New Fellows Reply

Each year, the EIS awards the degree of Fellow of the Institute (FEIS) to individuals who have made significant contributions to education. This year, 13 new Fellows were honoured at the AGM. The traditional speech of thanks, delivered on behalf of all FEIS recipients, was given by Louise Wilson, retired EIS Assistant Secretary. In her speech, Louise looked back over her long association with the EIS – from member to lay activist to full-time employee and eventually EIS Assistant Secretary – while paying tribute to all aspects of the organisation’s work for Scottish education and Scotland’s teaching professionals.

Fringe: Workload & Wellbeing

A fringe event on workload and wellbeing was led by Faye McGuinness from Education Support, a charity looking to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everybody working in education. “Better health and wellbeing of our educators, leads to better education,” said Faye.

The meeting, which focussed on stress, rest and recuperation, began with some introductory questions before looking at stressors and the stress cycle. Faye described the 7 evidence based ways for completing your stress cycle and invited delegates to move into groups to discuss what they currently do to reduce stress.

The final part of the meeting discussed rest and many delegates were surprised to hear that 42% of a person’s time should be spent in active rest. Attendees then spent a few minutes discussing things they can do in 30 seconds, 3 minutes and 30 minutes to work rest into their daily routine.

Fringe: Stand Up to Poverty, Fund ASN

The equality fringe entitled “Stand up to poverty, fund ASN” focused on the ASN and anti-poverty components of the Stand Up For Quality Education campaign. The fringe was an opportunity for delegates to share inspiration and knowledge of good practices in ASN education.

The fringe activity was a creative exercise where members worked together to imagine the future of ASN education where all the needs of learners can be addressed. Some key words that were echoed across the room were supported, smiling, engaged, valued and accepted.

Delegates heard from two practitioners, Catherine Brown and Claire Robertson, who shared some of the work they are undertaking in their schools to address the impact of poverty. The fringe was chaired by Equality Committee Convener Nicola Fisher, and Education Convener Susan Quinn led the discussion after the fringe activity.

Kindred Guests

Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, gave a short speech on behalf of the kindred organisations in attendance at the AGM. In his speech, Mr Nowak lauded the commitment of EIS members to working collectively to deliver the best for Scottish education, its learners and its teaching professionals. He also passionately defended the right to strike, and called for the immediate repeal of the UK anti-trade union laws, should the current Westminster Tory government lose the General Election.