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Announcing the winner: Learning Professional Award 2022

We are delighted to announce that Julie Sutherland, Librarian at Forrester High School, is the winner of the Scottish Book Trust Learning Professional Award 2022!

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Julie has been praised by her colleagues for her unwavering enthusiasm and energy. In her role as Librarian, she has provided engaging and fun opportunities for all students, bridging both the attainment gap and the poverty gap.

Feedback from pupils describe Forrester High School library as a 'safe space' before and after school. Julie has been commended for treating pupils as individuals and taking the time to get to know their barriers to learning, their personal situations and their personalities, so as to provide a better service for them. Her library is open for so many clubs that she runs herself, including Film Club, Animation Club and Gaming Club. Julie's never-ending enthusiasm and personal interest in the young people of Forrester High School has helped students feel part of the bigger school picture and that their opinions and ideas are important and heard. Julie also supports her colleagues, having built a mini library in the staff room, so that all those working in the school have access to books at any time.

The Learning Professional Award, now in its sixth year, recognises a teacher or librarian who has had a powerful impact on the reading culture of young people and adults in their community. Run by national charity Scottish Book Trust, in partnership with Browns Books, the winner receives £500 worth of books to help continue their outstanding work.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:

'Many congratulations to Julie Sutherland on winning this year's Learning Professional Award. It was clear from her nomination that Julie has worked tirelessly to build a reading for pleasure culture in Forrester High School. She has also created a safe, comforting environment for many pupils who need a place to escape into a book. Our thanks to Browns Books for making this important award possible.'

Highly Commended

Scottish Book Trust would like to highly commend Irene Lumsden from Armadale Academy, Claire Gilligan from Coatbridge High School and Jill Queen from Netherburn Primary School. You can also read the full list of learning professionals shortlisted for the award.

Irene Lumsden, Librarian at Armadale Academy

Irene arrived at Armadale Academy in August 2021 and has already introduced several initiatives which have had a huge impact on the school. Pupils have become a lot more engaged with their reading in recent months due to Irene's enthusiasm and passion. Irene's colleagues say that her astounding knowledge of literature knows no bounds, built up over many years as a librarian at her previous school Calderhead High. Irene always knows exactly what to recommend to pupils, and makes pupils feel safe with her thanks to her generosity and thoughtfulness.

Jill Queen, Literacy Coordinator at Netherburn Primary School

Jill is fully committed to making a difference to the lives of the pupils she teaches and she firmly believes that developing a love for books is at the heart of this. She has attended extensive training and has been passionate about developing the skills of all staff members and leading many initiatives within school. Jill decided to open the school library as a child and adult lending library, welcoming in the local community who were unable to visit a local library. This has been an incredible success, with pupils thriving in the role of librarian and sharing their love of reading with their families.

Claire Gilligan, English Teacher at Coatbridge High School

Claire has gone above and beyond to rejuvinate the Coatbridge High School library and reposition the library as a popular and vibrant hub within the school. She trained pupils as librarians to give them a sense of responsibility and pride over the library space, and she set up numerous clubs and events, all on top of her role as English Teacher. Through her hard work and dedication, Claire has created a safe and welcoming environment for all of the pupils at Coatbridge.

Browns Books

Scottish Book Trust would like to thank Browns Books who sponsor the Learning Professional Award. Browns Books is the UK's leading supplier of books, eBooks and DVDs for schools, colleges, universities and businesses.