The finalists for this year's Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards have been announced with 14 names making the cut.
Education Minister Hekia Parata says the 14 finalists were selected from a group of more than 200
The finalists, who were chosen by a panel of education experts, come from Northland, Auckland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Manawatu, Canterbury and Southland and include early childhood services, primary and secondary schools, Parata says.
“The finalists are a credit to their staff and students and provide a great example to others throughout New Zealand and internationally,” says Parata.
“Their entries showcase innovative and effective teaching practice and highlight the importance of teachers working together and with students and the wider community to ensure every child succeeds,” she explains.
“They also highlight the importance of teachers basing their decisions on evidence.
The awards are in its third year and are designed to celebrate the best of teaching in New Zealand.
The panel of experts, convened by Education Council chief executive Dr Graham Stoop, said this year's entries showed ‘pride, passion and commitment, and a strong desire to make a difference'.
A judging panel will visit each finalist during May and June, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on 13 June, where each will receive a financial award and a professional development opportunity, Parata says.