Westhill Councillor Congratulates Academy Head on GTCS Appointment

An Aberdeenshire Head Teacher was today [Wednesday] appointed as the convener of the General Teaching Council for Scotland [GTCS].

Westhill Academy head Derek Thompson was picked for the prestigious post after serving a two-year term on the GTCS Education Committee.

During his time on the GTCS Education Committee Mr Thompson was involved in several schemes promoting professional development in education

Mr Thompson was recently re-elected to the council for a further four years and will serve as convener until 2016. He said:

“I am honoured to have been selected for this important position.

“I hope to use my 35 years of experience in Scottish education to both support the teaching profession and to ensure Scotland maintains the highest standards of teaching for the benefit of young people across the country.

“There are many important issues at the moment and I hope to play my part in leading the GTCS forward through these over the next two years.”

Westhill & District SNP councillor David Aitchison welcomed the news. Cllr Aitchison said:

“Derek is an enthusiastic and dedicated head teacher who along with his staff has helped to make Westhill Academy a happy, welcoming and successful school.”

Mr Thompson’s colleague and Deputy Head Teacher of Westhill Academy Jason Fitzgerald will continue as the Convener of the GTCS Education Committee.