Ei-iE

Former general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), and member of EI’s European Committee, Peter Smith, has died at the age of 65.

Smith began his career as an English teacher, and was general secretary of EI affiliate the ATL from 1988 until 2002. Under his leadership, the organisation's membership tripled. Current general secretary Mary Bousted said: "He turned the ATL from being a small association for grammar school teachers to being a major player in the union world with a huge increase in membership and influence across the political and policy world." The ATL now represents more than 160,000 teachers, lecturers and education support staff. EI extends its condolences to the family and friends of Peter Smith, and has written to the ATL: Dr Mary Bousted, General Secretary, Association of Teachers and Lecturers, 7, Northumberland Street, London, WC2N 5RD, UK. 13th February, 2006. Dear Dr Bousted, I wish to express the sincere condolences of Education International and, in particular, of its staff, to ATL on the occasion of the death of Peter Smith, the former ATL General Secretary. Many of us were privileged to work with Peter in the European structures of EI. We valued especially his contributions to the work of the European Committee. He will always be remembered for his eloquent and rational interventions in debates and for his unswerving commitment to the aims and objectives of EI. I would be grateful if you would also extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Yours Sincerely, Fred van Leeuwen, General Secretary