The suggestion that an association for geology teachers was first raised at a conference in September 1967 at Keele University. 140 teachers attended that meeting, representing primary and secondary independent and maintained schools as well as teaching staff from museums, universities and colleges.

Soon after, the Association of Teachers of Geology (ATG) was established, with 98 teachers joining in the first year. By the second year and the next conference this number had risen to more than 300. The conference in 1968 became the first annual conference of the association.

Geology was offered nationally as an O Level in schools during this time, but in 1987 the national landscape changed, with the introduction of the National Curriculum in schools. At its core were English, maths and the sciences. With clear overlaps between geography, geology and science the association changed its name in the following year to the Earth Science Teachers' Association to best reflect its relevance across all of these subjects. 

Continuing to grow, ESTA registered as a UK Charity in 1991 and has worked with the same cross section of Earth Science educators ever since.

In our 67 year history ESTA has supported UK teachers of Earth Science through research, conferences, courses, in service teacher training and the development of teaching resources.

ESTA Presidents

Prof Phil Manning 2022 - 24 (current)

Dr Jodie Fisher 2020 - 22

Professor Ian Barker 2019 - 20

Mr David Shilston 2016 – 18

Prof. Iain Stewart 2014 – 16

Dr Chris Carlon 2012 – 14

Prof. Jon Gluyas 2010 – 12

Dr. Martin Whiteley 2001 – 03

Dr. Alan McKirdy 1999 – 01

Dr. Keith Duff 1997 – 99

Sir John Knill 1995 – 97

Mr. Richard Hardman 1993 – 95

Dr. John Jennings 1991 – 93

Prof. Chris Wilson 1990 – 91

ESTA Chairs

Ms Angela Bentley 2022 – 24 (current)

Mr James Speed 2020 – 22

Dr Dan Boatright 2018 – 20

Ms Joanne Conway 2017 – 18

Ms Niki Edwards 2015 – 17

Mr. Pete Loader 2013 – 15

Dr. Maggie Williams 2011 – 13

Dr. Cally Oldershaw 2010

Ms. Niki Whitburn 2008 – 10

Dr. Dawn Windley 2006 – 08

Dr. Martin Whiteley 2004 – 06

Dr. Geraint Owen 2002 – 04

Mr. Ian Thomas 2000 – 02

Dr. Neil Thomas 1998 – 00

Mr. Duncan Hawley 1996 – 98

Dr. Dee Edwards 1994 – 96

Mr. Peter Kennett 1992 – 94

Mr. Chris King 1990 – 92