Cognition

Top marks for 20 teachers in teaching and leadership awards.

Twenty regional recipients recognised for their excellence in teaching and leadership at a ceremony held at Parliament in Wellington today  (subs: Tuesday 13 May 2008).

The NEiTA Foundation, since its establishment in 1996, has helped pioneer recognition for the important role educators play in the lives of their students.

Minister of Education, Hon. Chris Carter acknowledged the 12 Excellence in Teaching recipients whose exemplary classroom skills and dedication, and demonstration of innovative approaches to teaching serve as models in primary/intermediate and secondary schools and early childhood centres. 

He also presented eight inaugural Leadership Awards which acknowledged principals, directors, syndicate, department and faculty leaders, in both schools and early childhood education centres, whose leadership qualities inspire outstanding learning outcomes for children, and who set ambitious but achievable goals for their school or centre community. 

NEiTA Foundation chairman, Terry O’Connell, congratulated the 2008 Regional Award recipients for inspiring and motivating their students.

“Acknowledging teachers and school leaders and the positive impact they have on a child’s future is the focus of the NEiTA Awards,” he said.

“Teachers are second only to parents in terms of the people who have the biggest influence on children’s futures.  It is important that teachers receive the recognition they deserve for the invaluable role they play in shaping New Zealand’s future generations.”

All 20 teachers and leaders today received specially designed plaques, together with prizes for their schools.  The final phase of the awards process takes place in October when ten of these teachers and leaders will be presented with national awards and professional development grants.  These awards will be presented in their local communities, giving their schools the opportunity to honour them on their ‘home patches’. 

The NEiTA Foundation’s National Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards are jointly supported by ASG Programs New ZealandTM, a trans-Tasman not-for-profit organisation that helps parents to plan for their children’s education, and Multiserve Education Trust, a local charitable trust which is an independent provider of a range of support services to schools and the wider education sector.

Full list of NEiTA Foundation 2008 Regional Award recipients