The leadership of the North American Network of Field Educators and Directors (NANFED) is pleased to announce the group’s 2013 reincorporation. Having been originally founded in 1987 to promote the interests of social work field education, NANFED continues pursuing this mission through a range of activities that promote the interests of field education. With renewed focus and dedication, and in collaboration with a nationwide network of consortia and field educators, NANFED will continue its critical work representing an independent voice on behalf of field educators, supporting best practices through field education scholarship, and promoting and celebrating quality field education. A 24/7 resource, the newly-launched NANFED Web site provides up-to-date information and networking opportunities for current and prospective members.

NANFED serves social work field educators in the US, Canada, and beyond through the following activities:

  • Promoting the interests of field education with the Council on Social Work Education, including chairing the Field Education Track of the Annual Program Meeting (APM) and encouraging abstract submission and peer review participation by field consortia members and field educators.
  • Identifying issues relevant to field education to be addressed by NANFED, as well as through communication with the CSWE Council on Field Education and at the CSWE APM.
  • Sponsoring and funding the annual Heart of Social Work Award — the only national honor for excellence in field instruction.
  • Hosting the Heart of Social Work Award reception and NANFED annual business meeting at the CSWE APM.
  • Encouraging collaboration by supporting the development of Regional Field Consortia and providing communication opportunities to and across consortia.
  • Mentoring new field directors.

Lisa Richardson, NANFED president and treasurer, said, “As the field experience is core to social work students’ education, NANFED strives to be a core resource for field educators and directors. Our collaboration ensures excellence in field education for the coming generations of social workers.”

Membership in NANFED supports all the activities outlined above. More information on membership is available through the NANFED website. ON behalf of the members of NANFED, please consider joining us today.

NANFED 2013 Board of Directors

President and Treasurer

Lisa Richardson
Director of MSW Field Education, St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas

Vice President

Bill Fisher
Director of Field Education, Springfield College

Secretary

Rebecca Brigham
Director, Field Education Program, University of North Carolina

At large

Patti Aldredge
Director of Field Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Ronnie Glassman
Director of Field Instruction, Yeshiva University
Beth Halaas
Director of Field Education, California State University, Northridge