Teacher one of country’s best
After 40 years of dedication a Tokoroa teacher has been named one of the country’s best.
David Henry School acting deputy principal Catherine Broman is one of six New Zealand teachers to receive a prestigious Australian Scholarships Group National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) from Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
Broman, along with Wanaka’s Christopher Waugh, Palmerston North’s Carl McIntyre, and Auckland’s Aimee MacAskill, Lee Tibble and Renu Sikka, were selected from dozens of nominations by a panel of four judges due to their ‘‘inspiring and innovative contributions to teaching.’’
The well known teacher, who has taught at most Tokoroa schools after growing up in the town, said being nominated came as a shock.
‘‘It is a full on job that you are doing all the time but the best thing about it all is that I can be the best teacher I can be at this school,’’ she said.
‘‘You just have to love what you do. I absolutely love it and have an absolute passion for it.’’
Broman said being in tune with her students has made a significant impact on the challenges of the profession.
‘‘It is all about getting to know the kids. I think that is why I won it,’’ she said.
‘‘Don’t expect them all to learn and be the same. Wait for each of them to be ready and let them know that they will get there.
‘‘Behaviour is a big issue and you have to work your way through strategies to deal with that. You have to know them really well . . . and what best techniques work with them.
‘‘Some of them just need a cuddle, some a firm telling, some for their behaviour to just be ignored and some just need to go and calm down for a bit.
‘‘I know all the strategies that work with each kid and you have to also make sure they know you like them too and will always have their backs. They like to know that.’’
Broman, whose husband and son are also teachers, said she always wanted to get into the profession and was honoured to receive the award.