Teachers are highly valued and the most important factor in ensuring a high standard of education in schools, according to a recent survey.
The Warehouse Stationery Most Inspiring Teacher survey investigates New Zealanders' perceptions of the teaching profession and its impact on the education of children.
When rating the overall contribution to the quality of education, 78% of respondents in Otago and Southland said the ability of a teacher was the most important.
This was followed by class size at 11%, and then school facilities or the funding a school receives (8%).
Only 4% of respondents felt the management of the board of trustees was the most important aspect.
Survey respondents also noted the number of teachers who went beyond what was required of them in the classroom.
More than 50% said either they or their children had a teacher who volunteered their time outside normal school hours to support them in extracurricular activities, such as sports coaching.
Along with additional duties, teachers played a significant role in preparing their pupils for life beyond the school gate.
Almost a third (30%) of those surveyed believed a teacher had inspired them in their career or education choices.
Otago and Southland respondents also felt teachers were not given enough recognition for their hard work.
Three-quarters said teachers were ``unappreciated''. A further 88% said teachers had a much harder job today than their predecessors.
The annual Most Inspiring Teacher campaign gives people the opportunity to recognise outstanding teachers.
Voting closes on August 28 and the winners will be announced in mid-September.
