John Telfer retired in June 2008, after 26 years teaching, the last 16 years in Ardrossan Academy. John was Principal Teacher of Guidance and a member of the Technical Department.

Following over 20 years as an engineer in the manufacturing industry, John commenced his teaching career in 1982 in Stewarton Academy, then in Grange Academy, Kilmarnock, where he was introduced to the work of the Guidance Team. He joined Ardrossan Academy in 1992 as Assistant Principal Teacher of Guidance, and was promoted to Principal Teacher in 2000.

During his time in Ardrossan Academy, John was jointly responsible for running a number of 10 day trips to the French Alps, and appreciated the support of a number of members of staff in supervising these trips. As Careers co-ordinator for the Guidance Team, he also arranged annual visits for senior pupils to various Careers Exhibitions, and to the Army Exhibition for Schools in Edinburgh, where many pupils were introduced to the wide range of career opportunities in the Army.

John is an active lay-preacher within the Baptist Church and, in his retirement, hopes to develop that role.

On the evening of 19th June, over 80 colleagues and friends shared in a meal in the Claremont Hotel, Kilwinning, when John and two others, who were also retiring, were presented with cheques from their colleagues.