Plaudits result of team effort: Teacher

Hayley Anderson has been named a runner-up in the New Zealand's Most Inspiring Teacher campaign but says Selwyn Ridge Primary School and its students deserve the credit. Photo / Andrew Warner

Hayley Anderson thought she had been spammed when an email arrived naming her a runner-up in the New Zealand's Most Inspiring Teacher campaign.

"I didn't know what it was and had to ask my colleague next door. She said 'no, no, no don't delete it' so I got a big surprise when I opened it up," Mrs Anderson said.

The Selwyn Ridge Primary School teacher was nominated by Michele Fryer, who has a child in her classroom: "Hayley inspires me to want to give more of myself. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and she inspires not just the students but their families. ... Hayley understands how each child communicates, how they see the world, and then builds on that strength."

The words had brought tears to her eyes and Mrs Anderson said it was lovely feedback. However she credited pupils and the school for her success.

"It's a shared honour and a team effort. I absolutely love my job and our school because they are so supportive."

It was a privilege to be a teacher, she said.