Teachers were promised more of the same

EIS education convenor George McBride said the union was encouraged by what the minister had to say - a view shared by delegates at the conference.

One told BBC Scotland: "I was quite impressed with what she had to say - but it is in the delivery, isn't it?"

Another said: "Teachers have been encouraged by Jack McConnell's contribution over the last year or so and they would hope that there would be a continuation of that kind of style."

Ms Jamieson is Scotland's third education minister in little over a year, following First Minister Jack McConnell and his predecessor Sam Galbraith.

Education in Scotland enjoyed a relatively stable period under Mr McConnell.

'Great change'

He has made it clear that this is a key policy area where he expects his administration to be judged.

In her first speech since taking over the brief, Ms Jamieson promised to take forward the work started by the first minister.

And she acknowledged that some teachers may be concerned about dealing with a new education minister.

I fully intend to pick up where Jack McConnell left off and take forward the important work that he initiated

Cathy Jamieson

"Clearly the past year has been a time of great change for teachers, not least because of the significant agreement on pay and conditions reached earlier this year," she said.

"But it would be understandable if some of you were concerned about having to deal with yet another education minister.

"I want to make it clear today that I fully intend to pick up where Jack McConnell left off and take forward the important work that he initiated."

Her deputy, Liberal Democrat MSP Nicol Stephen, will be taking responsibility for teachers and schools.

But Ms Jamieson said that this would help maintain stability in the education sector.

Mainstream education

And she added: "My title - minister for education and young people - reflects Jack's belief that to close the opportunity gap, we need to recognise our responsibility to all young people.

"That means a focus on the pre-school years and also those young people who, for whatever reason, are outside mainstream education provision.

"I share that belief and I am proud to have that brief."

Ms Jamieson also used the conference to announce that any teacher applying to become a headteacher from August 2005 must have a Standard for Headship qualification.