Maisie Jones, an early childhood education teacher at Kidicorp ABC in Kaitaia, is one of the first to be nominated for a 2013 ASG Teaching Award, but it was business as usual for the mother of two last week when the Northland Age called to see her.
Her arrival in the playground would be delayed briefly, a colleague said; "She's just changing a nappy".
Mrs Jones, who still lives at Herekino, where she was born and bred, has joined the elite of her profession with her nomination for an award designed to recognise teachers and leaders who inspire through learning, adding her name to the more than 3750 early childhood, primary, intermediate and secondary school teachers to be nominated over the 18 years since the NEiTA Foundation launched the awards in New Zealand.
The parent who nominated her did so based on her qualities and attributes as an early childhood educator.
"I have always found Maisie to be bright, cheerful, encouraging and supportive of her young charges," the parent wrote.
"She encourages and inspires their creativity and fosters participation and independence. She builds the children's confidence and has them feel they can achieve anything. She encourages whanau links and keeps families informed of their children's activities and progress. Maisie encourages the use of te reo in the centre, waiata, wall displays and everyday use, which I find inspiring and really appreciate."
Mrs Jones said she would like to move to working with youth in the fullness of time - "Kaitaia needs more educational support for young people; there is so much talent here that isn't being realised," she said - but hardly needed to add that right now early childhood education was her passion.
She began indulging that passion as a volunteer at Awanui's Kids Kingdom, then acquired an early childhood teaching diploma and joined the staff at Kidicorp ABC in Dominion Road nine years ago.
The nomination for a NEiTA award was 'awesome", she said, while every day at the centre was a good day.
"It has to be," she said.
"If the children don't have a good day then no one does."
John Velegrinis, chief executive of ASG Education Programs, said inspirational teachers like Mrs Jones were a vital component in the education of all children.
Nominated teachers and leaders receive a NEiTA Certificate of Nomination once verified, with 20 area representatives then being chosen to receive regional awards (in Wellington next year). From those, 10 will receive national awards and professional development grants of up to $5000 at their schools or centres later in the year.
Nominations will remain open until September 30, but Mr Velegrinis urged parents, boards of trustees, parent associations, secondary student councils and community organisations to get their nominations in as soon as possible (online at www.neita.co.nz, or download a nomination form). Forms are also available at schools and early childhood education centres. Alternatively, phone the NEiTA Foundation on (09) 308-0576 or email mventer@asg.co.nz