Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), has died today at the age of 56.
Mr Sinnott, who had led the NUT since 1994, was described as "inspirational in his devotion to teaching" by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He was born in Liverpool and began his teaching career in 1975. His death comes just days after the NUT announced it was to stage its first national strike in over 20 years.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls has joined the PM in paying tribute to the union leader. Speaking to BBC News Mr Balls said he was saddened at Mr Sinnott's untimely death.
"Steve was a passionate advocate for teachers and a great believer in the power of education to transform the life chances of children and young people," said Mr Balls.
"I know from our many meetings and phone calls that he believed strongly that every child matters and deserves the best.
"We shared a common goal to put the interests of all children and young people at the heart of our policies.
"Of course, we did not always see eye to eye on every issue. But we never had an angry word."
The leader of rival union the NASUWT, Chris Keates, described Mr Sinnott's death as: "a great tragedy for his family, for his union and for the trade union movement.
"Whatever the differences between our two unions we have always been united in wanting to do the best for teachers."
The NUT's acting general secretary, Christine Blower, said: "I know that he would have wanted the union to go ahead with all its campaigns because he believed in all of them with his heart as well as his head.
"At a later stage we will have the opportunity properly to remember Steve Sinnott, to honour his achievements and to celebrate his life.
"For now, the best way to mark our respect would be to maximise the effect of the campaigns to which he was so committed."
Mr Sinnott, who had led the NUT since 1994, was described as "inspirational in his devotion to teaching" by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
He was born in Liverpool and began his teaching career in 1975. His death comes just days after the NUT announced it was to stage its first national strike in over 20 years.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls has joined the PM in paying tribute to the union leader. Speaking to BBC News Mr Balls said he was saddened at Mr Sinnott's untimely death.
"Steve was a passionate advocate for teachers and a great believer in the power of education to transform the life chances of children and young people," said Mr Balls.
"I know from our many meetings and phone calls that he believed strongly that every child matters and deserves the best.
"We shared a common goal to put the interests of all children and young people at the heart of our policies.
"Of course, we did not always see eye to eye on every issue. But we never had an angry word."
The leader of rival union the NASUWT, Chris Keates, described Mr Sinnott's death as: "a great tragedy for his family, for his union and for the trade union movement.
"Whatever the differences between our two unions we have always been united in wanting to do the best for teachers."
The NUT's acting general secretary, Christine Blower, said: "I know that he would have wanted the union to go ahead with all its campaigns because he believed in all of them with his heart as well as his head.
"At a later stage we will have the opportunity properly to remember Steve Sinnott, to honour his achievements and to celebrate his life.
"For now, the best way to mark our respect would be to maximise the effect of the campaigns to which he was so committed."
