Harshest Critics Nominate The Best Teachers

Harshest Critics Nominate The Best Teachers

Parents and school students now have the opportunity to recognize extraordinary teachers for their great work and dedication as nominations are now open for the 2003-2004 round of the ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA).

Australian Scholarships Group's NEiTA gives parents and students the chance to celebrate and honour great teachers in their own backyard. The National Excellence in Teaching Awards are the only awards where teachers can be nominated by parents and secondary school students - perhaps their harshest critics or greatest admirers.

Over 2000 New Zealand primary and secondary school teachers have been nominated for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards since NEiTA began in New Zealand in 1996. This year, early childhood teachers will join their primary and secondary colleagues and can be nominated in the Early Childhood category.

Pat Lynch, convener of New Zealand Selection Panel and member of NEiTA Advisory Council said the awards were an exciting opportunity for consumers of education and for educationalists.

"NEiTA provides a great platform for teachers to stand up and be recognized for their important role in society. Not only does NEiTA shine a positive light on the education sector, it also gives the whole community the opportunity to applaud our forgotten heroes".

>From the entries received, twenty regional award winners will be selected to make written and oral presentations on teaching practices and methods. From this, a panel will select six teachers - two from each of three categories - early childhood, primary/intermediate and secondary to be awarded national honours. The national recipients then have the opportunity to present a submission for an ASG Professional Development grant worth up to $5,000.

Forms can be downloaded from the NEiTA website, www.neita.com . They are also available from schools and early childhood centres nationwide, or can be obtained by telephoning the ASG Secretariat on (09) 366-7670. Nominations close on 28 November 2003.

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