News release
Updated: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 | 
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EIS WELCOMES NEW CABINET SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION
The Educational Institute of Scotland has welcomed Mike Russell MSP to his new post as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and also thanked Fiona Hyslop for her work in the role over the past three years.
Commenting on Mr Russell's appointment, EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said, “The EIS welcomes Mike Russell to his new position as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and urges him to engage with teachers and lecturers across Scotland to deliver the best for Scotland's education system, its pupils and students. The EIS hopes that the constructive relationships that have been fostered with the Scottish Government will continue under the new Cabinet Secretary”.
Mr Smith added, “The EIS will be seeking early talks with Mr Russell, in order to discuss the important issues that face Scottish education today. In particular, the EIS will be keen to discuss how key Scottish Government priorities – such as restoring teacher numbers to 53,000, reducing class sizes, improving school discipline, refurbishing school buildings, supporting teacher professional development and protecting education spending – will be progressed by the new Cabinet Secretary. Education is a hugely important and highly challenging portfolio, and everyone in Scottish education will want to wish the new Cabinet Secretary every success as he works in support of our schools, colleges and universities.”
Mr Smith went on to say, “The EIS would also like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona Hyslop for her work in supporting Scottish education over the past years. The atmosphere of collegiate working and constructive relationships with partner organisations that Fiona Hyslop helped to facilitate provides us with a solid platform on which to build for the future.”T: +44 (0)131 225 6244, F: +44 (0)131 220 3151, enquiries@eis.org.uk