Holiday countdown for children: Homework for parents

Media Release

13 July 2011

Holiday countdown for children: Homework for parents

The holiday countdown is on with days to go before schools close for the winter break. While entertainment is a priority for children, parents face their own holiday homework - nominating outstanding teachers and leaders in the National Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards.

Terry O'Connell, chairman of the NEiTA Foundation, urges parents to complete this 10-15 minute holiday homework assignment.

"We've long recognised that outside the family home, a teacher is the greatest influence on a student's learning and performance. Who better to nominate the teachers and leaders who are making a difference

in classrooms around the country than parents, many of whom are also on school boards of trustees, management committees and community organisations.

"For 15 years, NEiTA - with the support of ASG Education Programs New Zealand and, more recently, Cognition Education - has helped pioneer teaching awards as a way of acknowledging the important

work of teachers within the community. During this time, more than 3,000 early childhood education, primary, intermediate and secondary school teachers have been nominated for awards. These teachers

continue to positively contribute to the reputation of the profession," said Mr O'Connell.

Nominations are open until 31 August 2011. Nominate online at www.neita.co.nz or download a form to fill in and post. Nomination forms are also available at schools and early childhood education centres nationwide, public libraries, or can be obtained by contacting the NEiTA Foundation on 09 308 0576 or email mventer@asg.co.nz

The NEiTA awards are jointly sponsored by ASG Education Programs New Zealand, a not-for-profit organisation which operates trans-Tasman assisting parents to plan for their children's future education,

and Cognition Education, a provider of a wide range of support, services and consultation provisions to schools and education sector clients in New Zealand and internationally.

All teachers and leaders, whose nominations are approved, receive a Certificate of Nomination, with 20 area representatives selected to go forward to receive Regional Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership in Wellington during May 2012. From these, ten teachers/leaders will go on to receive National Awards at their schools or centres later in the year.

National awardees will receive professional development grants from a pool totaling $35,000, with six $2,500 grants and four $5,000 grants awarded.

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