NEiTA Teaching Awards
National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA)
In 1996, Education Programs NZ introduced the National Excellence in Teaching Awards to conduct a program of national awards honouring the important role teachers in New Zealand schools and early childhood centres play in developing the potential of their students.
The awards promote public recognition of the teaching profession and specifically those teachers whose inspirational approach to teaching stimulates student learning.
In 2007, Education Programs NZ invited Cognition Education Limited, an independent provider of a wide range of support services to schools and other education sectors, to jointly sponsor awards for both teachers and educational leaders. The inaugural National Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards were presented to 20 teachers at Regional Award level, and 10 teachers nationally in 2008.
The recently released results of a 2007 survey in the UK found that 76 per cent of respondents believed that an inspirational teacher had helped them succeed. Of these, 91 per cent said that a teacher had encouraged them to aim high and to achieve the best they possibly could.
These special teachers and leaders are found throughout our education systems and it is of benefit to the teaching profession that we identify and honour fine examples of inspirational teaching and leadership. These educators will not only continue to shine as positive role models for beginning teachers, but also help build public confidence in the profession as a whole.
The program calls on parents, Boards of Trustees, parent associations, committees of management, student councils and local community organisations to identify teachers and leaders who are an inspiration to their students, to their peers and to their community.