Wild Things wins the 2015 National Educator of the Year Award!
The 2015 year National Educator Award was won by Keri Duncan, a Wild Things’ educator at Southland! Since the contest started in 2013, the trophy has stayed in the South Island for three consecutive years!
Nationwide more than a hundred Home Based Early Childhood Education (HBECE) services compete for the award which is proudly sponsored by Educa. The winner is chosen by an independent panel of judges from the University of Otago, Open Polytechnic and the New Zealand Home Base Childcare Association. The selection criteria are rigorous and revolve around educator who demonstrates excellence and quality in early childhood education. The award is presented at a ceremony during the Annual National HBECE Conference. At this year HBECE Conference held in Auckland in September, Keri Duncan was named the winner of the 2015 National Educator of the Year Award out of twelve finalists!
Keri whole-heartedly puts into practice the values of HBECE, and relationships with home, family and community are central to what she does. As an African proverb says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. She exemplifies Wild Things’ value and philosophy, and always striving to do the best for the children. Her winning the award is a significant milestone on what is achievable in the HBECE sector and worthy recognition of Wild Things’ quality services. Keri commented that it was “very humbling and that her families have been a major contributor to making this happen…… that it is more than just a job but part of her whanau character and lifestyle.”
Congratulations, Keri, from your Wild Things community. Well done and a well deserved win.