Christopher Waugh, a Mount Aspiring College (MAC) teacher, has been recognised as one of New Zealand’s most excellent and innovative teachers.

Chris, who teaches English in addition to coaching the school’s triathlon team and hosting his own podcast, has received an ASG National Excellence in Teaching Award (NEiTA) and the Innovation Award.

One of just six of New Zealand’s teachers to receive an award, Chris won the innovation award by turning the secondary school power structure on its head. His three innovations in education hand over the controls of learning to students, so they experience a sense of control over their destiny. 

He introduced the ‘You Choose’ student course selection scheme, which requires teachers to develop learning programmes and present a ‘pitch’ to students. The students pick the course of their choice, sometimes based on who will be teaching the course. This aids the development of strong student-teacher relationships and also lets the teacher know they are doing a great job if they find their course is popular.

His second classroom innovation is to enable students to present their work on blogs, introducing a transparent means of publishing and sharing classwork.

“I’m really proud of myself professionally and my profession, I love what I do and I’m so impressed with the students I teach - it’s a privilege of a job,” he told the Wanaka App.

“I’m proud that we’re part of a team, we all work cooperatively. I’m really proud of our English department and I’m supported by my head of department Gena Bagley. 

I’m big on accountability, and this is a way of holding us to account. I think it is unique, and it’s a really professionalising experience.”

Ironically, MAC’s leadership had decided to disestablish the ‘You Choose’ process next year. 

“We’re doing something in the English department that doesn’t occur anywhere else in the school and I think it creates an inconsistency. Our argument has always been that it’s worth the challenge for the outcomes it achieves.

Because I was awarded the innovation award on the basis of these ideas I think they should be supporting it.”

The process is “grounded in very strong research” that one of the most significant factors in student outcomes is the teacher, he said. “It’s not hard to imagine where students are choosing their teacher they start making strong decisions.”

Chris has taught for 18 years, including seven years in London and two stints at MAC. 

“I work for students and parents. I’ve decided to exert my influence from within the classroom, and this award is solid recognition that it can be done.”

Chris said it would be valuable for members of the community to join the conversation about the challenges MAC faces, which were highlighted in the school’s 2019 Education Review Office report.

“There are mechanisms in place to address and correct the issues and ERO has done their job. We have to now capitalise on the fact these things have been said and we have to act on it.”

The ASG awards honour the recipients for their inspiring and innovative contributions to teaching. ASG NEiTA chair Allen Blewitt said the recipients are outstanding educational role models, and ASG CEO Ross Higgins called them “education heroes in their own right".

The selection process for the awards is rigorous, including a comprehensive nomination outline, a written paper and video presentation by the nominated teacher. The national recipients are selected by a panel of four judges.

Read Chris’s submission and watch his video here.

Chris and the other recipients each received a $5000 professional development grant.

PHOTOS: Supplied