Tick of approval for quality teaching

Terry Consedine receives his award. Photo/Supplied

Two Tauranga teachers have been presented with National Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards, after having been nominated for outstanding work in their schools.

Terry Consedine, deputy principal and Year 13 religious education teacher at Aquinas College, and Petrina Thomas-Chisholm, drama teacher at Otumoetai College, were presented the awards at Parliament last week.

Teachers from around the country were nominated for the award by grandparents, parents, guardians, school boards, parent associations or community leaders.

Ms Thomas-Chisholm said she had no idea who nominated her, even though she had found out about winning the award at the end of last year.

"It's kind of cool not knowing."

She said it was "a bit weird" winning the award because she was not expecting it.

"To be honest, I was quite shocked when I heard. It's a very humbling experience."

Getting the award meant she was doing her job right, Ms Thomas-Chisholm said.

"Teaching is all about positive relationships. I love to do things well, especially when it comes to positively influencing people.

"That's why I teach, if that's what this awards means, it's awesome, because at the end of the day I'm giving my students a positive influence and giving them the message they are valued for who they are."

Mr Consedine was unable to be reached for comment yesterday.