‘Throughout the course, leaders prioritise and support trainee well-being. Wisely, programme leaders have introduced a ‘pause and prioritise’ approach, which helps trainees to manage their time and workload. As a result, trainees feel supported and nurtured’.
Ofsted, July 2022
Meet The Team
Our dedicated and experienced team are here to support you throughout your teacher training journey.
Krishna Thaker - Director Of ITT
I am Director of Essex Schools ITT, based at our Lead School, Davenant Foundation School. My role focuses on the training and development of our trainees, including leading face-to-face training, providing personalised support and intervention where needed, and supporting recruitment across the partnership.
I have over 20 years’ experience in education, beginning my career as a Science teacher before progressing through roles including Head of Chemistry, Head of Sixth Form, Lead Practitioner and Assistant Headteacher. I have extensive experience designing and leading professional development for teachers at all stages of their careers, from initial teacher training and early career development through to middle and senior leadership. I am also a qualified Level 5 coach.
I am passionate about developing confident, reflective and highly skilled teachers who can make a lasting difference to the young people and communities they serve. I believe excellent teacher training should combine evidence-informed practice with meaningful classroom experience, expert mentoring and personalised support.
My aim is for every trainee to feel known, supported and challenged, while developing the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to build a successful and rewarding career in teaching.
Peter Gibbon - Chelmsford Secondary Liaison & Face 2 Face Facilitator
My name is Peter Gibbon and I am currently Director of Learning at Great Baddow High School. I work closely with the Chelmsford schools in the Essex Schools ITT partnership and help to run the Face To Face sessions. I have been an English teacher for over 30 years and have taught in a variety of different schools. I have been involved teacher training and whole school CPD for many years and I am passionate about constantly reflecting upon and evolving the teaching profession.
Rosie Ball - ITT Admin Manager
Rosie Ball is the ITT Partnership Admin Manager and is based at our Lead School, Davenant Foundation School. Rosie deals with all aspects of your training journey, from being your first point of contact to arranging your interview and liaising with our provider, TES Institute, to ensure your teacher training journey is a smooth one.
Rosie handles much of the outward-facing aspects of the partnership, including event organisation, liaison with schools, website editing and social media management.
Rosie's background is in communications, advertising, copywriting and marketing within the commercial, healthcare and higher education sectors. Organisations she has worked for include Kings College London, BUPA, Spire Healthcare and several commercial advertising agencies. She has also worked in various roles at our Lead School. She has won awards for best practice in the customer experience and copywriting. "I am pleased to be able to bring my professional experience to the Partnership – we love to ‘grow our own’ teachers, and very much hope we can help you to become one of them."
Shaz Yazer - ITT Administrator
Shaz will be a main point of contact throughout your application and training journey, from initial processing, keeping you informed about training dates and notifying you about key processes and events during the year.
Shaz has a background in Law and Education. She has worked in Admission and Exclusions at County level and has also worked in schools in Essex.
Shaz is very passionate about education and will assist you in your journey to becoming a qualified teacher.
Liane Heard - Deputy Director of Standards and School Improvement
Liane is currently Deputy Director of Standards and School Improvement at the Chelmsford Learning Partnership, an 8 school Multi Academy Trust, working across both Primary and Secondary phases . She also takes the lead in supporting Primary ITT trainees and runs their face-to-face sessions on Wednesdays. With over 10 years of experience in primary education, Liane has a wealth of knowledge in teaching across the age range, from EYFS to Year 6. Throughout this time, she has been involved in various teacher training routes and is passionate about developing trainee teachers to become our future exceptional educators and inspirational leaders.
Gareth Walsh - ITT/ECT Coordinator
Gareth is currently ITT/ECT Coordinator for PCLC which works across 2 secondary and 3 primary schools. Having worked for Passmores Academy for 13 years, Gareth has a wealth of knowledge in teaching across KS3 and 4 and currently teaches mathematics. Throughout his time at the school, Gareth has taken numerous roles including pedagogy leader, 2nd in department and leading CPD sessions for ITT, ECT and whole staff.
Katie Davis - Lead Mentor
My name is Katie Davis and I am based at Great Baddow High School. I have been a Head of Department and Head of Faculty and have moved across to the Pastoral side of the school working with 6th Form. I have been involved in teacher training for many years and have directly mentored many students through their training programme. I am now the Lead Mentor for the Essex Schools ITT. This will involve me working closely with all trainees and mentors across the partnership to support them through the training year. I am very passionate about teaching and learning and ensuring that the training process is calm and successful.
Judith Gibbon - Primary Lead Trainer
My name is Judith Gibbon and I have been in education for over 30 years, 17 years as a primary headteacher.
I am passionate about teaching and learning and providing outstanding learning for all students.
I am a TES primary pathway tutor and help lead the training of primary ITTs for Essex Schools ITT.