South Island teachers star in teaching awards

Media Release 23 November 2004

South Island teachers star in teaching awards

Three South Island teachers have today taken top honours in the 2004 ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) and received ASG professional development grants.

Bernadette Lawlor from St Joseph’s School in Queenstown received a $5,000 professional development grant and Christchurch teachers, Maree Orland, from Casa dei Bambini Foundation School, and Richard Gardiner, from Burnside High School, each received $2,500 grants. The grants assist with additional training in the teacher’s chosen field.

They were also each presented with a crystal apple, the national Awards symbol, at presentation ceremonies held at each teacher’s school.

Three Auckland teachers made up the six National Excellence in Teaching Award recipients for 2004. Laine Tipi, from Leataata o Tupulaga Preschool in Massey, Elfrida Dhanaraj, from Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate in Mangere, and Robin Restieaux from Macleans College in Buckland Beach.

The National Excellence in Teaching Awards have been made to New Zealand primary/intermediate and secondary teachers since 1996. This year early childhood teachers are now included in the awards process. Two national awards are made in each teaching category.

Earlier this year, 450 teachers were nominated by parents or secondary school students. In June, regional awards were presented to 20 teachers. Since then, an independent panel has selected six teachers for National honours. Their schools were presented with ASG You Can Do It! Education programmes.

Nominations for the next ASG National Excellence in Teaching Awards will be called for midway through 2005.

ENDS

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