Let’s Talk Teaching

• Staying the Course: Career Progression and Leadership in Teaching

  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 relationship with his work - and what helped him rediscover the joy of teaching again. Dr Fiona Longmuir brings a research perspective, sharing insights on why so many teachers are leaving mid-career, the systemic changes schools need to consider, and how we can better support meaningful, lasting progression in education. This is an honest and practical conversation for any teaching navigating their next step - without losing yourself along the way. In this episode, you’ll learn:What it’s really like to move into leadership early in your teaching career.The signs it may be time to pause, recalibrate or step back to protect your wellbeing.How school systems and structures shape the experience of career growth.What meaningful support looks like - from colleagues, leaders and school culture.How to approach your next career step with clarity, confidence and long-term perspective.Topics we explore:(00:00) Introduction to Career Progression and Leadership(02:13) James' First Year in Leadership (04:08) Dr Fiona Longmuir - Fast Tracking Careers(05:11) The First Five Years(08:24) Skills for Early Leadership(09:07) Instability and Workforce Challenges(11:57) Mid-Career Attrition and Burnout(14:35) Building Belonging for Teachers(16:10) Time, Money and Respect (19:49) Taking Charge of Career Progression(22:14) Finding Mentors and Networks(24:49) Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching(25:41) The Future of the Teaching WorkforceResources: Monash Education - Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Short Courses  Explore flexible short courses and programs to support your leadership journey at every stage of your teaching career.Monash Education - Education Workforce for the FutureA Monash-led research initiative focused on improving teacher retention, leadership and system-wide reform.Special Guests: Dr Fiona LongmuirSenior Lecturer, School of Education, Culture & SocietyFaculty of Education, Monash UniversityCo-Leader of the Education Workforce, Future Impact LabConnect with Fiona on LinkedIn or BlueskyJames DesmondHistory and Politics Secondary School TeacherGovernment School, MelbourneConnect with James on LinkedInIf you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast. If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit our website.We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

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• Navigating the Manosphere: When Gender Ideologies Enter the Classroom

  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, from physical intimidation to daily microaggressions. Researcher Dr Stephanie Wescott breaks down how harmful narratives around masculinity are shaping student behaviour - and what needs to shift at every level, from classroom practices to school-wide culture, and why current responses from leadership to policy, aren’t keeping pace.This episode digs into the structural gaps and the cultural discomfort that let these patterns continue - and what meaningful change could look like if everyone committed to sharing the responsibility in ensuring schools are safe, respectful spaces for everyone. In this episode, you’ll learn:How misogynistic rhetoric is influencing student behaviour.What it’s really like to be a female teacher experiencing these patterns.The gaps in school systems around support and accountability.The role of male teachers as allies and what whole-school accountability looks like.Why respectful relationships education must be more than a one-off session.Topics we explore:(00:00) What Is The Manosphere(00:28) The Rise of Misogyny in Classrooms(02:11) Understanding the Manosphere(04:43) What It Looks Like on the Ground(09:09) When Students Choose to Speak Up(10:44) A New Wave of Undermining Behaviour(14:22) Advice for Early Career Teachers(16:50) Breaking the Silence(19:22) Leadership’s Role in Cultural Change(20:42) Why Respectful Relationships Education Falls Short(24:10) Male Teachers as Allies(30:52) Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers Warning: This episode discusses gendered violence and sexual harassment. If you need support, contact 1800-RESPECT. Resources: Respectful RelationshipsRespectful Relationships education as a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12.1800-RESPECTAvailable for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call, text, online chat or video call options available.Special Guests: Dr Stephanie WescottLecturer, School of Education, Culture & SocietyFaculty of Education, Monash University  Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn or BlueSkySimone NguyenProfessional Learning Leader and Secondary School TeacherGovernment School, MelbourneIf you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast. If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit our website.We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

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  34:27
• Cultivating Creativity and Critical Thinking in the classroom

  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. Jen Mansfield and Mel Gatt for a vibrant exploration of creativity and critical thinking in shaping today’s educational landscape. Together, they unravel the complexity of these essential skills, offering rich insights into how they can transform classroom dynamics and empower students. Through lively conversation, our guests provide practical strategies for embedding these skills into teaching, highlight the nuanced ways they can be nurtured in students and tackle the intricate challenge of assessing such dynamic competencies.Together, we explore:The crucial role of creativity and critical thinking across all areas of education, especially in science.How creativity and critical thinking drives student engagement and deeper learning.Strategies for fostering an educational culture that promotes collaboration, deep reflection and effective self-management among students.Techniques for explicitly teaching and integrating creativity and critical thinking to foster students’ comprehension of the curriculum.The complexities of assessing these skills, emphasizing the importance of focusing on processes and thought patterns rather than just final learning outcomes.Dive into this episode to discover how fostering creativity and critical thinking can revolutionize educational practices, making learning more dynamic and impactful. Join us on this creative journey in Let’s Talk Teaching.Resources:OECD - Critical Creative Thinking Project (class-friendly Rubriks)The Power of Making Things VisibleTeaching Creative ThinkingSpecial Guests:Dr Jen MansfieldSenior Lecturer, Science Education - Monash UniversityMelissa GattLearning and Teaching Leader - St Peter’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Epping If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcastIf you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

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  40:16
• Enriching Literacy in Diverse Classrooms

  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 inclusivity. They also discuss the transformative impact of children’s books, highlighting its power to offer students mirrors and windows - reflecting their own experiences, whilst exposing them to new perspectives at the same time.Together, we explore:The broad scope of literacy which now encompasses not only traditional reading and writing, but also critical thinking and the ability to navigate technology effectively.Children’s books and their importance in developing literacy - offering both mirrors for students to see themselves and windows to learn about the world.The challenges of teaching literacy in today’s diverse classrooms and the importance of valuing students’ home languages to enhance comprehension and inclusivity.How parents can play a pivotal role in literacy development through activities such as reading together with their children.The need for ongoing support for teachers and access to research-informed pedagogical strategies to elevate literacy standards within the classroom.This episode highlights the broad impact of literacy on academic success and personal development, advocating for a holistic approach that empowers teachers, involves parents and meets the diverse needs of students. Jump in and Let’s Talk Teaching.Resources:My Two BlanketsThe Red BeastI Wanna IguanaSpecial Guests:Dr Kylie BradfieldSenior Lecturer, Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education - Monash UniversityClaudia ShuteTeacher - Barton Primary School, Cranbourne West If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcastIf you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

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  24:55
• Nurturing Minds - The Interplay of Mental Health, Wellbeing and Learning

  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 critical role of mental health in shaping educational experiences. As experts in psychology and education, they offer invaluable insights into the complex relationship between a student's sense of wellbeing and learning capacity.Drawing from her extensive teaching experience, Stella underscores the importance of creating secure and trusting environments for student success. Echoing her insights, Chloe, a psychologist and previous school counsellor, highlights the profound positive changes in students who establish connections with their teachers.Together, we explore:The direct impact of emotional safety on motivation and engagement in learning.The composition and invaluable role of wellbeing teams within schools, and how teachers can utilise these resources for additional support.Strategies for teachers to build trust and meaningful relationships with students, while maintaining professional boundaries and respecting privacy.The significant and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health, including the rise of disengagement and separation anxiety.The growing necessity for schools to prioritise educator wellbeing as it’s intrinsically linked to their effectiveness in the classroom.Practical resources and approaches that can help such as mental health first aid, to empower teachers to support their students effectively.This episode advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing in education, providing a wealth of insights for educators aiming to enrich their classroom environments and foster comprehensive development in their students. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Let’s Talk Teaching.Resources:Schools Mental Health MenuStudent Wellbeing HubHigh Impact Wellbeing StrategiesSpecial Guests:Dr Stella LaletasSenior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Counselling and Inclusive Education - Monash UniversityDr Chloe De Rosbo-DaviesEducational and Developmental Psychologist - Level Up Psychology If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcastIf you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

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