Episode 17. Teaching-Focused Careers in Australia: Lessons from the Other Side of the World with Associate Professor Michael Baird

In this episode, we are joined by Dr Michael Baird, Associate Professor and Director of Learning and Teaching at Curtin University, Australia, to explore what the education-focused academic pathway looks like from an Australian perspective.We chat about Michael's career journey into academia and examine how teaching-focused careers are structured, recognised and promoted in Australia. We discuss leadership, scholarship of teaching and learning, promotion, and the balance between teaching, research and educational innovation. A central theme of the episode is the importance of embracing opportunities. Through examples including a case of contract cheating, generative AI and educational leadership, Michael reflects on how saying "yes", building a national reputation, and turning challenges into opportunities can shape a rewarding and impactful education-focused career.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.