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16 FACULTY OF EDUCATION THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND
If you could thank your
teacher for one thing
what would it be?
“She likes
birds and
cats and
tattoos”
Students help shape great teachers - so we wanted to
know what they thought. Around 120 students aged 7 to
14 years old from two different schools, Mt Eden Normal
Primary and Aorere College, revealed their thoughts on
teachers. They were asked to answer one of the following:
If you could thank your teacher for one thing, what would
it be? Why are teachers important? Tell me something
about your teacher. The responses were honest, inspiring,
powerful and humorous.
“For playing heaps of games in
P.E” Age 12
“I would thank my
teacher for being the
one who always helps
me to persevere and
try my best when I feel
I cannot do it.”Age 12
“I would thank my teacher for
being such a lovely teacher and
teaching us lots.”Age 8
“For being funny
and awesome.”Age 14
“For not calling me stupid.” Age 8
“I would thank my teacher for pushing
me to the limit, to where I am now.” Age 8
“Thanks for telling me not to be afraid
of anything, like asking a silly question.
Because any question isn’t silly.” Age 13
“They help us to achieve high grades
for a lifetime. Which is the point of
education” Age 12
“For forgiving
the wrongs I
have done.” Age 14
“Teachers are important because if we didnt
have teachers everyone would be running around
crashing into everything.” Age 8