Cognition

Cognition Education once again supported the National Excellence in Teaching and Leadership (NEiTA) Awards in 2010. This awards cycle has recognised 20 exceptional teachers and school leaders from schools and early childhood education centres throughout New Zealand.

NEiTA Foundation chairman, Mr Terry O’Connell, says the role of teachers has always been important, but never so much as it is today.

“NEiTA aims to identify and honour great teachers and the valuable role they play in the development of the nation’s youth. It also builds the status of the profession so as to encourage talented students to seriously consider teaching as a career, while using great teachers as models for others to follow and emulate,” says Mr O’Connell.

Cognition CEO and NEiTA judge Dr John Langley agrees with him. “Teachers are not often acknowledged, especially for  their leadership, so Cognition places a high level of importance on these awards,” he says.

The awards are divided into two categories: the Cognition Education Excellence in Leadership Awards and the ASG Excellence in Teaching Awards. Recipients of NEiTA Awards were acknowledged at regional and national award ceremonies.

In May, the Grand Hall of Parliament in Wellington hosted the Regional Awards with a celebratory luncheon. Education Minister, Hon Anne Tolley, presented the awards to the finalists. Prime Minister John Key also attended the luncheon and spoke of how highly he values the awards and their sponsors.

The 10 NEiTA National Award recipients were chosen from the regional finalists. Awards ceremonies have been held at schools around New Zealand, giving the students and others in the school community the opportunity to celebrate.

Each National Award recipient has been presented with the national award, a crystal apple and a professional development grant from Cognition Education or ASG Education Programs NZ.