Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership

Dr Ange Rogers, numeracy leader and coach, discusses the important role parents can play in their children’s mathematics education with Academy Principal in Residence, Phillip Coloca. With parents and carers in mind, this episode explores: how mathematics education has changed over time what mathematics looks like in the classroomtoday how young people learn best techniques and strategies that can...

In this first episode of a 2-part podcast, Academy Leadership Excellence Division Director, Kendra Parker is joined by Dr. Nathaniel Swain, a teacher, instructional coach and author of Harnessing the Science of Learning. Together, they delve into the evidence around the science of learning, by exploring some of the myths and misconceptions currently circulating about this approach. About Nathanial...

Anxiety is now one of the most significant factors impacting student learning and behaviour in Australian classrooms. This podcast will provide educators and leaders with a resource on student wellbeing, specifically focusing on anxiety and how that interrelates with behaviour in the classroom. When teachers recognise anxiety in the classroom, understand the importance of psychological safety, and...

In this episode, Academy Expert Teacher in Residence Michael Kollaras is joined by Gail McHardy, CEO of Parents Victoria, representing the voice of parents and carers of young people in Victorian schools. Together, they delve into all things generative artificial intelligence (genAI), with Gail asking questions that matter most to families.  This episode is essential for principals, assistant prin...

2022 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) alumni Jay Chew (Al-Taqwa College), Ben Jones (Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary College) and Kendall Aglinskas (Assumption College) dive deep into their teaching journeys. They candidly discuss personal stories, from unconventional relationships with school as students, to discovering a profound sense of belonging and purpose within the teaching vocation and...

Leadership Excellence Division 2023 Principal in Residence Greg Lacey is joined by principal Andrew Schneider and paediatrician Vanessa Gabriel to discuss the barriers disadvantaged communities face in accessing quality healthcare. They also delve into an innovative program in schools on the Mornington Peninsula, that works to remove those barriers for families and children. Andrew is the Principa...

In this episode Carol Hodgson (Department of Education, regional) and 2022 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) alumni Melissa Pavey from South Street Primary School in Moe and Cathy Buchanan-Hagen from Hamlyn Banks Primary School in Geelong discuss all things literacy, education and mentor texts. They dive deep into effective use of mentor texts to create accessible classrooms and foster joy and ins...

Join TEP alumni Kimberly Silva (Mount Rowan Secondary College) and Dr Christine Lambrianidis (Suzanne Cory High School) as they tackle myths about gifted students in the classroom. Recorded before the 2023 Year 12 exams, this episode aims to dismantle misconceptions and problematic stereotypes of gifted students that extend beyond the classroom and traditional academic achievements. Parents and te...

In this episode, Academy Principal in Residence Justine Smyth is joined by executive class principals Gail Hardman and Prue Pisani who currently work in Differentiated Support School Improvement [DSSI] in the Northwest Victorian Region. Prue Pisani commenced her executive class principal role in a school and recently moved into the DSSI role to support the implementation of school change at a netw...

Hosted by Academy Principal in Residence Simone Eirth, this episode delves into all things instructional coaching with internationally recognised thought leader Dr Jim Knight. This is a great episode for principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders as it provides practical strategies and insights into supporting and empowering educators and school staff, and how to better understan...

Academy Principals in Residence, Kendra and Simone, have been working on embedding the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework (ALEF) and to develop resources for schools to foster excellence in educational leadership. In our latest podcast episode they are joined by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Viviane Robinson, to discuss the ALEF how it can be used by school leaders and leadership teams to...

Principals in Residence Samantha Jeacle and Justine Mackey are joined by Chris Varney and Rachael Hamilton of the I CAN Network. In this episode, they discuss practical ways educators can support students with autism in the classroom. Chris and Rachael provide insights into how the I CAN Network assists teachers in aiding neurodiverse students and share personal examples of work avoidance. The I C...

This episode is 3 of 3. Valuing maths positively impacts student learning outcomes and determines whether a student will continue to engage with maths at school and beyond. This episode discusses a particular type of maths – utility value – and the research backed way to improve it. Hosted by Teaching Excellence Program Master Teacher Ben Allen with guest Dr Sarah Buckley (Australian Council for E...

This episode is 2 of 3. Valuing maths positively impacts student learning outcomes and determines whether a student will continue to engage with maths at school and beyond. This episode is hosted by Teaching Excellence Program Master Teacher Emma Moore and features Dr Sarah Buckley from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). This episode covers types of maths (eg., utility value)...

This is episode 1 of 3. Maths anxiety is an emotion experienced by students all over Australia and can significantly impact learning. Hosted by Head of Mathematics at Albert Park College and Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Alumni Rachael Gore, this episode will discuss a model for understanding Maths anxiety and strategies for addressing causes and symptoms. Featuring the Australian Council for...

Attention all school ‘middle leaders’!  Hosted by 2023 Academy Principal in Residence Greg Lacey, this episode features EC by Go1 CEO Dave Faulkner and learning designer and facilitator Glenn Solomons. In this episode Greg, Dave and Glenn cover all things middle leadership and the impact they can have as “the engine room of change in schools”.  Meet the EC team   EC (by Go1) is a Melbourne based a...

Teaching Excellence Program Master Teachers Lorena Pellone-Gismondi and Francés Braithwaite are joined by neurologist, former teacher and change maker Dr Judy Willis to discuss the connections between neuroscience, teaching and learning. This is a great episode for teachers of all year levels looking for practical strategies they can apply within their classrooms to motivate and engage students. W...

This episode was originally recorded as a live webinar. While the audio quality may not be what you're used to on our channel we know the ideas raised will help challenge and advance educator understanding. Join Principal in Residence Kendra Parker and international thought leader Professor Yong Zhao to better understand and support student engagement. Suitable for all Victorian educators, thi...

With a focus on mathematics, Academy Master Teacher Emma Moore is joined in this podcast by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager. In this episode they discuss how educators can use technology to create better mathematical thinking and learning experiences for students. This episode also touches on how computers and technology can create valuable learning adventures for students and teacher...

With a focus on mathematics, Academy Master Teacher Colin Chapman is joined by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager. This episode delves into the ever-evolving technology and computational environments used to support both student and educator learning. With a focus on practical and engaging project-based numeracy development, this a must-listen episode for classroom teachers with the desi...

With a focus on mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI), Academy Master Teacher Anam Javed is joined by international thought leader, Dr Gary Stager. This episode discusses the mathematical limitations and possibilities of AI in the classroom and the presence of programs such as ChatGPT. Also up for discussion is ‘symbolic programming’, data analysis and how teachers can use technology to ree...

Originally recorded as a video/vodcast, in this episode, Professor Eric Mazur (Harvard University), Dr Claire Brown (Director Teaching Excellence Division - Academy), and Gail Bray (former Director of Wyndham Tech School), discuss what it means to advance the quality and status of teaching. Eric discusses the ‘moral obligation’ that educators have to develop well-rounded individuals who embrace cr...

2023 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Master Teacher, Christopher Hudson, is joined by educational thought leader, Professor Amanda Berry, from RMIT University. In this episode Chris and Amanda delve into the power of teachers engaging in practitioner inquiry, both individually and collectively. They unpack self-study and consider the dispositions and traits that teachers need to successfully cri...

What are the fundamental skills for successful leadership in education?  Neil Barker discusses the value of leaders continuing their own learning journeys, the meaning of true collaboration, and the importance of a clear leadership vision.

How can we change our education systems to give young people the skills they need to become global citizens? Joanne Quinn talks about the key drivers for transforming learning to prepare students for the future.