Champion teachers named

Leanne Smith

Ten national recipients of the NEiTA Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards were recently awarded grants worth $35,000 and crystal apples during ceremonies at their schools.

Cognition Education Leadership Award recipients were: Raewynne Bary, Massey Child Care Centre, Palmerston North; Heidi Greenwood, Moriah Kindergarten, Wellington; Leanne Smith, Waikowhai Intermediate School, Mt Roskill, Auckland; Prue Kelly, Wellington High School, Wellington; and Vivienne Russell, Rutherford College, Te Atatu Peninsula, Auckland.  

ASG Education Programs Teaching Award recipients were:  Karen Cameron, St Clair Community Kindergarten, Dunedin; Tui Cox, Patumahoe School, Pukekohe, Auckland; Georgette Jenson, Sonrise Christian School, Gisborne; Kane Raukura, De La Salle College, Mangere East, Auckland; and Matthew Humber, ACG Strathallan College, Karaka, Auckland.  

Convenor of the NEiTA Foundation’s selection panel, Brother Pat Lynch, says the recipients all plan to use their grants to further their study or observe and develop educational programmes that will benefit students at their schools. 

“It is so pleasing to see such success shared; as pupils learn from teachers, teachers learn from each other. This is the basis of how teachers operate - a sharing of ideas, knowledge, skills and expertise.  

“We received 640 nominations, and it is wonderful to see public recognition of teachers, as exists for champion sportspeople, business and community leaders,” says Pat Lynch.  

The NEiTA Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards are jointly supported by ASG Education Programs NZ, which assists parents to plan for their children’s future education, and Cognition Education, which is NZ’s leading independent educational services and consultancy provider.