Blog Post

Mr. Ian Rothman - The Principal of Socks

ADvTECH Group • September 15, 2021

Mr. Ian Rothman - The Principal of Socks

A pair of knocking socks off shoes on a pink background

Mr. Ian Rothman is the Senior Principal of Crawford International Fourways and has been since 2013. He is known for his kindness, compassion and passion for education, along with his 300 pairs of socks, which prompt great excitement with his students on a daily basis. In this blog article we talk to Mr. Rothman about his standpoint on education and his love of fun.


Click here to read more stories about Crawford International staff members.


So, Mr. Rothman how many socks do you have?


I actually have about 300 pairs of socks and I never re-wear them. Everyday the students are surprised by a new pair and they get so excited to run up to me to check what my socks look like on that particular day.


We noticed that when the students run up to you, you know each and every one by name.


Yes I do - it’s important. Usually at a school, kids are classified according to their grade or their gender. It’s always: “Come along Grade 5's” or “Good afternoon my boy!”


But for me, a name is the only thing completely unique to that child. I want them to know that I value them as an individual and that I have taken the time and effort to learn their name. I know them all!


How do you remember all those names?


I’m an A-type personality and I’ve always been able to remember names - it’s a gift. For me, people come first and I like to talk to everyone with focus and deep understanding. What they say is important and I take the time to listen.


When did you join Crawford International?


A long time ago - I’m a true Crawfordian! I started my career in 1996 at Crawford International Pretoria, where I taught Math and Art.


I was then appointed as Deputy Principal and then on to Senior Deputy Principal. In 2013 I was offered the Senior Principal position at Crawford International Fourways. And that’s where I have happily been ever since.


What do you think Crawford International offers more than other private schools?


At Crawford International we aim to remove the ceilings of a traditional, educational philosophy.


At Crawford, students are free to be who they are, to pursue their dreams and to discover their passions. They attend a school of voice and choice and are free to speak their minds and ask questions.


In fact, I have an appointment with two children this afternoon who have asked to see me. Here they are free to do that. At Crawford International Fourways in particular we live by our tagline: ‘In this space, you are free to dream!’


Read more about Crawford's teaching philosophy here.


Crawford students really do seem free!


They are. Our students take ownership of their own learning journey and experience, and the school itself. You won’t see a piece of litter at our school because the children take pride.


How have you manifested that behaviour?


I, as well as all the staff at Crawford Fourways, like to lead from the front, not from the top. I get my hands dirty like everyone else. I do grade duty like other teachers, I take part in all the special days with the students and I’m in the parking area daily, greeting parents and taking temperatures.


Children see how involved we all are, and they gain confidence to be involved in this community too. This sense of involvement, and belonging, runs through our students, teachers, admin staff, security staff, ground staff, right the way through to the cleaners. We aim to make our school a home away from home for everyone.


How involved are the parents?


Very. Engagement is very important to me. Besides seeing parents daily in the parking area, we have also accomplished many online connections with parents. I also have an open door policy and parents are welcome to meet with me anytime.


I always aim for a very close relationship with parents and the parent body as a whole.

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