A Time to Step Aside, and a Warm Welcome to the New NASBTT Chair Elect

After a period of dedicated service as Chair of NASBTT’s Board of Trustees, Anna Richards has taken the decision to step down from the role. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Anna for her outstanding leadership, commitment and support of NASBTT, our Members and the wider Initial Teacher Training sector. As she reflects on her time as Chair, we are pleased to share a personal message from Anna with our Members.

“After many years in education, the time has come for me to step down as Chair of NASBTT. While reaching this point has given me cause to reflect, it has also reminded me how fortunate I have been to spend my career working alongside people who care deeply about teachers, schools and the children and young people they serve.

Being Chair of NASBTT has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. Throughout my time in the role, I have seen first-hand the passion, commitment and expertise that exists across our membership. Whatever challenges the sector has faced, there has always been a determination to do the very best for trainee teachers and to ensure that school-based teacher education remains strong.

There have been many moments that I will remember. One that stands out was at last year’s NASBTT Conference (the first face-to-face event since Covid) following a particularly challenging period for the sector. Listening to colleagues from different parts of the country sharing their experiences, I was struck by the warmth, energy and excitement in the room. Different contexts, different organisations, but the same commitment to helping new teachers thrive. It was a reminder that NASBTT’s real strength has never been in structures or systems; it has always been in its Members.

As I step away, I do so with real confidence in the future. Across the country there are talented leaders, committed teacher educators and strong partnerships working every day to strengthen the profession. Teacher education will continue to evolve, but I have no doubt that the sector will rise to whatever opportunities and challenges come next.

I am particularly delighted to welcome Keith Ford as the new Chair Elect of NASBTT. Keith brings a wealth of experience, deep understanding of the sector and a genuine commitment to collaboration and excellence. Having worked alongside him, I know how much he cares about teacher development and the role that organisations such as NASBTT play in supporting the profession. I can think of no one better placed to lead the association into its next chapter.

For me personally, this marks the end of a significant chapter. Education has shaped my values, challenged my thinking and brought me lifelong friendships. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to work with extraordinary people who share a belief in the power of education to change lives.

My thanks go to the NASBTT Team, Board members past and present, colleagues across the sector and the many trainees and teachers who remind us every day why this work matters. It has been a privilege to serve.”

We wish Anna all the very best for her next chapter.

The NASBTT Team
National Association of School-Based Teacher Trainers (NASBTT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Jayne,

After a period of dedicated service as Chair of NASBTT’s Board of Trustees, Anna Richards has taken the decision to step down from the role. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Anna for her outstanding leadership, commitment and support of NASBTT, our Members and the wider Initial Teacher Training sector. As she reflects on her time as Chair, we are pleased to share a personal message from Anna with our Members.

“After many years in education, the time has come for me to step down as Chair of NASBTT. While reaching this point has given me cause to reflect, it has also reminded me how fortunate I have been to spend my career working alongside people who care deeply about teachers, schools and the children and young people they serve. Being Chair of NASBTT has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. Throughout my time in the role, I have seen first-hand the passion, commitment and expertise that exists across our membership. Whatever challenges the sector has faced, there has always been a determination to do the very best for trainee teachers and to ensure that school-based teacher education remains strong.

There have been many moments that I will remember. One that stands out was at last year’s NASBTT Conference (the first face-to-face event since Covid) following a particularly challenging period for the sector. Listening to colleagues from different parts of the country sharing their experiences, I was struck by the warmth, energy and excitement in the room. Different contexts, different organisations, but the same commitment to helping new teachers thrive. It was a reminder that NASBTT’s real strength has never been in structures or systems; it has always been in its Members. As I step away, I do so with real confidence in the future. Across the country there are talented leaders, committed teacher educators and strong partnerships working every day to strengthen the profession. Teacher education will continue to evolve, but I have no doubt that the sector will rise to whatever opportunities and challenges come next. I am particularly delighted to welcome Keith Ford as the new Chair Elect of NASBTT. Keith brings a wealth of experience, deep understanding of the sector and a genuine commitment to collaboration and excellence. Having worked alongside him, I know how much he cares about teacher development and the role that organisations such as NASBTT play in supporting the profession. I can think of no one better placed to lead the association into its next chapter. For me personally, this marks the end of a significant chapter. Education has shaped my values, challenged my thinking and brought me lifelong friendships. Most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to work with extraordinary people who share a belief in the power of education to change lives. My thanks go to the NASBTT Team, Board members past and present, colleagues across the sector and the many trainees and teachers who remind us every day why this work matters. It has been a privilege to serve.”

We wish Anna all the very best for her next chapter.