Manawatu’s favourite teacher
A good teacher can make the world of difference and Heidi Lutz has been that difference for many.
Lutz is the Manawatu winner of the national Favourite Teacher Awards, run by Stuff, TVNZ Breakfast and Matilda the Musical.
She is head of supported learning at Manawatu College in Foxton and has an open door policy, so any of the school’s pupils can bring study in and parents call in regularly. The unit helps pupils with medical, emotional, physical and learning challenges, and is a social, fun place with no stigmas, principal Bruce Mcintyre said.
Last year’s head boy spent many study hours there.
‘‘The kids love her so much because she is so caring, and as human beings we respond well to people who are caring.’’
Many former pupils keep in touch and contact Lutz to celebrate successes and seek advice.
Teacher Annie Tatana made the nomination on behalf of a group of pupils, while 17-year-old Jontie Dunweg had asked to join the unit’s class.
‘‘I probably wouldn’t be at school if it wasn’t for Mrs Lutz.’’
Alisha Leigh, 15, tells a similar story. ‘‘In year 9, I didn’t talk to a lot of people and she helped me build up my confidence. In the beginning, I wouldn’t even talk to her, but she kept going with me. ‘‘She supported me inside of school and outside of school.’’
Tatana says Lutz is known for being a friendly ear for parents and dashing to the grocery store after school for those who need an extra hand.
Lutz said the heart of her philosophy is resilience and empathy. All her pupils spend time in mainstream classes and each is assigned another pupil from the unit to work with and help. ’’We all support each other, they have understanding and empathy with each other because of their contribution, and some mainstream kids have asked to come in here because of the atmosphere.’’
They’re taught asking for help is good, social activities outside the class are important, and not succeeding immediately is not a reason to give up.
‘‘A lot of teenagers feel they need to have the answer and to have it all sorted out, but life is unpredictable.’’
The national winner will be named on Sunday.