'Trailblazing' former Moray teacher in running for Proud Scotland Educator Award
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A DUFFUS-BASED Highland teacher is in the running for a prestigious accolade at this year's Proud Scotland Awards.
John Naples-Campbell (40), a former acting depute head teacher and principal teacher of performing arts at Speyside High School, now works at Glen Urquhart High School at Drumnadrochit.
As depute head at Glen Urquhart and throughout his 16 years in teaching John has made it his mission to ensure every classroom is a safe environment for learners no matter their gender or sexuality.
He is among five people nationwide to be nominated for the Educator Award, which goes to an individual who has gone the extra mile to create an inclusive learning environment and support the LGBTQ+ community to break down barriers through education.
John was the first teacher to be given professional recognition by the General Teaching Council for Scotland for his work in LGBT education.
He set up one of the first school Gay Straight Alliances at Knox Academy, East Lothian, in 2008, where pupils won a documentary contest for their work in educating others about LGBT rights.
Working for the Time for Inclusive Education campaign, he has developed resources and training for teaching staff and has delivered this training to more than 500 teachers across Scotland.
Before working in the Highland Council area John supported four Moray secondary schools in celebrating Pride, enabling them to embrace the diverse communities they serve.
John said: "I’m really honoured to be nominated for this award.
"It’s been a challenging time in education but to know that the work we are doing to support young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer students in our schools is being recognised and acknowledged by these awards is special.
"Section 28 still hangs over Scottish education. We are breaking away from that terrible time slowly but we must still continue to challenge misinformation and dated opinions about LGBT education in order to make sure that our curriculum and schools fit the 21st century.
"Education is the most powerful tool we have to tackle prejudice."
The Proud Scotland Awards, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, are designed to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community by recognising the work and commitment of individuals and organisations, honouring those who stand up for diversity, equality and inclusion.
Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson, directors at Time For Inclusive Education, said: "John has been a pioneering educator in efforts to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in schools, and to ensure that LGBT young people can see themselves reflected in what they learn.
"John has used his lived experiences to ensure that the young people of today have a brighter, prouder future and he is, without doubt, a powerful and trailblazing voice in Scottish education."
The award ceremony will take place in Edinburgh on October 2, hosted by Channel 4's "It’s a Sin" actor, David Carlyle.
