Podclass - Podcast for Teachers and Educators

• #49 - The One About Telling Students to Shut Up

  Hosts: Will Massara & Amanda Marshall Length: ~15 mins Topic: Educator accountability, language in classrooms, and the importance of emotional safety for students.Welcome back to Podclass, where youth voice, educator insight, and honest reflection meet. In Episode 49, Will and Amanda delve into a real-life Reddit post that sparked a spirited discussion: can a teacher playfully say “shut up” to students? And if it slips out—what should happen next?This isn’t just a conversation about one moment—it’s a bigger reflection on professional responsibility, power, and what it takes to model accountability in a classroom.🔍 In This Episode1. Intent vs. Impact: Why “Shut Up” Landed Hard“We are always on show as teachers. Everything we say is perceived and received.”The hosts unpack how words—especially emotionally loaded ones like "shut up"—can impact students, even when the intent was playful. They explore how trauma-informed practice centers playfulness but also demands emotional awareness and reflection.2. The Power of Owning It“Ego must stay at the door… Our students will respect our humility.”What should educators do when they slip up? Amanda and Will outline the steps to reclaim trust after a mistake: acknowledge, apologize, and turn it into a teachable moment. They affirm that owning your impact is part of leading with integrity.3. A Culture of Safety Over Perfection“Schools are, for many, the safest place they’ll be. That trust matters.”This episode reminds educators that language shapes culture. Listeners are encouraged to build emotionally safe classrooms where students feel heard, not silenced—and to embrace repair over defensiveness.🧰 Practical Strategies for EducatorsCreate a culture of repair: Normalize taking responsibility and model it explicitly.Use playful tone with care: Make sure jokes land safely and don’t replicate harm.Ask students for feedback: Talk openly about how language impacts the group.De-center ego: Mistakes are inevitable—what matters is how we show up after them.🌐 Stay ConnectedListen to this episode and more at Podclass on YLAA. Explore YEP for leadership resources and school programs. Join the community at Youth Leadership Academy Australia.#EducatorReflection #StudentSafety #TeacherLanguage

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• #48 - The One About Collaboration with Youth

  Hosts: Will Massara, Amanda Marshall Guest Host: Emma 🤝 How authentic youth collaboration really happens—and why it matters.This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a full-circle moment. Will and Amanda are joined again by Emma, a former student leader turned Youth Advisory Board Chair at YLAA. Together, they explore what genuine collaboration with young people looks like—from student councils to national stages.Whether you're an educator, program designer, or just passionate about youth voice, this is a must-listen on building real partnerships across generations.From Fan to Facilitator: Emma’s Leadership Journey“I went from watching the conference in the crowd... to chairing the board that shapes it.” – EmmaEmma recounts her journey from a high school student sneaking into a YLAA event, to designing leadership summits at her school, to now speaking on stage and advising YLAA strategy. This episode traces the ripple effect of one opportunity—and what happens when youth voice is truly welcomed.Youth Voice Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational“Young people need a space to be their authentic selves. That’s where voice can grow.” – AmandaThe team unpacks what it takes to actually amplify youth voice: safe environments, mission-driven leadership, and educators willing to listen to understand. Emma shares real-life examples of leadership spaces where students were heard—and those where they weren’t.What Real Collaboration Looks Like“Done is better than perfect—especially when it’s built together.” – WillThe episode closes with a discussion on cross-generational collaboration: how teachers and students can partner effectively. The hosts name core principles—connection, co-design, and shared purpose—and challenge adult allies to let go of control in favor of collective ownership.Practical Strategies for EducatorsBuild With, Not For: Involve students from the ideation phase—not just execution.Co-Design Spaces: Create environments where students can show up fully, not just conform.Connect Deeply: Prioritise teacher-student relationships as the foundation of any collaboration.Support Action: Back student-led projects, even small ones. Confidence grows through doing.Let Go of “Perfect”: Focus on authentic participation over polished outcomes.ConclusionEpisode 48 reminds us: youth voice isn’t a checkbox—it’s a compass. True collaboration means making space for young people to lead, even if the process is messy. Emma’s story proves what’s possible when adults believe, support, and walk alongside young leaders.🎧 Listen to all episodes: www.ylaaus.com/podclass 📣 Learn more: Youth Engagement Project | YLAA 📸 IG: @podclass.aus

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• #47 - The One About Supporting Year 12s Through Exams

  #47 - The One About Supporting Year 12s Through Exams

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• #46 - The One About Teaching Culture with John Hattie

  In this powerful episode of Podclass, hosts Sky Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Masara welcome back the renowned educational researcher Professor John Hattie. This time, the discussion centres on teaching culture—how it shapes student learning, impacts teacher wellbeing, and fosters an environment of trust and collaboration. With Professor Hattie’s groundbreaking insights, this episode dives deep into creating thriving school cultures and solving the pressing challenges faced by educators today.Podclass: www.ylaaus.com/podclassIG: https://www.instagram.com/podclass.ausCreating Inviting Spaces for LearningProfessor Hattie argues that school culture should be the starting point, not achievement. Positive school cultures foster a sense of belonging for students and create an environment where they feel motivated to learn."Achievement is the outcome, not the input. Start with culture, and the learning will follow." – John HattieTackling the Relentlessness ProblemA central theme of the episode is the relentlessness educators face post-Covid. John challenges the notion that workload is the primary issue and instead focuses on creating space for reflection and collaboration."The problem isn't workload; it's the relentlessness. Teachers need space to think, reflect, and collaborate." – John HattieThe Role of Leadership in Building TrustThe conversation highlights how school leaders can cultivate trust among staff, enabling teachers to collaborate and share without fear of judgment. Trust is foundational to improving teaching practices and ultimately benefits student outcomes."High-impact education happens when teachers feel safe to evaluate their impact and work together." – John HattieRedefining Career StructuresThe episode delves into the need for a clear career trajectory for educators, allowing teachers to stay in the classroom and continue growing without feeling the pressure to leave for leadership roles."We need a career structure that esteems and rewards the expertise of teachers beyond 10 years." – John HattieAddressing Burnout and Valuing ExpertiseThe hosts and John discuss the challenges of teacher burnout and the lack of recognition for exceptional educators. Shifting the narrative to celebrate teachers’ impact is essential for the profession’s sustainability."We must shift the conversation to celebrate teachers' incredible coping strategies and profound impact." – John HattieLeveraging Technology to Reduce PressureProfessor Hattie explores the potential of AI tools like ChatGPT to reduce teachers’ workloads, giving them more time to focus on meaningful collaboration and reflection."AI can reduce teacher workloads faster than it will impact students—let’s use it to alleviate pressure." – John HattieUnderstanding School Culture and Its ImpactEvolving the Teaching ProfessionIn Episode 25, Podclass unpacks how building a positive teaching culture starts with trust, collaboration, and focusing on what truly matters: creating spaces for learning and professional growth. From rethinking the teacher career path to addressing the relentlessness problem, this episode offers educators actionable strategies to thrive in the classroom and beyond.Our OrganisationsYEP: https://youthengagementproject.com/YLAA: www.ylaaus.com

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• #45 - The One About Meeting Students Where They Are At with Lael Stone

  In this episode of Podclass, Skye Hughes, Amanda Marshall, and Will Massara welcome Lael Stone, a leading educator and speaker focused on children's emotional well-being. They discuss the importance of connecting with students by meeting them “where they’re at” rather than where we might expect them to be. Drawing on her experience as a school founder, doula, and trauma counsellor, Lael shares actionable advice on how educators and parents can support students' emotional needs, encourage autonomy, and foster environments where children feel seen and valued.Understanding “Meeting Students Where They Are At”Lael highlights how critical it is to consider students' emotional and physical states, recognising that young people often need space and support before diving into learning. By meeting students as they are, rather than expecting immediate compliance, educators can build trust and facilitate a positive learning environment.Encouraging Autonomy and Respecting BoundariesThe episode touches on practical approaches for giving students autonomy in the classroom without losing structure. Lael explains that autonomy does not mean complete freedom; rather, it’s about respecting students' need for agency and recognising the ways they naturally learn best.Key Takeaways:Building a trusting, empathetic relationship with students is essential for creating a supportive learning environment.Allowing students some control over their learning helps them engage more deeply and reduces behavioural challenges.Educators can promote resilience and self-awareness in students by allowing them space to express their feelings and be understood without judgment.Special Guest: Lael StoneWebsite: Lael StoneLinks and Resources:Youth Engagement Project (YEP): youthengagementproject.comYouth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA): www.ylaaus.comInstagram: @podclass.aus

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