STEVE SINNOTT

1951-2008

Your Tributes

I never knew Steve, but I'm grateful for all that he did to advance the cause of teachers during his career. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family. This must be a devastating loss for them. Désirée McCaulsky – Birmingham

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him to be a man of great integrity, dedication and vision. George Law – Southend Unitary Authority

Shock and sadness. A dynamic and principled man who fought tirelessly for the causes he believed in. His leadership qualities will be sorely missed at the NUT. Such a tragedy. Condolences to his wife and family. H. Connor – West Sussex

Simple stuff - I wish all General Secretaries would represent their members in the way that Steve Sinnott did. He (and his family) can be very proud of that. Simon O'Hara – Birmingham

I have been an NUT member for over ten years , the first time I met Steve was at the Black Teachers Conference at Stoke Rochford Hall - it was a big thing because Steve was the first General Secretary to attend conference. Over the years I have met him at various conferences and events, Steve was always approachable , he always had time to listen - it did not matter who you were. He will be a huge loss not only to his immediate family but to the Union Movement as a whole, I am richer in spirit having known him, however briefly . RIP Steve. Camille London-Miyo – City of Leicester /LB.Barnet

Steve cared passionately about children, young people, equality, fairness and the teachers he represented. We have all lost a great advocate for the many progressive causes he championed. He was also lovely man with a big heart. Fiona Millar – Camden

Thank you, Steve for the Great Job done. Steve was a Great Man and I personally admired his commitments to 'Make Poverty History' and 'Global Campaign for Education' moves. Yoy are Greatly missed, Steve. My sincere condolences to his family. Jan Hombo – Greenwich

Although I did not know Steve personally, I heard him speak in recent years at several major conferences about the future of education I very much respected his untiring devotion to leading the Union of which I have been a member for 44 years. It is desperately sad that we have lost someone of Steve's calibre at such a young age. My heart goes out to his family and and friends and to all my colleagues past and present in our great Union. Jennifer Bell – Hackney

You were a good man, i always looked up to you, my idol. Wish you all the best for the future. Love you xxxx Dr. John Germany German – Bethlehem

Heard Steve speak for the first time at the leadership conference in September. He was so inspiring and yet so down to earth. A terrible, terrible loss for the union. Paul Trimble – Barnet

We started together in Shorefields, you were 2C's tutor, I was 2D's. You were the "local lad" it would have been easy for you to gain "street cred" as we did not call it yet, by being "one of them". But instead, you chose to be their wonderful teacher. You did not impose standards and discipline, you inspired them. Very soon you became our NUT rep. In that role again, You were honnest, sensible and committed. Eileen, the head teacher at the time, with whom you had so many arguments - I know, I followed you in that role! - still talks about you with great respect and affection... We have met again, through the union, several times, and your loyalty in frienship even after many years was always heart warming. Steve, you will be missed so much! of course by Mary and your family. But also by us all your colleagues who shared your love of teaching. Au revoir Steve! Liverpool – Francine Palant

I only met with Steve once, at a local meeting of reps. I had heard him on the radio, but was astonished at how good a speaker he was in person, and how inspiring he was as a leader. My condolences to his family in particular. You have lost someone special. Brenda Hillier – Coventry

My condolences go to the family obviously and even though I did not have the chance to meet Steve Sinnott, I was very sad to hear the tragic news because I have had a lot of respect for him since he fought for what he believed in and I hope his hard campaigning for teachers' pay will see the outcome he was after. I shall spare a few thoughts for him on the day! Séverine Freton-Khatkar – Leicestershire

It was a real shock to hear of Steve's death. Heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends with thanks for all his work for the NUT. Bill Anderson – Sunderland

An inspiring speaker. Mary Carthew – Swindon Wilts

I am deeply sad and touch to hear this bad news. Steve's hard work and commitment to the union to fight for teachers' rights will be remembered and appreciated by all teachers in the UK and children around the world. Michele Edward – Wandsworth

What a tragic loss to the teaching profession,our children and education. It was an honour to be addressed by Steve at our council meeting last year. Overseas trained teachers in the UK will always appreciate his support. Sincere condolences to the Sinnott family. Munashe Mashiri – Hertfordshire

At a Committee meeting of Thurrock Division this evening a minute's silence was conducted in tribute to Steve. As President, I addressed the meeting and honored Steve's memory and his enormous contribution to the Union, both nationally and at local level. Everyone expressed their great sadness at Steve's passing and asked me, on behalf of the Division, to send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, and his family. Peter Bunyan - President – Thurrock Division

An inspiring leader in the world of education and a 'smashing' colleague. May God Bless his soul. Henna Begum – Tower Hamlets

Steve was a family friend who took the time in the early 70's to help me, a struggling teenager, with some of my studies. He was an insipation who allowed a shy, retiring lad to give vent to his thoughts on paper, and inproved my understanding of the English language no end. My family and I were delighted to watch Steve climb the ladder of his profession, and we are deeply saddened by his sudden departure. Deepest sympathy. Maureen, the late James, Paul and Mark Thomas. Liverpool.

I only got to see Steve during the Black Teachers' Conference 2007 and l knew right away that here was a man dedicated to the welfare of teachers. We will miss you but remember and carry through what you set in motion. Finkie Maxine Kona

Just to say that I am still in shock about the death of Steve Sinnott. My deepest condolences to his family. The Union and the world of Education in general has lost a remarkable man. May his soul rest in peace. Violet Osei-Ntem – Barking and Dagenham

It was with sadness I learned of Steve's death. Although I am not a member of the NUT I was impressed by his passionate leadership. My condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues. He will be a difficult act to follow. Patricia Watson – Lancashire

I didnt know you well, I saw you for the first time at conference in Manchester.When I heard you speak I was entranced.I'm sad and angry my first time at conference was the last time I would see you.Rest in peace.You were a wonderful leader and a man of the people. Lesley McCormack – North Herts

A very sad loss to the Union and the teaching professsion.You have taken this Union forward in a few short years.Thanks Steve for driving the Union in the right direction. Ian Farquharson – Wrexham

Steve and Mary were angels in disguise when they rescued us while on holiday at Burford caravan site last year. They were a wonderful help to us. Steve will be remembered by us with great affection. god bless Mary and her family.We will never forget them. Malcolm & Pearl Green – Blaenau Gwent

Thinking with sadness of Steve's family. From the union point of view,he was doing a great job in leading a united union in resisting some of the madness teachers and students face in schools. It will be a great monument to take these fights forward. Pete Smith – Swindon

A great leader and always supportive of teachers. Any teacher needing help would always get his support. He was able to bridge the gap between the different factions of his Union and bring us together as a united front against the attacks on our teaching profession. As an ex secretary of Greenwich NUT I was always aware of the hard work he was doing in support of us when we needed help. My condolences to his family. Adrian Tierney – Greenwich

I send my sympathy to all concerned who have had such a shock, and am very sorry to have lost a strong and encouraging leader. Rosalind Dodd – LB Camden

Steve was an inspiration. He was always approachable, and was always generous with his thoughts and with his time. He is an example to us all, and I hope that the work that we do as individuals and as a union in years to come acts as suitable testament to his memory. Nick Wigmore – Rochdale

As a journalist writing and making programmes about international education issues, I interviewed Steve many times and watched him in action at many meetings. Only recently I interviewed him for the Teachers TV documentary, Persecuted Teachers, about the alarming trend of torture and assassination of teachers worldwide. The programme was made partly as the result of his campaigning for justice for teachers in Ethiopia, where a repressive government has clamped down on the Ethiopia Teachers Association and a number of teacher leaders have been murdered, imprisoned or tortured. I have seen Steve make important contributions at many meetings on Education for All, including the worldwide drive to ensure every child receives a good quality primary education. And I remember clearly him making an impassioned speech at the Commonwealth Education Ministers conference a few years ago, in which he helped swing ministers behind an international protocol on the issue of teachers being poached by rich countries from poor countries. Steve clearly showed his passion for the plight of the 72 million children worldwide who do not get a chance to go to primary school and for the plight of teachers persecuted simply for doing their job or standing up for children and communities. He also made the point, in one of the last things he said to me, that he believed if teachers were going to teach children about the importance of global citizenship they had to lead by example, by showing solidarity with their colleagues who are suffering in other countries, and by supporting the Global Campaign for Education and the drive to achieve Education for All. Leading by example was something he did very well and we can pay our own tribute in the most meaningful way, by following in his footsteps. Brendan O'Malley – Lambeth

An inspirational General Secretary. He always came across as honest and sincere, with the best interests of teachers and children shining through all he said & wrote. His family, friends and colleagues are in my prayers at this time, as my family too lost someone close the day after Steve's passing. His legacy will live on.... Jacqui Rogers – Hartlepool

Mr Sinnott's philosophy that education is the means of lifting underprivilrgrd people out of poverty says it all for me. Quality education for all our children because they all deserve it. We need more people like him in the Education system. Sincere sympathies to his family. Elizabeth – Swansea

A tragic loss. Condolences to the family. Jan Ryan – Wirral

A great man - a great hole has been left in the world of education. Judith McGarry – Derbyshire

My deepest regards and condolences to his family and friends. For someone who I met only briefly he has made an impact on our professional lives. May he rest in peace but the legacy that he leaves behind endure. DR – Hackney

I worked with Steve in his last year at Broughton High School and I found him to be a wise, generous colleague with a great sense of humour and someone who was very encouraging of a new and young member of staff. As a member of the NUT since I was a student he came as a breath of fresh air as General Secretary and certainly improved the presentation of our position to the public. He will be sadly missed. Steve D'Arcy – Lancashire

A huge loss to the NUT and the wider trade union movement. Thanks for everything Steve. John Reardon – Cumbria

I was privileged to meet Steve and hear him speak on many occasions. He was a strong and compassionate believer in social justice for all pupils and teachers as well. He had a good sense of humour and when I last spoke to him at the Race Equality Sub Committee was looking forward to his eventual retirement. The last time I saw Steve was at the Black teachers conference where he talked to delegates about their rights and the unions support. He was very sincere and frank about his beliefs and individuals entitlement to justice and fairness. He was very committed to his work. He will be truly missed. My condolence to his wife and children. Ivy Scott – Newham

You will be sadly missed. The world needs more people like you. Jill – Manchester

I first worked with Steve in 1986 on the National Executive. He was always kind, friendly, conscientious and a total Trade Unionist. He recognised that Education was a right for all regardless of Gender, Race or Religion and worked tirelessly towards that aim. When my daughter was 6 and attending a Conference with me, at Headquarters, he made a point of welcoming her and spending time talking to her.Something he always did when he saw her at Annual Conference or other Conferences.He was our great uniting force, so let's make certain that Thursday's action is 100%. We'll miss you Steve, gone but not forgotten. Deepest condolences to Mary, Stephen and Kate. Lilian Wylie – Reading

A great loss to the NUT and most especially his family. It seems only the good die young and we have lost the most dynamic and 'in touch' General secretary that we have had in my 30 years of membership. Craig Barnes – Brent

An inspirational General Secretary. He always came across as honest and sincere, with the best interests of teachers and children shining through all he said & wrote. His family, friends and colleagues are in my prayers at this time, as my family too lost someone close the day after Steve's passing. His legacy will live on.... Jacqui Rogers – Hartlepool

I didn't know him, but was sorry to hear of his passing. He was a dedicated man and a hard worker. A great loss to education and the union. D Humphreys – Gwynedd

A tragic loss, Steve was a great man who wil be sadly missed by many of us. Sue Needham – Lewes East Sussex

I am sure I was as disbelieving as everyone else who opened The Teacher magazine this month to find that someone as strong and determined and full of life as Steve Sinnott had departed this life so suddenly. My heartfelt condolences go to his family as well as my thanks for all he has done for us as teachers. I am sure he will be with us in spirit, and we with him, as we follow his guidance on strike day. Sue McCarter – West Kent

I heard him speak passionately about the strike just last month at our association meeting. It was a huge shock to hear of his death. I know what it's like to lose a loved one suddenly my thoughts are with his family. Ruth Povey – City of Leicester

My sincerest condolences to Steve's family. Although I regretably never met Steve, I have been proud to work as a school representative for the union Steve led with principle and with a clear sense of the potential for improving social justice through education. Craig Griffiths – Hammersmith & Fulham

So very sad to hear the sad news. I worked with Steve at Broughton High and remember him with great respect. He was a lovely, generous and selfless man and will be greatly missed. Kath Donald – Lancashire

Steve was a very warm and intelligent man. My last memory of him was at the Manchester National Conference, the week before he died. He came across to me in the Foyer, and gave me a hug. My first memory of Steve was remarkable. It was at the National Conference in Harrogate (1997, I think) and I supported the 'reference back' of a part of the National Executive Report that seemed to take the plight of educational psychologists too lightly. We won the vote insisting on the reference back and Steve came down from the platform to say "You made a good point there, let's talk about it." We met on Doncaster Station some weeks later (he jumped off a train on his way to the North East and I worked in Donny, so a convenient place to meet) and after a discussion he ensured that 'the NUT psychologists' group' was set up. This addressed the needs of psychologists for several years, organising some cracking Seminars and enhanced the reputation of the NUT among psychologists. It certainly enhanced Steve's reputation with me. Intelligent and warm. I will miss him as a friend and ally. Keith Venables – Derbyshire Psychologist

On behalf of Lancashire NAHT could I offer our deepest condolences to Steve's Family, Friends and Colleagues. He was a man who was truly respected by all who knew him. May He rest in peace. Les Turner – Lancashire

Heartfelt sympathy to Steve's family - know what it's like to lose a partner of same age. I've known Steve since a student in Liverpool in 70s, then frequently at Conferences & North West Meetings. He was genuine in his beliefs and actively worked to improve the lot of teachers - always with understanding that kids globally could only achieve with the opportunity through education. A great loss, but how many of us can leave behind such a legacy, as he did. How proud his family will be. Mary Magee – Isle of Man

My thoughts especially are with Steve's family. He was too young and it is a great loss for us all but greatest for those who loved him dearly. My father died at such a young age when I was a very young teacher. A journalist himself he had encouraged me to join the NUT. Thirty years later I will be proud to stand up on Thursday to support my union and remember the work that Steve has done for all of us. I do hope at this sad time his family can gain comfort from all those who hold Steve in such great esteem. God Bless. Ellen Travers – Swindon

Just so sorry. I am really shocked and sad that this should happen to such a good man who was making a positive difference to people's lives, both here and overseas. With deepest sympathy to Mary and the family. Ceri and David Dunn – Southampton

Mary, Stephen and Kate my thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow for the loss of Steve, a great man always fighting for the rights of teachers and education. He will always be remembered for all that he achieved. Mrs Harcharan K Panesar – Bexley Council

Shocked and saddened by the news of Steve's death. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sarah Richards – Leeds

I have found it difficult to put my feelings into words. Suffice to say that Steve was a proud, professional and principled teacher and Trade Union Leader. I am proud to have known him and his family. Malcolm Watters – NUT Exec 1988 - 1998

This is very sad. I had never met Steve but I got the feeling was a good man and very dedicated to bettering education in Britain and across the world. Clare Deering – Bristol

Steve came to Oldham in July 2006 and helped to launch our antiacademy campaign. He was supportive and all who met him thought him a great person. I have been ill recently and steve remebered this on the demo in manchester on december 1st 2007 and he took time to come up to me and ask how i was. A great bloke who had started to do great things with the NUT. Bryan Beckingham– Oldham

Such a sad loss for the NUT at such a critical time with the strike ahead. My own personal thoughts go out to his family as I too lost my own father at a similar age. He was a Headteacher at the time and a staunch member of the NUT having served as President of our local branch in the past. As a teacher I shall be striking on April 24th to support everything Steve held close to his heart to improve the profession as a whole. Sarah Lawrie – Staffordshire

My thoughts & prayers are with your family. Sara Crawshaw – Stockton

Steve was inspirational and a good leader who dedicated his life for the union. My condolences to his family and it is my prayer that the Lord grants him eternal rest. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Anthony Affram – Surrey

A strong and passionate, but fair and caring leader. Steve will be greatly missed by teachers, not just in the NUT. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, for their tragic loss. Ceri Hannah – Northants

I had the privilege of seeing Steve Sinnott speak at Bristol City Council recently. He was both warm and inspiring. He will be a great loss to the NUT and teachers in general. His legacy will be felt for decades to come. Jennifer Smith-Lyte – North Somerset

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Steve and just hope that all his good work can be continued by his colleagues at our N.U.T. Sincere condolences to his wife and family. Kate Greenhalgh – Nottingham City

A few years ago, we had a major problem in the school where I was NUT rep and we had 100% NUT membership. The union locally and regionally helped us through a long and difficult period, and we all stuck together in school and supported one another. When it was all finally resolved, we were all really impressed that Steve come to see us and congratulate us. We held a meeting in the school library and it felt very special having the then Deputy General Secretary take the trouble to attend. Thanks Steve. Pete Coulson – Wigan

A SAD LOSS TO TEACHING AND OUR UNION. PAMELA STEPHENSON – ST.HELENS

Steve did so much for us as a union, and we thank his family for supporting him so he could support others. The union will be standing together on the 24th April in your memory Steve, and to support a cause you fought so hard for us! Many Thanks again, and best wishes to the family and friends. M Travis – Cumbria

Steve spoke at a number of events I attended, both in connection with my work for the Labour Party and my day job. He spoke with warmth, humour and conviction and not a little humility. We can ill afford his loss to the wider labour movement. Gary Rae

I did not know him personally but appreciate all he has done and is still doing for Teachers, conditions and ultimately, offering the best for children. Thank you. Clare Armitage – Wakefield

Was very sad to hear about Steve's death. My condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues. I will be joining a rally in memory of Steve's dedication for fairness and equality for all. Naz – Kirklees

My first visit to Conference as a delegate, was when Steve was the incoming president. He gave an inspirational speech, and I have admired and respected him ever since. Indeed, it strengthened my support of the union. I know the union in Wales is grateful for his support. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the family. We should be proud and thankful for all the hard work he has carried out on behalf of teachers everywhere. His death will be a tremendous loss to the profession and trade unionism. Val Merriman – Tawe Afan Nedd

Greatly missed, a good man who worked hard to help colleagues and students. Keith Birt – Devon

May your courage and thoughtfulness live on. You are an inspiration to so many of us and you will be greatly missed by all. Ed Sedgwick – Suffolk

What else can I say? The NUT and the world of Education (nationally and internationally) will be the poorer because of his passing. Allyson Ingall – Cumbria

Steve was an excellent General Secretary, inspiring to members, he will be greatly missed. Jane Green – NorthTyneside

Steve came to speak at our annual Strawberry Tea in 2006. He spoke with great passion and conviction. Having met Steve for the first time I was struck by how down to earth and friendly he was. I believe that the NUT has lost a great leader. We owe it to Steve to continue his campaigns in his honour. He'll be looking down at us all on Thursday with a huge smile! That's how I will always remember Steve. Anne Perseh Past Division Secretary for London Borough of Sutton.

Steve was an excellent General secretary, inspiring to members, he will be greatly missed. Jane Green – NorthTyneside

Steve taught me at Broughton high school, and it was perhaps at this point that I realised that you could be a genuinely "smashing" person and a fantastic teacher. Steve always cared about the students and you always felt that he really cared about how well you were doing when he chatted with you. I was really pleased to be able to vote for him to become the General Secretary for NUT when I became a teacher. I knew that the inspiration that he provided in the classroom to me as a student, could be carried through to him inspiring a whole teaching union. I was very saddened to hear of his death, and my thoughts go to his family and friends - he will be missed by many. Alison Haselden – Lancashire

I was shocked and sadden by the news of Steve's death. Over the last couple of years, for the first time in a long while, I felt that we had a leader who expressed teachers' views and feelings in an appropriately passionate and professional way. Listening to Steve always gave me the impression of a man of great integrity, willing to put words into action. A great loss. Simon Davies – Oxfordshire

On behahlf of the staff, children, parents and governors of St Catherine's R.C. Primary School, Leyland may I pass on our sincere condolences to Steve's family and assure them we have prayed together as a School family for them. Steve was a smashing guy and a dedicated professional. His integrity and talents will be greatly missed. Chris Dunne Chris Dunne – Lancashire

The world of education has lost a tower of strength and inspiration. Steve's work for children, teachers and education at home and abroad is widely respected and admired. He will be sorely missed but those of us in the NUT will make every effort to ensure that his work is continued. Keith Gardiner - Portsmouth

Thank you Steve for playing your part in maintaining the dignity of teachers and the importance of sane education. Peter Harris - Medway LEA

Steve was a compassionate and caring person. He will be remembered for his national and international achievements for the NUT and teachers. Many like myself will also be grateful for his timely and appropriate response at times of personal loss. My thoughts are with his parents, wife and family their pride and love will live on. Glenys Shepherd – Norfolk

What a shock, what a loss of a man who was able to unite all factions around him and move the NUT on to a more professional basis technologically. His loss will inspire us to work ever harder to pursue the ideals and values he stood for. John Pemberthy – Glos

What a tragic loss - Steve was a truly genuine and inspirational man. Anne Sadler – Redactive Media

I thought I was not important enough to contribute at first, but then I realised that I am one of the small people who Steve stood up for. His voice, thank goodness, was not so small! Di Morrison – Cheshire

never had the pleasure of meeting Steve but my condolences go out to Steve's family. Through discussions with his colleagues at the NUT it is evident how sorely he is missed. Terry Arnold - Redactive Publishing Group

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