Teacher named 'best in universe'

It may be her first year as a teacher, but Monique Stevenson has already become a favourite with her class and with one pupil in particular.

The year one and two teacher at Renwick School was among 16 teachers who were nominated by parents and pupils as their favourite teacher in Marlborough.

The group received a certificate at a small ceremony on Friday night at the Clubs of Marlborough as part of World Teachers Day.

Miss Stevenson, who began teaching at Renwick School this year, was modest about the award but said it was nice to be acknowledged.

"It's really special to be recognised, especially by the kids, for the hard work by all teachers."

She completed a postgraduate course in teaching at the University of Canterbury and had wanted to be a teacher since she was a child.

"I'm just passionate about making a difference to children," she said.

Six-year-old Jakob MacGibbon nominated her for the award, and on Friday gave her a hug and a flower made out of shells.

When asked in front of the crowd why he had nominated his teacher, he bashfully replied: "You are very ... awesome."

In his nomination entry, Jakob, with the help of another teacher, wrote that his teacher made learning fun and always had time to listen to his ideas.

"She doesn't mind when I get things wrong, she just tells me to keep on giving it a go. She is my favourite in the whole universe."

Other teachers who received certificates on Friday:

Tracy Null, Riverlands School
Tracey Richardson, Redwoodtown School
Aaron Vercoe, Redwoodtown School
Julie Shannon, Redwoodtown School
Ange Parsons, Redwoodtown School
Pam Stoneley, Blenheim School
Nikki Flood, Blenheim School
Suzanne Orchard, reliever at Blenheim School
Deb Franke, Whitney Street School
Dave Hinken, Whitney Street School
Barbara Renfrew, Witherlea School
Julie Culbert, Renwick School
Joy Askin, Marlborough Girls' College and Whitney Street School
Leann Lamb, Seddon School
Gayle Rodger, Canvastown School
Karen Kellaway, Canvastown School

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 16:00 31/10/2011

High accolade: Renwick School pupil Jakob MacGibbon, 6, nominated Monique Stevenson as his favourite teacher because she was the "best in the universe''.