DG p4 Teacher of the Year Jul09.qxp 24/06/2009 14:07 Page 4
news
Iain is named
‘Teacher of the Year’!
It’s always good to know that the future of your
children’s education is in safe hands – so it’s
fantastic news that a Dumfries teacher has
been named the best in Scotland!
While First Link is produced for primary and nursery school
children and their parents, it’s always nice to know that as
they progress through school, your children’s future education
is in great hands – so it was fantastic news that Iain Housten
at St Joseph’s in Dumfries has just been named ‘Teacher of
the Year’ at the prestigious Scottish Education Awards.
The awards took place on Tuesday 16 June and are
sponsored by the Scottish Government to celebrate success
and excellence in Scottish education. They recognise the
achievements of people who dedicate their lives to Scottish
children and young people and showcase the valuable work
and innovation in Scottish classrooms. go well beyond expectations to make their subject come alive
Iain beat off tough competition after being nominated for his for students. It is teachers like this that inspire our young
innovative and effective teaching style. Iain has been praised people to go on and achieve for themselves. Most of us can
by his peers, parents and pupils for his teaching methods and remember at least one teacher we had that gave us the love
is described as an ‘exceptionally gifted teacher.’ of a subject that lasts a lifetime.
Keith Brown, Minister for Schools and Skills, said: “Across “I am sure than Iain is one of those teachers and St
Scotland we have many talented and inspiring teachers, who Joseph’s is lucky to have him. I am delighted that we have
are all contributing to an enriched learning experience for such awards in Scotland to allow us to celebrate and
pupils. It is important that we recognise this hard work and appreciate the work done by those in Scottish Education.”
dedication, which is why I’m pleased to congratulate Iain.” All of the successful schools received a trophy, certificate
Councillor Sandra McDowall, Chair of Dumfries and and £1,000 cheque. Iain now goes forward to the UK
Galloway Council’s Education Committee, said: “We are Teaching Awards being held in London later in the year and
proud of the quality of teaching in our region. Many teachers we wish him the very best of luck!
Talking to teachers... a parent’s guide
Not all parents find it easy to talk to teachers. Just children are to be happy and successful in their
going into school buildings may bring back ‘bad education. Good communication, both ways, is
memories’, especially if you had unhappy times at essential.
school when you were there – like being bullied, failing If you’re really unhappy about something at school or
exams or not getting on with a particular teacher. have important information you want to pass on, either
Some parents may feel a bit in awe of teachers and send a note or, if you can, make an appointment for a
their ‘authority’ and so not be able to say what they meeting. Ambushing a teacher at lunchtime or at the
would really like to say. And then again, there are end of the day may not be the best time for a really
parents who don’t like to trouble the teacher too much constructive chat.
in case they get a reputation for being ‘over-anxious’. Getting your child to tell the teacher that you’re
Of course, some teachers find it hard to talk to coming to see them is, in general, not a good move! If
parents, especially if they feel threatened or intimidated your child’s teacher does seem to be free at the end of
by them, or perhaps need to say something about their the day and you just have “something you want to pass
child’s behaviour or work that they’re not going to like! on”, then go for it. Only remember that, for very good
Talking to teachers can be difficult but it doesn’t need security reasons, most schools would like you to
to be. Nowadays everyone is agreed that school and contact the head teacher first if you enter the school
home, teachers and parents should work as partners if premises.
4 first link magazine | Dumfries and Galloway
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