Teacher Takeaway

In this episode, Brendan Lee returns to unpack five powerful ideas that cut through the noise of teaching and focus on what truly works in the classroom. Together, we explore how clarity for novices, purposeful classroom dialogue, fluency, intentional discovery, and the use of data can transform student learning and teacher practice. Brendan shares practical, evidence-informed insights that help educators move from good intentions to consistent, high-impact instruction.

In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Murphy, Director of the Victorian Lesson Plans project, to explore what it really takes to improve teaching and learning at scale. We unpack what makes a lesson truly effective, the role ready-made resources can play in strengthening curriculum and practice, and the common pitfalls schools need to avoid. Steph also shares practical strategies for leaders and teachers to adapt these resources well and use them as a driver for genuine, whole-school improvement.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Simon Breakspear to unpack what “elevated conversations” really mean and why they matter more than ever in schools today. We explore where everyday conversations can go wrong, what great leaders do differently, and simple, practical shifts that can immediately improve the quality of dialogue across a school. Simon also shares how getting this right impacts student outcomes and what it could mean for the future of the profession if we truly lift the way we talk about teaching and learning.

In this episode, education writer Natalie Wexler joins us to explore why writing is not just a way to assess learning, but a powerful tool for thinking, knowledge building, and student understanding. We unpack the cognitive benefits of writing, including how retrieval practice and elaboration can be embedded through simple, manageable classroom strategies. Natalie also shares practical advice for teachers and school leaders on strengthening writing instruction across the curriculum and avoiding common pitfalls.

In this episode, we speak with astrophysicist and UNSW Professor of Practice Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith about her journey into science and her passion for STEM education in schools. Lisa shares insights from her time as Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador and discusses the ongoing challenges around gender equity and student participation in STEM subjects. We also explore the Future You program and practical strategies teachers can use to create more inclusive, engaging STEM learning environments.