Nikki Rust

Dedicated and compassionate educator with extensive experience in early childhood education, foundation and intermediate phase teaching, neurodiversity and autism support. Skilled in creating supportive learning environments, adapting teaching strategies to individual needs, developing curriculum and using creative approaches such as play and art therapy. Confident, hardworking and self-motivated, with a strong passion for helping children build confidence, independence and a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

Teacher – Grades 4–7 at Polly Shorts Academy (Present)

Teaching and supporting learners across Grades 4–7, with a focus on individual learning needs, curriculum delivery and learner development.

Grades 4–7 MobyMax Facilitator at FutureSmart Learning Centre, Strand (2023-06 – Present)

Facilitating Maths, Language, Science and Social Studies through structured and technology-supported learning; incorporating play therapy.

Grade 6–7 Homeroom Teacher & Art Therapy at Manah Private Academy, Somerset West (2022-05 – 2023-04)

Taught English HL, Afrikaans FAL, Geography, History, Natural Sciences, EMS, Ethics and Art, while supporting learner wellbeing and creativity.

Homeschooling Educator at Homeschooling

Provided morning homeschooling following the Impaq curriculum, including support for a Grade 8 learner with autism.

• Grades 6 & 8

Grades R & 1 Teacher at Polly Shorts Academy (2016-01 – 2019-12)

Taught Foundation Phase learners, including neurodiverse learners; developed nursery-school curriculum and facilitated art classes for ages 4–9.

Age 4–5 Nursery School Teacher at Gicarli Pre-Primary (2012-07 – 2015)

Provided age-appropriate teaching, care and developmental support.

Age 3–4 Nursery School Teacher at Wonderland (2010-06 – 2012-06)

Planned and facilitated early childhood learning and developmental activities.

Age 2–3 Nursery School Teacher at Twinkle Toddler Toes (2008-01 – 2010-05)

Supported toddlers through structured play, routines and early developmental learning.

Nursery School Teacher at Safariland Christelike Primêr (2003-07 – 2007-12)

Early childhood teaching with a focus on foundational learning, care and development.

Practical Psychology in Psychology – Open Learning Group in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg

National Senior Certificate (Matric) – Hoërskool Florida (1997)

Advanced Play Therapy Course in Play Therapy (2009)

SNAP Training – Neurodiversity & Autism in Neurodiversity and Autism (2013 – 2015)

Mind Moves in Neuroscience of learning, development, behaviour, uniqueness and related learning challenges (2016)

Pastorale / Counselling Training in Counselling – Metamorfose Pastoraal Siekundige (2018)