom he shares time enjoying soccer, cycling, and gaming. He also thanked his family for their unwavering support, particularly during the challenges of academic life.

He acknowledged several mentors who shaped his journey, including school teachers, university lecturers, and church leaders who played influential roles in his academic and spiritual development.