Influential educationist who was committed to improving the status of teachers in Scotland

Norma Anne Philp was born in 1946, the only child of John and Christina. She was brought up in Ratho Station and educated at Loch End Primary School before moving to Broxburn High School, as it was known at that time. Following school, she went to Moray House College of Education to train as a Primary Teacher. Norma then spent an extra year completing the Froebel course at Moray House. This reinforced her special interest in Infant and Nursery education.

It was at that time that she met Chris Watson at a Youth Fellowship Group meeting in Broxburn South Church. They married in Kirkliston on the 13th December 1969, a marriage that lasted for fifty six years. They both proudly belonged to West Lothian and spent their lives together there.

That was where Norma made her name as Head Teacher of Kirkhill Nursery School in Broxburn. There, over many years, she made a significant contribution to the development of young minds, inspired many teachers and made lifelong friends among teaching and non-teaching staff. After retirement she maintained her loyalty to West Lothian Council by chairing its Educational Trust which supports individual young people.

placeholder image — Loyalty and kindness were central to Norma Anne Watson's personality

It was as a Nursery Head Teacher, and following the inspiration of her Froebel course, that she became committed to the idea that fully registered teachers are as essential in pre – school as they are in any other stage of school education.

Although that idea has never been fully implemented in the Scottish Education system, it was the Froebel course that influenced her commitment to the wider issue of the status of the teaching profession in Scotland. She realised that the wellbeing of the profession in Scotland depended on teachers like herself. Being Norma, she would not stay silent. She had to speak up.

She saw that the teachers’ union, the Educational Institute of Scotland, the EIS, was the vehicle to promote teacher professionalism in Scotland. Her commitment to the EIS throughout her career was total. Even in retirement, she kept in regular with all her EIS colleagues of that era. As one of her former colleagues at the EIS, George McBride, put it in his tribute:

“Norma was fiercely loyal to the EIS as an organisation, to its reputation, to its procedures, to its history and to its culture. This loyalty was expressed not only through the formal procedures of the EIS but through the time, consideration and energy she gave to supporting and mentoring newly elected office-bearers and members of Council and of committees. Her friendships and concerns for others extended into her retirement.” It was no surprise that Norma became President of the EIS in 1994.

In February 1991, she had joined the General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS), where she could influence the professional standards that govern teachers and teaching in Scotland. Another chapter of her life unfolded. In November 1999, she was appointed Convener of Council, a post she held with great loyalty and distinction until 2007. She gave over 16 years of continuous service to the Council. That is quite an exceptional contribution to the life and work of any public organisation.

Norma’s contribution to the GTCS was arguably her major contribution to Scottish Education. As Convener she presided over the launch of the Standard for Full Registration, the new Induction System for Probationer teachers and chaired the very first International Teaching Councils Conference in 2005. As a result of its success, she was invited to Melbourne the following year for the Second International Conference of Teaching Councils. It was no surprise that Norma was awarded the OBE in the New Years Honours List of 2008 for her services to Scottish Education.

Norma had her own unique style of getting through the business of the day. Norma was nothing if not direct. Many of us remember clearly her style of chairing meetings. She had her own unique way of chairing. Some called it “brisk”; some called it “effective”; others called it “breathless”; and I once remember the Vice-Convener telling her in his vote of thanks that she could fairly get through an agenda.

Norma was hugely dedicated to her profession, totally loyal to her employer and so kind and supportive to colleagues, friends and those who needed help. Behind the direct and forceful public servant was one of the kindest people you could meet. That kindness was not showy and ostentatious; that was not her style. And in times of professional challenge, she was always there.

Norma Anne Watson will be hugely missed and especially by her faithful Chris. Chris has been the support that made much of Norma’s career possible. Outwardly quiet and understated, he understood Norma’s skills and strengths. He was so immensely proud of her achievements.

It has not been an easy few months for Chris and we thank him for the devoted care and attention he gave to his beloved Norma. He has lost his life partner; and we have all lost a lovely, loyal, kind, talented and much-loved friend.

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