From Mumbai to Cardiff: Welcoming Dr. Akash Raut to the BTD Global Team
We are absolutely thrilled to officially welcome Dr. Akash Raut from Mumbai, India, as a Consultant Trainer for the British Teaching Diploma (BTD).
Dr. Raut comes to us with the highest commendations from our original partner school in Mumbai, DSB International School. To mark the beginning of this partnership, Dr. Raut flew from the vibrant streets of Mumbai to the heart of Wales, spending an intensive week with me at our Cardiff head office for a deep-dive Research and Development program around the BTD.
Walking the Walk: Standardisation and Excellence
During our time together, I guided Dr. Raut through the intricate architecture of the BTD. We focused on:
Course Content & Pedagogy: A granular look at the modules that define our standards.
Assessment & Rubrics: Detailed work on standardisation to ensure consistency across borders.
Leading by Example: In an impressive display of dedication, Dr. Raut chose to sit the Diploma himself. He felt it was vital to "walk the walk" before delivering the course to future cohorts.
Needless to say, his submission of all 12 module assignments was exemplary—exactly what one would expect from an educator of his calibre.
Dr Akash Raut and BTD Managing Director Steve Chapman next to Cardiff Castle on the day of his return home to India
A Wealth of Expertise in South Asia
Dr. Raut isn't just a trainer; he is a titan in the field of South Asian education. His background includes:
Cambridge International: Extensive experience supporting school networks.
Specialisations: Expertise in curriculum reform, mentoring, and educational research.
Inclusive Excellence: His Doctorate in Education focuses on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB). We are now working together to ensure these critical dimensions are woven into the very fabric of our professional development programs.
Solving Real-World Challenges
Beyond the paperwork, the true joy of the week was "chewing the fat" over the challenges today's teachers face. We spent hours discussing practical, realistic solutions. The BTD isn't just about theory; it's about providing the real-world tools that teachers need but often struggle to access.
With Dr. Raut on board, we know the BTD is in incredibly safe hands as we expand our reach across India and South Asia.
Dr Akash Raut and Senior BTD Course Leader Steve Garnett
The Farewell
The attached photograph shows us outside Cardiff Central Station, where I bid farewell to Dr. Raut as he began his journey back to Heathrow and onwards to Mumbai.
We look forward to a long and fruitful future of collaboration. The vision of the BTD—to empower teachers globally—just took a massive leap forward.
Welcome to the team, Akash!