Peter Smith (union leader)
Encyclopedia
Peter Smith CBE was general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers
(ATL) in the United Kingdom from 1988 to 2002. Prior to this he was an English teacher at Trinity School of John Whitgift
from 1966 to 1974.
At the beginning of his tenure, the ATL was a small trade union in a sector traditionally dominated by two large unions, the National Union of Teachers
and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
.
“Shrewd and sensible, if somewhat offbeat in style, Smith became an influential figure during an important era for education: the introduction of the national curriculum, national testing and regular school inspections all took place while he was in charge of the ATL, and he sought to guide his members to a responsible position on all of these difficult issues.” Daily Telegraph, February 13 2006.
Smith is credited with tripling the membership of the organisation. He was awarded a CBE in 2003 for services to education. He is survived by his wife, Anne, whom he married in 1961, and by their son and daughter.
Association of Teachers and Lecturers
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers is a trade union, teachers' union and professional association, affiliated to the Trades Union Congress, in the United Kingdom representing educators from nursery and primary education to further education...
(ATL) in the United Kingdom from 1988 to 2002. Prior to this he was an English teacher at Trinity School of John Whitgift
Trinity School of John Whitgift
The Trinity School of John Whitgift, usually referred to as Trinity School, is a British independent boys' day school with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Shirley Park, Croydon. The current building was constructed in 1965 on the site of the former Shirley Hotel...
from 1966 to 1974.
At the beginning of his tenure, the ATL was a small trade union in a sector traditionally dominated by two large unions, the National Union of Teachers
National Union of Teachers
The National Union of Teachers is a trade union for school teachers in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is a member of the Trades Union Congress...
and the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers
The NASUWT is a trade union representing teachers, including headteachers, throughout the United Kingdom....
.
“Shrewd and sensible, if somewhat offbeat in style, Smith became an influential figure during an important era for education: the introduction of the national curriculum, national testing and regular school inspections all took place while he was in charge of the ATL, and he sought to guide his members to a responsible position on all of these difficult issues.” Daily Telegraph, February 13 2006.
Smith is credited with tripling the membership of the organisation. He was awarded a CBE in 2003 for services to education. He is survived by his wife, Anne, whom he married in 1961, and by their son and daughter.