In line for awards

By Tania Martin
TWO hills educators’ passion for teaching come from touching the lives of their students.
Heather Grimwald and Darlene Elder are still in shock after being nominated for the 2006 NEiTA Choice Teaching awards.
Ms Grimwald of Olinda Primary School said the nomination was a big shock because teaching at a small school is a group effort with teachers, children and parents all working together.
“No one stands out above anyone else it’s just a big team effort,” she said.
Terry O’Connell, NEiTA foundation chairman, said the awards recognise the vital role that teachers play in students’ lives.
The awards aim to encourage all teachers to high levels of excellence and commitment.
Ms Grimwald said the best part of teaching is being able to touch the minds and lives of her students.
She said not long after being nominated she met one of her ex-students on the train.
“A lot of them (students) come back and tell us what’s going on in their lives and it gives you a real buzz,” she said.
Ms Grimwald said seeing how children develop into young adults was an amazing part of being a teacher.
Meanwhile, Darlene Elder of Cockatoo said she was speechless over her nomination. She has been teaching at the Bailey Road Pre-School for the past 23 years and loves every moment.
“It’s great living and working in such a small community as you get to see them grow from four-year-old boys into six-foot tall men,” she said.
Ms Elder said she is not only a teacher, but also a councillor and friend to both her students and their parents.
The award winners will be announced next month.