Christine's ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA)

On Friday 10^th of October a party of whānau, friends, colleagues and associates gathered at a local bar in Whangarei for a wonderful celebration.

Unbeknown to Christine (though keenly awaited!) was the news that after fifteen months of thinking, preparing, writing, presenting and then more writing, she was going to receive an ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA). This makes Christine one of New Zealand’s top educators!

Photograph courtesy of Michael Cunnigham

Christine is one of five teachers to receive the prestigious ASG teaching award across early childhood, primary, intermediate and secondary schools from more than 600 nominations.

Christine’s award presentation was a superb evening. NEiTA judge Ann Dickason begun proceedings by explaining the rigorous selection process nominees go through to reach the national awards. When Ann announced Christine as a winner the news was responded to with a standing ovation. Glennis Topham from ASG then presented Christine with her crystal apple trophy and scholarship money.

Photograph courtesy of Michael Cunnigham

Northland Kindergarten’s Association CEO Richard Storey gave a thoughtful speech encapsulating Christine’s passion and dedication to our profession; as Richard stated (and we completely agree) Christine is “an absolute asset to both our kindergarten and association”.

I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to say a few words and spoke on behalf of our team and community of the benefits we have all received by being recipients of Christine’s knowledge, care and expertise. Her Worship our Mayor was also present for the award presentation; she finished the speeches by proposing a toast. As Sheryl Mai spoke I glanced around a room of people who beamed with pride and respect; as you can imagine it was a really wonderful night!

Christine, her husband Mat and children Molly and Ben along with Her worship the Mayor Sheryl Mai.

ASG NEiTA Chief Executive Officer, John Velegrinis, states, “Ms Alford is an outstanding educator” she “has proven herself to be a teacher of the highest calibre. It is very heartening to meet a teaching professional so committed to bringing out the best in our children and her record of achievement is outstanding” (NEiTA media release, 2014)

In my leadership role, I am hugely appreciative of not-for-profit organisations like ASG who make public acknowledgement of excellence in teaching possible. If you too know a teacher who’s commitment to their career and contribution to education is worth acknowledging, go to www.asg.co.nz for more information on entering the awards. Applications for ASG NEiTA open again in April 2015.

Nga mihi nui

Kim