Founded in 1847 The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) is the oldest teaching union in the world. Queen Victoria granted a Royal Charter to the EIS and among the powers conferred was the power to award a degree of 'Fellow of the Institute'. The EIS remains the only trade union which awards degrees. In the wider world, the EIS plays an active and prominent part in the major teacher international organisation, Education International representing over 20 million teachers from 300 teacher organisations in over 140 countries and the European Trade Union Committee for Education. The EIS too has contributed generously in appeals for aid, for example in developing countries, setting aside 1% of its subscription for this purpose.

see also: educational, trade, union