Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is giving his backing to plans revealed today by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross to recruit 3,000 more teachers across Scotland.
Mr Cameron said: “I am delighted that Douglas has followed up his plan for jobs with this ambitious proposal to support our schools."
“Just imagine what a contribution 49 new teachers could make to improving education in Argyll and Bute.”
In Highland, the proposed increase would be 136.
Mr Cameron said that he was particularly pleased with the proposal for a dedicated STEM teacher to be available in every Primary school.
“This is about investing in the future of our young people and what better way than making sure they get to grips with STEM subjects."
“Surely practical matters like this are what we should be debating rather than another turn on the SNP’s hobby-horse of another independence referendum.”
The schools plan was launched today, just a few weeks after Douglas Ross held a Roundtable Scotland event with teaching unions, includes:
· A £550 million proposal to deliver 3000 more teachers.
· Plans for free school meals at both breakfast and lunch for every primary pupil.
· A national tutoring programme, particularly for Maths and English.
· A commitment to a new way to measure and target the poverty-related attainment gap.
· A new school and education inspection body to improve performance.
The paper calls for a dedicated STEM teacher to be available in every Primary school, increased opportunities for career switchers to move into teaching and a new campaign to encourage the best and brightest to take up teaching.
The calculation providing 49 new teachers for Argyll and Bute and 136 in Highland is provided below.
Council Teachers latest census Teachers increase
All of Scotland 52247 3000
Argyll and Bute 843 49
Highland 2330 136
