EIS chief Ronnie Smith stepping down
The general secretary of Scotland's biggest teaching union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), is to retire.
- By Grant Smith, education reporter
- Published in the Courier : 02.12.11
- Published online : 02.12.11 @ 07.49am
Ronnie Smith made his announcement on Thursday, a day after thousands of EIS members joined other teachers in their first national strike for almost 25 years.
Mr Smith was one of the architects of the McCrone Review agreement that paved the way for a decade of stability in schools and enhanced professional status for teachers.
EIS president Alan Munro said: ''Ronnie Smith has worked in senior positions within the EIS for 24 years, and for 17 years as general secretary. During this time he has made an immense contribution to the EIS, national and international education.
''He is held in great respect within the world of education and the wider trade union movement.
''I and many other colleagues will miss his wise counsel which he has given generously and with great professionalism and humanity.
''His great experience and quiet personal style have been much appreciated by all who have worked closely with him over the years.''
Mr Smith joined the EIS in 1973 and was a member of the West Lothian local association.
He joined the full-time staff of the union as assistant secretary in 1988, and was appointed General Secretary in 1995.
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