Let’s Talk Teaching

Embedding Indigenous perspectives in schools isn’t just about what we teach - it’s about what educators themselves still need to understand, and why meaningful change often begins there. Beyond curriculum content, this conversation explores history, reflection, relationships and responsibility in education. From Acknowledgement of Country to lessons on colonisation, many schools are trying to enga...

Not every student behaviour is defiance, disengagement, or disruption. As trauma-informed practice becomes a growing focus in education, teachers are increasingly being asked to respond to complex student needs with understanding, safety and connection. In this episode, Emily Berger and Yihan Sun explore what trauma-informed practice actually means in schools and early childhood settings, and why...

Rather than reacting to misbehaviour, what if we approached it with the same planning and intention we bring to teaching literacy and numeracy in the classroom?  In this episode, behaviour expert Dr Russ Fox and school leader Karina Stocker explain why behaviour should be treated as a skill - explicitly taught, consistently reinforced, and supported through clear expectations and structured routin...

Play is more than just fun - it’s a key driver of creativity, problem-solving and social connection in early learning. Yet as children progress through school, opportunities for play often shrink - taking with them an essential part of how students learn, reason and make sense of the world. In this episode, early years researcher Dr Leigh Disney, and teacher and PhD Candidate Hong Chen share pract...

For many teachers, games have long been a classroom staple - but their impact goes far beyond surface-level engagement. When designed and used with intent, game-based learning can transform mathematical thinking, improve classroom dynamics, and create lasting connections to content. In this episode, Dr James Russo shares what makes a truly effective maths game, unpacking six key principles from hi...

While concerns about AI replacing teachers persist, the reality is far more complex—and filled with opportunity. This technology shift calls for a reimagining of the teacher’s role, where professional judgement, leadership and curiosity take centre stage. In this episode, Dr Jo Blannin unpacks what generative AI actually is, why it’s more than just a tech tool, and how teachers can lead its meanin...

With teacher shortages and shifting school demands, many early-career teachers are stepping into leadership roles within their first few years in the profession. However, with limited preparation and support, some find themselves burning out - or leaving teaching altogether.  In this episode, teacher James Desmond reflects on his own fast-tracked journey into leadership, how it affected his relati...

Behind the disrespect and undermining attitudes lies a broader cultural shift, fuelled by misogynistic messaging - both inside and outside of school walls. This growing pattern of behaviour isn’t just challenging - it’s incredibly concerning, and it’s not just limited to the classroom.  In this episode, teacher Simone Nguyen shares her firsthand experiences with male students in the classroom, fro...

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of creativity and critical thinking within the educational sphere, exploring how these fundamental skills are pivotal across all subjects, especially in science. Our guests highlight the dynamic ways these skills can be integrated into daily teaching practices to enhance student learning and engagement, particularly through problem-solving. Join Dr....

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of literacy education, where technological innovations are revolutionising traditional teaching and learning methods. Our guests Dr. Kylie Bradfield and Claudia Shute, explore the critical role of literacy across all curriculum areas, emphasising how incorporating students’ home languages can enrich literacy education by enhancing comprehension and in...

Join us as we explore how fostering student mental health and wellbeing impacts their academic success. From the importance of creating trusting relationships to the impact of COVID-19 - learn how to create strategies that support both students and teachers to create a nurturing and cohesive educational environment. In this episode, Dr. Stella Laletas and Dr. Chloe De Rosbo-Davies discuss the crit...

This episode takes a closer look at how creating supportive learning environments through trauma-informed practices and restorative justice can fundamentally transform the classroom landscape. It emphasises the importance of recognising student’s backgrounds to nurture and heal relationships, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kristin Reimer and Peter Langham s...

Join us as we explore the art of differentiation in education, revealing how personalised teaching strategies can effectively meet individual student needs and foster inclusivity, transforming classroom dynamics and empowering every student to reach their full potential. Our guests in this episode - Dr Penny Round and Madaline Curtain dive into the essential teaching strategy of differentiation. T...

We kick off our second season of Let’s Talk Teaching by exploring the transformative role of feedback in education. This episode uncovers how technology is revolutionising teacher-student interactions, shifting from traditional methodologies to innovative approaches that enhance learning outcomes. Join us as we unveil the nuances of educational feedback with our distinguished guests, Michael Hende...

Join us for the season finale of Let’s Talk Teaching as we explore the significance of nurturing and embracing one’s teacher identity, and how it can create a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. From expressing your own personality in the classroom to your approach to behavior management and your interactions with students – teacher identity is an all-encompassing concept that influences t...

Join us as we discuss the importance of building and sustaining partnerships with parents, carers, and community groups to enhance student learning opportunities and outcomes. Our guests, Professor Ruth Jeanes , Caitriona Dempsey, and Hayden Owens, share their expertise and individual strategies on how they engage and create meaningful relationships both inside and outside the classroom. Ruth disc...

What is it really like teaching in a rural or remote school? In this episode, we discuss the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of working so far away from inner suburbia. Schools in rural and remote locations are often at the heart of their local area and provide essential support not just for students, but for their families and the wider community as well. But what this means for educators...

In this episode, we're diving into the world of coaching and mentoring and discussing how these practices can significantly impact the development of teachers at all stages of their careers. Whether you're a pre-service teacher just starting out, an early career teacher trying to find your footing, or an experienced educator looking to take on a leadership role, coaching and mentoring can help you...

Welcome to the first season of Let's Talk Teaching! In this episode, we explore effective strategies for creating positive and supportive classroom environments that foster connections, while improving learning outcomes for students. Our guests and experienced educators, Dr. Maria Gindidis , Schy Prewett , and Callum Mackay share their insights, personal experiences, and successful strategies in m...

Let's Talk Teaching is a podcast created by teachers for teachers, hosted by Associate Professor Rebecca Cooper . Director of Initial Teacher Education at Monash University’s Faculty of Education. Join Dr. Cooper and her guests as they discuss a range of practical topics, including: Coaching and mentoring Supporting Student Behaviour (Classroom & Behaviour Management) Digital Technologies in the C...