Steve 'walked' his compassion and belief in fairness and equality of opportunity. His pursuit of the most creative aspects of trade unionism was exemplary.He had an approach to leadership which made colleagues and members feel valued. Steve's internationalism seemed a natural part of his genuine and altruistic committment to solidarity. Richard Stainton - NUT HQ
I met Steve a few times and heard him speak at Conference. In fact, it is just days ago that he inspired us in Manchester with his knowledge, integrity, honesty and humanitarianism. Steve was the best thing that happened to our Union for a long time. How we shall miss his leadership and strength. All teachers, whatever Union, whatever country, owe Steve Sinnott a great debt of gratitude for his defence of their rights and professionalism and for his constant endeavours on behalf of their pupils. Sincere sympathy to his wife and family. May they find some comfort in the realisation of the very high regard in which he was held by all whose lives he touched. Janet Knight - President Blackburn with Darwen
So very sorry for your family's loss. The thoughts of all in the family are with you. With deepest sympathy, Sophie Sophie Charman-Blower
The world has lost a truly good and honest man in Steve. However his memory will surive and his kind words will never be forgotten. All my love and sympathy to Mary and the family. xxx Eleanor Charman-Blower
This is a great loss, Steve had fought so well to the cause of the Teacher. Deepest sympathy to his family. Daniel Foster - Redbridge
What a great loss to this union and the world of education. I had the great pleasure of being introduced to Steve at this years conference when he attended the NW receprion for a short while. He was a genuine, sincere, down to earth guy. My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Tom Paxton - Blackpool
Steve concluded Conference talking about inspirational teachers. Well, he was the most inspirational of us all. Steve was a passionate man - passionate about children, about teachers, about education and about the NUT. That passion will live on in all of the individuals that he inspired. Andrew Haigh - Secretary, Monmouthshire Association
Only 3 weeks ago Steve spoke in Leicester and I was lucky enough to photograph him in inspirational mode, explaining why we should support the call for strike action. What a shock to lose him so suddenly. Condolences to his family, friends, companions and colleagues. Su Barton - City of Leicester
Met Steve briefly at CUT Conference in Bahamas 2005. Very affable and kind. Condolences to his family and friends. Ako Trevor Walker - TTUTA
On behalf of the Vale of Glamorgan Division may I extend heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Steve's family and friends. I remember Fred Jarvis and Doug McAvoy, both great G.S.s who commanded respect. Steve Sinnott was different. He had more of the 'common touch'. He made the least of us feel important and valued. Words mean little. I feel honored to have met him, to have shaken him by the hand and I grieve for the lost future years. I believe he understood the true meaning of the word Union. We will miss him more than we can ever know. Gerald Beaudette - Barry, Vale of Glamorgan
On behalf of the Lincolnshire Association and for myself, may I say that we feel saddened at the loss of such a great human being. His dedication and his humanity will be missed. Alan Watkins-Groves - Lincolnshire
With profound regret we heard of the unfortunate and untimely death of Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers. The National Union of Teachers was among the first British Unions to affiliate to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and for many years has stood in solidarity with the Cuban people and the Cuban revolution in our struggle against the blockade imposed by the United States. Steve Sinnott was always ready to extend his personal support and we will always remember this noble gesture. Please, convey our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends and his colleagues at the NUT. Sincerely, Rene J. Mujica Cantelar Ambassador Rene J Mujica Cantelar - Ambassador, Republic of Cuba
Steve was a great guy as well as an inspirational leader for the union. I use those words with caution as he believed in every area of the union and the contribution they could make, most significantly for me, he believed in young teachers, referring to us as the future of the union and our place in union struggles. He was a friendly and appraochable guy and his contributions and warmth will be sadly missed. Thanks Steve. Dan Thompson - Windsor And Maidenhead
At a time of continued attacks on Comprehensive education and teachers, Steve recognised that a united union was possible but also necessary. I remember Steve telling me soon after he was elected he wanted to 'make the union a better place'. It is! Martin Allen - Ealing NUT
Steve's contribution to our union and impact on the lives of generations of school students is immeasurable, locally to us in Lancashire,nationally and internationally. A brilliant, inspiring leader with real integrity, and a good man. Liz Beaumont - Blackburn with Darwen
My union want to express to NUT and Steves's family our deep respect and deep sorrow. Steve was a great activist at the national level as international level. Patrick GONTHIER - UNSA Education (France)
It didn't matter about different viewpoints, disagreements or even antipathies ; Steve was always warm and personable to everyone. This ability is so rare it made Steve always stand out from my first meeting with him in his presidential year in Scarborough in 1994. My thoughts go out to Mary and family whose loss is so untimely, personal and unknowable to any but them. I hope the perpetual light that Salimatu Kabba of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union spoke of will in some small way help Mary and family in this dreadful time of grief. Michael Rought-Brooks - North Yorkshire
I would like to express my sincere sympathy to Steve's family and all the members past and present of the NUT - his second family.
I first met Steve when I was President of the INTO and was struck by his absolute commitment to Human Rights and genuine equality - not only in what he said but also in his whole being. He was inclusive in his approach to all he did and always encouraged you to fight for what you believed in. He never shirked the difficult decisions and in this he lead by example .
I hugely admired Steve as a Trade Unionist and as an individual. He had a lovely sense of humour and was very comfortable company to be with.
I was devastated to learn of his death and send his family my thanks for sharing Steve so generously with the Trade Union movement. Education in Britian and beyond has benefitted enormously from his energy and drive and children have a great deal to be grateful for as well as teachers.
Steve enhanced the lives of those with whom he came in contact. It was a privilege to know him. Sally Sheils - Irish National Teachers Organisation
As immediate past president of the National Union of Journalists I'd like, on behalf of all our members, to pay tribute to the contribution Steve Sinnott paid to the trade union movement. At our ADM in Belfast at the weekend, all members stood for a minute's silence when we heard the sad news of his death. Michelle Stanistreet
Lancashire County Council has issued a tribute to Steve Sinnott, the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, who died at the weekend. Mr Sinnott, who was 56, went to work for the NUT from Lancashire where he was a head of department in a county high school.
County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Steve taught at Broughton High School just outside Preston for 16 years. He was the head of economics and business when he was elected deputy general secretary of the NUT in 1994. “
He became general secretary in 2004 and we are very proud that a Lancashire teacher rose to be so well regarded by his colleagues. “His passion for education is shared by the county council and there are warm tributes to him from Lancashire people on a number of websites. “
We also shared his commitment to international co-operation. Steve worked hard to bring Israeli and Palestinian teachers together, and to form a teachers’ union in Ethiopia.
“We send our condolences to his family, and his many friends and trade union comrades in Lancashire.” County Councillor Marcus Johnstone - Lancashire County Council
A great communicator with a warm and friendly personality and a tireless campaigner for education. He was a lovely bloke who is going to be greatly missed. His work in "bringing down the barriers" in all kinds of ways must not perish with his passing. Martin Brown - Hounslow / Education for Tomorrow
Such a sad time for his family and education. We have lost a great man who campaigned for us teachers. Sue Goustas - Oxford
All of us at Newham who ever met Steve will remember him as a thoroughly decent. likeable man who personified Every Child – and teacher – Matters. His compassion shone through and we will always be grateful for his active support for our ongoing campaign, “Children of Asylum Seekers are Welcome in Newham Schools”. He will be much missed by us all Newham Teachers' Association
On behalf of ASLEF’s members, executive committee, officers and staff, I would like to pass on our condolences to the NUT following the sad loss of Steve Sinnott. Our condolences go to all of his colleagues, friends, and of course, his family.
Steve was a credit to the trade union movement. He worked with honesty and commitment both for teachers in the UK and for social justice internationally.
One of Steve’s lasting legacies will be the agreement he reached with Alan Johnson to stop the poaching of teachers from developing countries. Thanks to Steve’s efforts, thousands of children in poorer nations now have more opportunity to receive the basic human right of an education.
Steve had a great ability to unite all elements of the union as he found practical paths forwards. It is a tribute to Steve that he was the union's first president to have attended a comprehensive school who achieved deserved recognition for his work in human rights in an international context.
I am sure he will be remembered within your union as a first-rate champion of UK teaching staff. The rest of the trade union movement will remember with fondness and respect his genial good humour, his sharp intellect and his balanced assessments.
We will miss him. Once again on behalf of my union my condolences go to all who knew Steve - and especially his wife Mary and their two children. Keith Norman - General Secretary ASLEF
Steve was a warm and generous spirited man, he inspired me with his passion for education and for the rights of people who had little voice to raise them for themselves. He held his views passionately but never dogmatically and always with an open ear for others. He made a great impact with his sadly short life. I will miss him and my thoughts and prayers go to his wife and children of whom he always spoke so proudly. Fiona Everest - Kingston
We were shocked and greatly saddened by Steve's death. Not only was he an excellent NUT GS but also a good friend to our family. Our condolences go to his family and colleagues. Jacky and John Holloway - Milton Keynes
Steve led the union with great commitment and humanity. His international work enriched the union's activities. Dorset members send their deepest sympathy to Mary and the family. He will be greatly missed. Dave Bowen - Dorset
Mr Sinnot was my form teacher at Broughton High School, Preston in the late 70's and early 80's and I've since enjoyed seeing him on the tv presenting the NUT with such enthusiasm.
As a teacher he was very passionate in all he taught and truly wanted the best from all his pupils. He also had a great sense of humor which I'm sure came from his Liverpudlian upbringing.
I was only watching him on the tv a couple of weeks ago and although I haven't seen him in person since leaving school I feel great sadness for his family at this heartbreaking time, a time that should have been far in the distant future. Anne Heywood - Hampshire (formerly Lancashire)
A sad loss. Kieran Balfe - Herts
First of all I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Steve's family.
In the 14 years I've know Steve we never had a meeting when he didn't mention something about his family and ask me about mine - and I know how much you will all miss him Also sympathy to all Steve's colleagues at the NUT, many of whom I know since I worked there in the early 1980s.
In particular, I and many many trade unionists around the Commonwealth will remember Steve as someone who was a real internationalist, someone who cared about teachers and education in every country and who understood the many difficulties developing country teachers have to face on a daily basis. He had special trade union friends in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa, Palestine, Ethiopia and in many Caribbean countries.
The establishment of the Commonwealth Teachers Group within EI will be a lasting memorial - as will the many affectionate memories of all who knew him.
Long may international work remain union work - that was one of his guiding philosophies. Annie Watson - International Development Adviser
He had an empathy and passion for the welfare of teachers and children alike. If all the Secretaries of State for Education over the last thirty years rolled together had matched his commitment alone, we would have an education system of which to be proud. Richard and Tess Dodgson - Tyndale Association
As headteacher of The Redeemer School in Blackburn I would like to extend the deepest sympathies of all the staff. Steve was such an inspirational leader and professional. He lead the Union with such courage in very dificult times nationally and had the respect of us all. My personal sympathy, prayers and thoughts are with Steve's famiy at this tragic time. Alison Taylor - Blackburn With Darwen
A sad loss and far too young. Sympathy to Steve's family Trevor Howard - Lincolnshire
Deepest sympathy to Steve's family and close friends. The NUT have lost a man of integrity, determination and vision. We should honour Steve by supporting the campaign he so passionately believed in. Anne Marsh - Cornwall & IoS, School Rep.
Steve was an inspiration to staff and students from ESSA with his passion for and commitment to the concept of a good and fair education. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a strong supporter of ESSA, and a man for whom we had a great deal of affection and respect. We offer our condolences to his family and the union. Jack Lewars - English Secondary Students' Association
On behalf of the Governors Staff and students of St Margaret’s High I should like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Steve. We all know that he gave his all to raise the profile of our profession and to improve our conditions of service so that the children in our country could experience a world class education. Steve was one of the best and we shall miss him. David F Dennison - Liverpool
I only met Steve a few times but he always remembered me and said hello. I thought he was an inspirational General Secretary and was looking forward to see him ending up as the sort of figure Fred Jarvis has become. My deepest sympathy to his family. Neil Hendry - Cardiff
Steve was an insirational leader, a kind individual and am successful trade unionist. He had an ability to unite the NUT ready to win for his member and fight for international solidarity. His leadership will be missed but his record will live on. Richard Angell, NUS/NUT Scholarship Holder 2006/7
Very sad to hear my thoughts go out to Steves' family and friends. Andrew K - Wakefield
Steve had every quality you want in a trade union leader, but was blessed with other traits too: his genuine friendliness, his unforced consideration for individuals, his bravery. I never knew Steve to shirk a problem or avoid an issue.
In Newcastle, he was always there for us. From a starting point of defending teachers' jobs, we came to see how passionately he valued education for all children, and hurt for those who lacked it.
Steve showed the sceptics - including me - how international activity must be an essential part of our Union's work. His steadfast position on Ethiopia was an example to all of us.
To Mary and family, I offer you my deepest condolences. Nothing can compensate for your terrible loss, but I thank you for sharing Steve's life with us. Tom Denholm - Newcastle upon Tyne
Steve - you are greatly missed but the message you have left with us will be taken on. Inequality and injustice at every level will be pursued and challenged with your words ringing in our ears. Don't worry - we're getting on with the things you started!! Andy Summers - Warwickshire
We will miss you Steve. Your cheerful countenance and buoyant personality shone through at all times. Your concern for others was always evident and you always made all who approached you welcome. All in Durham County will miss the assurance you gave and the support you always offered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and the family at this distressing time. May God strengthen you all over the coming weeks and months. Trevor Blacklock - Durham Division NUT Secretary
Sincere condolances. His family and colleagues must have been deeply shocked as well as teachers and retired N.U.T. members. B.J.Leah - North West
It is extremely unbearable agony to learn the sudden death of Mr Steve Sinnot, NUT General Secretary, who is highly committed to particularly the cause of the needy and who is a renowned, dedicated and successful campaigner of human and trade union rights across the globe.
All these make the sudden passing away of Steve a devastating tragedy for his family, relatives, friends, colleagues in NUT and member organizations of EI and for all peace loving international community at large.
As you certainly and closely know, colleagues in the ETA and myself including Ethiopian communities in London and of elsewhere have lost one of our best and irreplaceable friends of hard time. Gemoraw Kassa, ETA General Secretary - Ethiopia
This is a devastating blow to many of us who knew in person Steve Sinnot. As I have said in Times Educational Supplement online, Steve is not only a leader of NUT but also the leader of internatinal trade union movement. Members of The Ethiopian Teachers Association are totally shocked, as per Mr Gemoraw Kassa, the ETA General Secretary and a close friend of Steve. I also would like to express the deepest sympathy of Ethiopians living in London, who personally knew Steve and valued his friendship to the family of our dearest Steve. Let his soul rest in peace. Wondimu Mekonen, ETA Support UK Chairman - University of Buckingham
I am writing to say how very sorry I and my colleagues at the Labour Research Department were to hear of the tragic death of Steve Sinnott. The news came as an enormous shock. Steve was very helpful to the LRD when he became General Secretary and in recent years we have cooperated much more closely with the NUT including doing some survey work around the pay ballot in the past few weeks. Personally, both I and my colleagues always found Steve to be extremely friendly and approachable. It seems almost inconceivable that he is no longer there. I am sure that the union will feel his death as an enormous loss, and of course it is a tragic blow to his family. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. Lionel Fulton - Labour Research Department
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Steve's death, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. We will remember Steve's principled commitment to tackling the commercialisation of children's lives and we will miss the staunch support he gave to joint campaigns to protect children's health and wellbeing from the effects of advertising and marketing. Jane Landon - National Heart Forum
I was very saddened about the news of Steve's sudden death at the weekend. I had the pleasure of knowing Steve as a member of the TUC General Council. I found him to be a truly genuine person with real passion for the role he carried out on behalf of his members. My sincere condolences to his family. John Hannett - General Secretary, Usdaw
Deepest sympathy to the family of a man with the courage of his convictions, and an obvious commitment to the welfare of teachers. Conor Mulholland - Wirral
The energy and direction that Steve brought to the Union reminded me of why I had joined the NUT. He cared about children and education; in supporting the Union and teachers in their struggles, he did not loose sight of why we were all in teaching. He also took practical steps to heal some of the rifts which had developed in our union and has left it stronger and more able to face these struggles. My love and sympathy go to Mary and all his family. I hope that the deep affection we held for him will be of some comfort in their loss. Malcolm Anderson - Retired
Steve was an inspirational leader who embraced all members of the profession. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family. Pauline Luckett - Coventry
The news of Steve's death was really shoking to me and to all Members of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Support Group in UK. He was a man of vision who stood everywhere for truth and peoples rights. We all have lost him at a crucial time that we need him most. It is heart breaking. Neguse Gamma - Chairman of EFJA-Support Group UK
Condolences to all Steve’s family. A man of vision and inspiration in his devotion to teaching. Let him rest now, his work is done. But the pledge we give, the pledge that we keep the fight going on-till the cause is won. Sam Watts - Bootle
The shock I felt at hearing the news of Steve's death was like hearing of the loss of a close family member. Steve had the wonderful ability to make everyone feel valued and respected. As a regular attender of conferences, I was impressed by how united the Union became under his leadership. His overriding compassion and commitment to teachers and children worldwide was an inspiration to us all. My heart goes out to Steve's family. Janet Bagley - Barnet
Steve will be greatly missed. He was an inspirational leader. Steve was a great listener, he had a way to make people feel important to him, he understood and was a kind and sympathetic man. As a fellow scouser I am proud of Steves successes! God Bless. Sharon Daly - Warrington
I was in all places Liverpool when I heard the tragic news. In September 2007, Steve visited our school and presented our newest member with a wireless presenter. As rep I was lucky enough to spend an hour or so in his company and was struck by how interested he was in our school and what a lovely unassuming man he was and how passionately he cared about education. I feel so sad that one of my heroes as gone - so soon after the loss of Ted Wragg and would like to express my condolences to his colleagues, friends and family. Ron Gordon - Brighton and Hove
I feel stunned and robbed at the news of Steve’s death. My thoughts are with Mary and his children. Steve was inspirational, warm and unifying. On a personal level, when we met, he always asked me about my children, who were conference regulars, and my teaching, having been to visit the learning support department where I work a few years ago. When he spoke I felt he spoke about real youngsters and real teachers and how powerful education can be in the lives of individuals. I know he was personally brave in his international work especially in Palestine and Ethiopia. Our conference this year was unified and purposeful, probably due to his leadership and vision. I chuckled with him when he told the story of how he had gone to speak at the conference promoting the achievement of black Caribbean boys and followed the hotel sign which said “Steve Sinnott - Born to be Great”. Perhaps that wasn’t so far off the mark… Val Furness - West Derbyshire
On behalf of all the Blackpool members of the NUT, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mary and the family at this saddest of times. In the coming months I hope the family will take some comfort in knowing how much Steve was loved and respected by all who knew him.He always had time to listen and to offer advice.He was a great friend to all teachers. A very hard act to follow! Let's get behind Christine and make this a great campaign. God bless Steve. We'll miss you so much. Rosalind Homer Secretary. Blackpool Division
So sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts are with all family and friends. Rest In Peace Sharon Bhogal - Leeds
We heard of the tragic death of Steve whilst our union annual conference was meeting. Delegates were deeply saddened and shocked. We stood in silent tribute to a man of the utmost principle who had been the close friend of the NUJ, campaigning alongside us on trade union freedoms around the world. Journalists and teachers are the most attacked by the most oppressive regimes worldwide and Steve was proud to stand up against oppression where ever he found it. We are saddened by his loss. We are proud to call him our friend and comrade. Jeremy Dear - General Secretary, NUJ
Steve was an inspirational leader and so proud to be our General Secretary.His sudden death is devastating news and it is difficult to accept that his passionate address at the end of Conference only 2 weeks ago was to be his last. We are so proud to have had you as our GS. Our thoughts & prayers are with Mary,Stephen Kate and the grandchildren, whose loss must be unbearable. Thank you for sharing Steve with us. Steve you were "just smashing" and will remain forever in our hearts. Agnes and Elwyn Bishop – Braintree & District Sec & President
Steve's untimely death is a massive loss not just to teachers, children and their parents, but to the trade union movement as a whole. His clarity and vision were the marks of true leadership. His integrity,understanding and stong sense of justice were inspirational. My thoughts go out to his family and close friends. Linda Balfe - Stockport
Such tragic news and such a loss to us all. He was an inspirational leader and a man of the people. I had the pleasure to hear him speak at conference two years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Anne - Cornwall
An inspirational man who always made the effort to speak to as many people as he could. A reassuring presence who gave strengh to the union. Thank you for your example. Eleanor - Thurrock
Heart felt sympathy to Mary and family. Steve visited us in Gloucestershire not so long ago. We were all so impressed with Steve's integrity and commitment. We have all lost a champion of all that is good in this world. Garry Wheeler – Gloucestershire
My thoughts are with you Mary at this very sad time.Condolences to you and all your family. I used to see Steve on the television and often wonder how you were all getting on. With deepest sympathy at your sudden loss. I know Steve will be sadly missed. Your friend always. Pauline Cooney nee Tideswell – Merseyside
Steve was an inspiration to us all at grass roots level. It is hard to accept he has been taken from us and we have lost a great leader. Condolences to Steve's family at this time. Nigel Scott – Wakefield
We would often rib each other about the football teams we supported you the blues me the reds, but I could never question the loyalty committment and support you always showed to your family, the members you represented and the wide Education field. Football has lost a supporter but the Trade Union Movement has lost a leader, and your loss will be felt by a membership far larger than the one you so ably represented. A good and honest friend. Larry McCready
Steve was an inspirational leader who I met personally while working in Hackney. Steve was a person who was respectful of the views of others and this meant that he was able to build a strong union. Steve you will be missed. I have recently become more active in the union myself and will hold Steve up as a model to follow. Annette Pateman – Lincolnshire
