Outstanding Teacher Award
Established in 2020 in conjunction with the College, the Scots Collegians Outstanding Teacher Award is a Collegians initiative to recognise the contribution that our teaching staff make to the development of the All-Round Student.
This Award is presented to the teacher who, during the past year, has demonstrated outstanding performance and personal pedagogy in their teaching role at Scots College; it can only be received once. The Awardee is chosen following feedback from students, staff and parents, and then considered by a panel of Collegians, the Headmaster, and the Principals.
Click on each tab below to read more about our Outstanding Award recipients.
Margaret Sutton – 2024
We are delighted that Margaret Sutton has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Scots Collegians Association Excellence in Teaching Award. This selection has been made after receiving feedback from teaching colleagues, students and parents and careful consideration from the selection committee.
We know the critical role that excellent teaching has on the educational outcomes of our students and Margaret exemplifies the characteristics of an excellent practitioner. She is an excellent communicator, displays empathy, inspires her students, collaborates well with her colleagues and is culturally aware.
Margaret joined the Scots College staff in 2016 as our Head of Science. She is a committed and passionate Chemistry teacher who encourages students to study Science to the highest level through her scholarship tutorials. She is seen by her department as an excellent role model and thus it is no surprise that the Science department operates at a very high level.
Margaret is also responsible for our Able and Ambitious academic extension programme throughout the Middle and Senior Schools and this year also was acting Assistant Principal in the Middle School when a colleague was on sabbatical.
The following are a selection of the comments made in her nominations:
Ms Sutton is the best teacher I have this year and probably one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I love her passion for science and she is an inspiration for young women in science, showing us that we can understand and enjoy the subject and it can take us places outside of school. Ms Sutton’s teaching style works so well for me and helps me understand and retain the information she teaches as she always tells us what is the most important things to know and how we can remember.
Miss Sutton is passionate, and pursues extension opportunities for students to engage with Chemistry outside of the class - Extremely well regarded by students.
Consistently teaches and leads other staff at the highest end of professionalism and has done repeatedly year after year for her tenure at Scots College.
She is one of the most quick-witted people I know, she can comprehend a situation, request or need and respond in a very constructive way. Others’ progress and finding their needs met are always at the forefront of her decision-making.
She is extremely nice and friendly.
Margaret is a wonderful example to our entire community and thoroughly deserves this accolade, thus it is our pleasure to present her with the Korowai and pounamu that accompany this award.
Hazel Redpath – 2023
The Scots Collegians Association Outstanding Teacher Award was established in conjunction with the College to acknowledge the key part quality teachers play in the development of students.
We are delighted to announce that the 2023 recipient of this award is Hazel Redpath.
Hazel is currently the HOD of Middle School English at Scots College. Next year she will also commence the position as Director of Teaching at Scots.
Hazel graduated with a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Edinburgh and after undertaking her teacher training commenced her teaching career at Dalkeith High School. She has held a number of middle management positions at both Scottish and New Zealand Schools. During her time at Hamilton Boys’ High School, she was promoted onto their senior leadership team as Director of Learning.
A change of career saw Hazel become a Curriculum Advisor at UNITEC Institute of Technology followed by positions as an Education Advisor. She then returned to Teaching as Deputy Principal at Woodford House before joining the Ministry of Education as a Lead Advisor supporting curriculum development.
In addition to her role as Middle School Head of Department, Hazel is also a Programme Facilitator for the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a role she has held since 2015.
Hazel is in many ways the epitome of the Master Teacher; she is a true academic who cares deeply about her craft and her students. She is organised, thorough, and can convey her love of learning and literature to her students as well as inspiring the other Staff in the English department. In her new role as Director of Teaching next year, Hazel will be available to support the wider College Staff with their pedagogy.
It is wonderful to see her recognized by the Collegians through this award based upon positive feedback from College families. I am delighted to present this award “The Collegians Excellence in Teaching Award 2023” to her in recognition of her hard work and dedication.
Tessa Miller – 2022
OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD 2022
Tessa Miller understands the benefit of a personalised education for every child in her care, and she goes above and beyond what is expected of any teacher, working hard in and out of hours to ensure this is achieved. Tessa is an empathetic teacher who values children for their diversity.
Tessa understands that students in a Junior School setting need clear instructions and routines and the requirement for a firm approach in some cases.
Tessa’s attention to detail and collaborative approach extends to her colleagues and demonstrates her leadership skills. As a teacher responsible for transitioning students out of the Junior School and into the Middle School, Tessa’s understanding of what is required for future success is invaluable. Tessa embodies professionalism in all aspects of her role and is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Scott Giffin – 2021
OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD 2021
Scott Giffin, the recipient of the 2021 award, has demonstrated the ability to teach in a clear and concise manner, keeping students engaged while maintaining a healthy dose of good humour. He juggles his commitments of being a head of department with managing a number of extracurricular activities.
Scott is an exceptional Learning Area Coordinator for Mathematics, as well as being Head of Senior Mathematics. He leads his team of teachers in a calm and organised manner, always ensuring they have the support needed. Scott is involved in the wider mathematics teaching community, and contributes greatly through NCEA marking and professional bodies.
Scott is also a well-known and highly respected member of the Pipe Band community in New Zealand. Alongside the work Scott does with our own Pipe Band, he is the Pipe Major of the New Zealand Police Pipe Band. This band is one of the world’s premier pipe bands and to hold the position of Pipe Major (or leader) is an exceptional achievement and honour. Earlier this year, Scott wrote and gifted a tune called "Auckland Police Pipe Band – te maatau koha ki a koe" (translated to "Auckland Police Pipe Band – our gift to you") to the Police Pipe Band to mark their 75th anniversary. As well as being a devoted piper, Scott has also been a keen social football team manager and has been known to pipe them on to the field on occasion. He brings passion and energy to all of these roles.
Key to all these achievements and successes has been his positive personality and willingness to help others. He is genuine in his care and this allows him to build positive relationships with students, staff, and band members alike. He is a well-respected and valued member of the staff here at Scots College.
Claire Hall – 2020
OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD 2020
The inaugural recipient of this Award was Claire Hall.
She has demonstrated that she is an outstanding communicator, consistently delivering a holistic approach offering appropriate support, guidance and/or direction promptly, and reviewing and updating communication as required.
A demonstrable life-long learner herself, Claire is always available to listen and assist with any issues. No problem is too big or small. Claire makes students, parents, and other teachers feel heard.
As Head of Middle School English, she sets an example to others, demonstrating outstanding collaboration with other teachers in the Middle School and, as Dean of Glasgow House, also exemplifies excellent teamwork with other Deans. She is renowned for her willingness to share best practice with other members of staff.
Her ability to adapt to change has been outstanding as demonstrated through the challenges of Covid-19, where despite the disruption, her teaching was seamless. Families were glowing about her efforts to support her learners at this difficult time.
She has shown repeatedly that she understands the learning needs of a wide variety of students and is consistently caring, offering a supportive and guiding counsel as required. She will always help the “battlers” to get over the line.
Claire has demonstrated exceptional patience in dealing with change, student issues, curriculum demands, and the wide range of daily issues that confront teachers in modern schooling.
She identifies with and relates to the wide cross section of cultures within Scots College and involves cultural diversity in themed work.
As the first Awardee of the Outstanding Teacher Award, Claire Hall sets a high bar for other teachers to live up to in future.