Warwick Holden got the shock of his life during a mathematics lesson at his Middlemarch school last Thursday morning.
The Strath Taieri School year 8 teacher was surprised by the school's pupils and OfficeMax New Zealand who recognised him for his contribution to education and learning.
Mr Holden was one of 15 teachers across the country to win OfficeMax ''A Day Made Better'' awards, which recognise teachers who are passionate and enthusiastic about teaching, inspirational and exceptional role models, innovative and engaging in their approach to teaching, and who go above and beyond the call of duty for their pupils.
Mr Holden received a $1000 prize pack of OfficeMax arts and crafts, stationery and office supplies for his classroom, as well as a big ''thank you'' from his pupils and peers.
''I was in the middle of a maths lesson and these people walked in with this blooming great box, and it didn't really click at all that it was for me.
''I got a hell of a shock when I found out what it was for.''
Mr Holden said he had been a teacher for about 30 years, and about 25 of those were spent at Strath Taieri School.
He said he was extremely humbled by the award.
''I guess I'm a little embarrassed really, because you're just part of a team, and you don't do this thing for recognition.
''You do it for the kids and that's reward enough.''
OfficeMax New Zealand government and education national manager Blair Horsfall said the programme was a fantastic way to celebrate teachers such as Mr Holden, who were passionate and dedicated to their profession.
''We want to give teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty the recognition they deserve.''
''A Day Made Better'' began in the United States in 2007, and was established in New Zealand in 2011.
Principals, teachers and school administrators can nominate primary or intermediate school teachers, and the winners are selected by a judging panel of New Zealand Principals Federation members.
