Stanley Poots
THE Principal of Dromara Primary School has
taken over as the President of the Ulster Teachers Union (UTU).
Speaking at the organisation's annual
conference in Newcastle's Slieve Donard Hotel Mr. Stanley Poots
said he felt 'proud and humble'.
He pledged to do all in his power to "unite
the voice of teachers and improve the lot of both pupils and
staff".
"I am delighted my family and some members of
my teaching staff are present and I will wear the chain of
office with pride," he added.
Mr. Poots had represented his Union on a wide
range of committees before being elected Vice-President last
year.
He has been a strong campaigner for the
rights of the primary sector and was an active leader of the
'Primary Principals of Northern Ireland'. This cross union group
had the sole aim of seeking equality of funding with the post
primary sector 'in the age of the Common and Revised Curriculum
when the reasons for vast differentials could no longer be
sustained'.
Mr Poots' philosophy is based on the personal
approach and human contact.
"Talking to and caring for pupils and
teachers must underpin all we try to do in our profession - the
one 1 still believe is the greatest of all and a privilege to be
part of," he said.
Mr. Poots began teaching in his native
Dromore before becoming Dromara Principal more than 30 years
ago.
He is married to Joyce and the couple have four
sons.
