Ali Chivers - Teacher Influence Award
For the teacher who goes above and beyond for their students, nurtures their love for learning in DT, and teaches them to shoot for the stars, opening the eyes of their students to a completely different world. This award is a chance to acknowledge the people behind our students' successes - the true hidden figures in our digital kaupapa. (This wording is from Izzy Joe's speech at the first award ceremony, acknowledging what Ali Chivers had done for her as a student.)
The official description is: Significant contribution to Digital Technologies and Hangarau Matihiko by influencing students, teachers or the public
This year’s recipient is: Clive Robertson
Clive works tirelessly to promote digital technologies within the Palmerston North region, his success in creating programmes of learning for VeX robotics and his willingness to teach computational thinking to all age levels is an inspiration. He makes teachers feel that they can teach this and he engages and shares his joy of what he's teaching with anyone and everyone. We may not fully understand all the voluntary hours he has put into the tamariki and kaiako of his region, but what we do know is his passion and drive to make sure no one misses out. This includes starting robotic clubs and kits in his intermediate and then supporting those same students at their respective high schools, because there wasn't anyone else. If you have the pleasure of meeting Clive online, you'll see him sorting gear, while he contributes to his ideas.
ITP Gerard MacManus Excellence in (IT) education
Excellence in IT education through sharing resources, supporting and guiding students, contributing to the wider teaching community. The teacher who goes above and beyond for their students and their profession.
This year’s recipient is: The Burnside High School Digital Technologies department
They have been supporting teachers over many years and their team approach to digital technology starts with their students and continues beyond their school and classrooms to all of Aotearoa. They recognise the privileged position they are in, in that they have a team to work together with and instead of being competitive and holding onto their knowledge, they have the opposite approach of sharing and making sure all teachers are being shared into what they have created. This was most evident with the development of Techquity which is a site that guides teachers through their entire programme of learning, while giving teachers the opportunity to add their own programme. They readily answer questions on the listserve and live and breathe manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga and auahatanga in all they do. Their generosity and determination to provide the highest quality digital technology education to all students is inspirational for us all.
