You’re a class act, kids tell teacher

By Paul Dunlop
KIM Lawrence’s students say she is top of the class.
The Kooweerup Primary School teacher has been nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) in the People’s Choice category.
Ms Lawrence has taught at the school for more than 10 years in a career that spans almost three decades.
She was nominated by one of her student’s parents for the excellence award which puts her among a bracket of top teachers in Australia.
It is the second time Ms Lawrence has been in the running for the award but she said she placed little importance in the result.
“I feel like a winner just to be nominated,” she said.
“I am very grateful, it means a lot just to know that your work is appreciated.”
Ms Lawrence — “call me Kim” — taught at Pakenham Consolidated School before switching to Kooweerup where this year she is teaching grade three and four.
Even after 26 years, she still finds new motivation to get into the classroom every day.
“The kids, they definitely inspire you,” she said.
“As a teacher you’re always learning. The more you teach the more you know how much you need to learn. Every day is different.”
Ms Lawrence is one of two local nominees for the awards with winners to be announced in October.
Kooweerup principal David Payne said Ms Lawrence was an outstanding teacher and would be a very deserving winner.
“She has the deepest respect of the school community and she is loved by the children who are very fortunate to have her as their teacher,” Mr Payne said.
“Kim has left an indelible mark on many children’s lives and is a mentor for the younger teachers at the school. She is the sort of teacher all young teachers aspire to be.”
For Victoria, the NEiTA Foundation received a total of 150 from the national total of 1717 nominations.NEiTA Foundation chairman Terry O’Connell said that the NEiTA Foundation was proud to call its program The People’s Choice teaching awards because it was the students, parents, and the community who were the real beneficiaries of great teaching.“Teachers fulfil a vital role in building the nation’s future,” he said.“Every time a child comes home from school having learnt something new, it is another step towards building a knowledgeable and tolerant society and a more skilful workforce,” he said.