Three Dunedin education stalwarts have received recognition for their contributions and dedication.
Otago Maori resource teacher Fiona Matapo, Fairfield School teacher Jan Lee and Dunedin Hospital Early Childhood Centre manager Margaret Smith have been made Associates of the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI).
Nationally, 13 awards were given to educators who had made an outstanding contribution to education and the institute.
Mrs Matapo said she had been teaching for 20 years, more than half of that time at Port Chalmers School.
She considered the award an "honorable endorsement" of the work she had done as a teacher.
"My roots lie in a background that's been rich in education, having both parents and grandparents teaching at university or primary level.
"This award is an acknowledgement to my parents and grandparents who forged the pathway for me and set a precedent of what it is to be an inspirational teacher."
Ms Lee said she had been a teacher for 32 years, 20 of them at Fairfield School. She felt privileged and humbled by the award, and said it was quite unexpected.
"I worked at NZEI out of love and to further the betterment of teachers and their working conditions. It was not done for reward," she said.
Ms Smith was also delighted at being made an associate of NZEI.
"I'm very grateful that my colleagues thought I was a worthy recipient of such an award. It's great," she said.
NZEI president Frances Nelson said the three women had touched the lives of hundreds of children during their teaching careers.
All awards will be officially announced on Sunday at NZEI's annual meeting.
