Paisley teacher to be a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador

Paisley teacher Kimberley Roan McVeigh has been selected from more than 170 applicants to become a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador.

Ms Roan McVeigh, an acting Principal Teacher with Renfrewshire Council’s Flexible Learning service applied to Parliament’s open call and was selected to attend the ’Teachers’ Institute’ at London’s Houses of Parliament this week.

Over three days, she will question the House of Commons Speaker and the Lord Speaker, and hear from parliamentarians of all parties about their work in the Commons and Lords.

More than 700 teachers have become ambassadors since the program’s launch in 2006, going on to impart their knowledge to students and fellow educators about democracy and the Houses of Parliament.

Ms Roan McVeigh said:

“In my role with Flexible Learning, I work with students who have found mainstream education is not the best fit for them, leading to them feeling disengaged and not interested in politics or their society.

“By attending Teachers’ Institute, I aim to show my students how our political system affects and supports them, and for them to see that they are important members of society who can – and will – make a difference to the world.”

Councillor Jim Paterson, Education and Children’s Services Convener said:

“I commend Ms Roan McVeigh for taking up the opportunity to attend Teachers’ Institute with the aim of expanding her students’ minds by enhancing their understanding of politics.

“This is another example of the commitment of Renfrewshire Council’s Flexible Learning scheme to help students who face challenges in mainstream education to gain confidence and feel supported throughout their school journey.”

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South said: 

“I am delighted that Kimberley Roan McVeigh, a teacher from my constituency, has been selected as a UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador.

“Teachers have so many opportunities to engage young people with Parliament and democracy, and I am sure that the students in The Flexible Learning, Senior Phase Provision will benefit from Kimberley’s experience at Teachers’ Institute.”

Rt Hon Lord Fowler, The Lord Speaker, said:

“Teachers’ Institute is exceptionally well-regarded by the participants each year, and I welcome the opportunity to explain the work of the House of Lords to such an appreciative audience.”

Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons said:

“I am proud that this excellent initiative continues to provide such an invaluable service. Better engagement and dialogue with young people is of fundamental importance to our democracy, and I am sure that the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassadors attending Teachers’ Institute will find the experience both useful and enlightening.”