Margaret Alcorn, a respected and widely recognised figure in Scottish education, has died at the age of 78. Her career spanned several decades, during which she progressed from a classroom teacher to a leading role in shaping professional development strategies across Scotland and internationally.
Alcorn's early career saw her establish herself as a dedicated educator. Her commitment to improving educational standards led her to a significant position within the City of Edinburgh council, where she served as the quality development manager. This role provided a platform for her to influence educational quality at a local authority level, laying the groundwork for her subsequent national impact.
A pivotal moment in her career came with her appointment as Scotland’s first national continuing professional development (CPD) co-ordinator. In this groundbreaking role, Alcorn was tasked with creating a cohesive and effective system for the ongoing professional growth of teachers and educators throughout the country. She successfully built a dedicated team and established vital connections with professionals working on CPD in every local authority, demonstrating her capacity for leadership and collaboration.
Beyond her national efforts, Alcorn also spearheaded an international programme focused on professional development. This initiative highlights her forward-thinking approach and her dedication to drawing on global best practices to enhance Scottish education. Her work in this area underscored the importance of a well-trained and continuously developing teaching workforce.
Margaret Alcorn's legacy is marked by her profound influence on the structure and quality of professional learning for educators in Scotland. Her pioneering efforts as the national CPD co-ordinator created a lasting framework that continues to support the development of teachers, ultimately benefiting countless students across the nation. Her passing marks the loss of a truly dedicated educational leader.