Record nominations for excellent teachers

22 November 2005

Record nominations for excellent teachers

A record 546 nominations have been received from parents and secondary school students for ASG’s National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA), 15.21 percent up on the last awards cycle.

This year 94 early childhood teachers, 310 primary and intermediate teachers and 133 secondary teachers were nominated.

Northland and Auckland chalked up 181 nominations, followed by Canterbury and Southland with 111, Wellington with 82, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay 79, Nelson Marlborough 43, Manawatu 28 and Waikato 22.

Pat Lynch, convenor of the New Zealand Selection Panel, says the awards are continuing their popularity as the premier ‘people’s choice’ awards.

“The consumers of education - parents and students - are acknowledging the work of teachers who play such a pivotal role in laying the foundations for life success.

“The nominations are a snap-shot of the teaching profession in New Zealand and represent those who teach a myriad of subjects and schools of all decile rankings. Excellent teachers are in schools throughout the country,” says Pat Lynch

All nominated teachers are now invited to submit a self-portrait form, which details their teaching background, techniques and accomplishments.

By May next year, 20 teachers - four early childhood, eight primary and intermediate and eight secondary teachers - will advance to become regional award winners. Six national winners will then be announced in October 2006. The national recipients also have the opportunity to present a submission for ASG Professional Development grants, one of $5,000 and two of $2,500.

ASG is a non-profit organisation of parents planning and saving for their children’s academic future. ASG has operated in New Zealand for 15 years. The National Excellence in Teaching Awards have taken place in New Zealand over the last nine years. NEiTA aims to recognise and honour excellent teachers from local communities, to highlight and encourage excellence in the teaching profession.

ENDS

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