Ann Byrd, Chief Operating Officer

Ann Byrd serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Teaching Quality (CTQ), assisting with policy, research and management efforts across the organization. Prior to joining CTQ, Ann was the Executive Director of the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Advancement, located at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC (www.cerra.org).

Ann began her education career in 1983 as a high school English teacher after earning her BA in English – Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina. In 1989, she was trained as an instructor for the Teacher Cadet Program sponsored by CERRA, a pre-collegiate recruitment strategy designed to interest high school seniors in the education profession. In 1990, Ann received her MEd from Winthrop University in English Education. After seven years working with Teacher Cadets and 13 years in the classroom as an English and journalism teacher, she served as a Teacher in Residence for three years and a Program Director for one year at CERRA. In 2000, Ann was selected to serve as the Executive Director of CERRA and held that position for six years. She earned National Board Certification® in English language arts for Adolescents and Young Adults in November of 2000. Byrd also sits on the NBPTS® Board of Directors.