National gong for teacher who inspires pupils
Ruth’s a class act when it comes to STEM subjects
An inspiring Renfrewshire teacher has been named top of her profession for her work promoting technology to pupils.
Ruth Burnett was named Primary Teacher of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Women in Technology Awards, designed to recognise those who further the role of women in Scotland’s technology sector.
Having previously worked in the industry, Ruth became a teacher to ensure pupils have the opportunity to connect with each of the STEM subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ruth, who works at Bishopton Primary, said: “It is an honour to win this award from SWiT and to be in such fine company as the other nominees at the award ceremony.
“I feel that promoting the STEM subjects in primary school is extremely important and have seen first- hand the enthusiasm and excitement in our pupils when tackling various projects.”
Ruth has instigated a link- up with the Institution of Primary Engineers. During technologies time, pupils will be developing solutions to challenges and problems by applying their knowledge of STEM subjects and developing new skills.
For the initial part of this collaboration, the pupils from primary two to primary seven are tasked with interviewing engineers or experts from various jobs within the STEM field. This will allow them to become members of the institution.
Digital Customer Experience Consultant Suzanne Lee, who has a child in Ruth’s class, nominated her for the award. She was one of those invited to talk to the class and spoke in glowing terms of the impact Ruth has had.
Suzanne said: “I am so proud that my daughter has such a great teacher who continually goes over and above expectations to give her class the best learning experience she can.
“She has the ability to inspire and bring a vision of possibilities to the kids, which has made a real difference to their education.
“I’m delighted she has been recognised for her fantastic dedication to her job.”
The Scotland Women in Technology Awards champion and celebrate women and the companies and networks around them who are achieving success in the technology industry in Scotland.
The awards also celebrate the success of those in education who drive grassroots initiatives and grow the technology talent pipeline for Scotland.
Councillor Jim Paterson, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I am delighted that Ruth has been recognised for the outstanding work she does to inspire the pupils of Bishopton Primary.
“It is important that we encourage future generations to take an interest in STEM subjects as early in their school life as possible to allow them to develop a passion in what could be a future career choice.
“Ruth has played a vital part in providing a creative and stimulating environment that allows her pupils to learn about these important subject areas.”
More than 100 nominations were received for the awards, demonstrating the incredible range of talent, experience, expertise and enthusiasm across the country from the world’s biggest corporations, to some of the smallest classrooms.
For information on all the award winners visit www. scotwomenintech. com/ switawards
She has the ability to bring a vision of possibilities to the kids