Beloved Wellington teacher dies after being hit by car in US

A beloved Wellington teacher has died after being hit by a car in America.

Gail Ives and her husband were on a six month "trip of a lifetime" going to major sporting events around the world when she was struck by a car while out running.

She was unable to recover from her injuries and died on Monday.

Ives was in her 39th year of teaching in the health and PE department at Wellington Girls' College (WGC) after initially being a student at the school.

"As her husband Richard said, this was her first home," the college said.

"Much loved as a colleague, teacher and friend, Gail will be sorely missed by the WGC community.

"Moe mai rā Gail."

Emotional tributes from classmates, former students and colleagues have flowed, describing her as a legend and someone who pushed students to strive for their full potential.

"I was one of the lucky ones to have been taught by Gail in the 1990s. She was, without a doubt, my absolute favourite teacher. I have so many happy memories of such a kind and wonderful woman," a former student said.

While parents also remembered her fondly. "She had the ability to see the best in every girl, and she was endlessly positive. "

The Wellington Girls' College community said she was often spotted running through Thorndon.

Ives is survived by her husband Richard, son Ben, mother Margaret, her brother and sister.

The school said details for her service would be made available when more was known.