Flourishing Podcast

What does it take to create lasting literacy improvement across an education system — and how can schools avoid the “pendulum swings” of educational change?In this episode of the Flourishing Podcast, Danny Jabber sits down with literacy and implementation expert Emina McLean for a rich conversation exploring literacy reform, explicit instruction, implementation science, leadership, assessment, oral language, reading stamina, and sustainable school improvement.Drawing on experience across education, speech pathology, adolescent mental health, public health, and system reform, Emina shares practical insights for teachers, leaders, and systems wanting to improve student outcomes through evidence-informed practice.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Why society is reading less and why literacy matters more than ever00:42 – Meet Emina McLean and her unique professional background01:25 – Curiosity, learning, and balancing large-scale system work02:19 – Sustainability and implementation science in education03:17 – Keeping up with evolving literacy research04:52 – Closing the gap between research and classroom practice05:40 – Emina’s work with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS)06:27 – DIBELS, Year 1 Phonics Check, and assessment reform07:17 – Phonics Plus and supporting schools with literacy implementation07:34 – Vision for Reading and Vision for Writing explained08:05 – Why consistency across classrooms matters09:11 – Understanding the “pendulum swing” in education10:19 – Why schools must ask: What are we doing and why?11:04 – Lessons from working in schools and systems12:09 – Why implementation is hard and leadership matters12:46 – Advice for teachers overwhelmed by change14:47 – Why phonics is “the most important least important thing”15:48 – The critical role of oral language in literacy development18:16 – Supporting students learning English as an additional language20:03 – Non-negotiables for effective schools21:41 – Why reading and writing volume matters22:03 – How schools can build reading motivation and engagement24:21 – The impact of social media and short-form content on reading stamina25:18 – Why students need more time with complex texts26:46 – Why secondary schools must prioritise reading and writing28:47 – Disciplinary literacy across all subject areas29:32 – Why literacy is every teacher’s responsibility31:09 – Gradual release and building independent readers and writers33:02 – If teachers had 30 extra minutes a week — what should they do?34:17 – The power of classroom walkthroughs and peer observation35:43 – What inspires Emina’s work in education37:50 – Additional literacy resources and how to connect with the podcast teamIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why sustainable literacy reform mattersHow systems can implement change effectivelyWhy oral language underpins reading and writing successHow to improve reading stamina in a digital worldThe importance of explicit instruction and disciplinary literacyWhat high-performing schools consistently do wellHow leadership impacts implementation successWhy reading volume and text complexity matterPractical strategies for literacy improvement across primary and secondary schools📚 Explore more resources, professional learning, and teaching materials through the MACS teaching and learning platforms.👍 If you enjoyed this episode:Like • Subscribe • Share • Leave a comment#FlourishingPodcast #EminaMcLean #Literacy #ExplicitInstruction #ReadingScience #EducationLeadership #SchoolImprovement #Assessment #TeachingPractice #WritingInstruction #Phonics #Curriculum #TeacherDevelopment #VisionForInstruction

In this episode of the Flourishing Podcast, Danny Jaber is joined by educator, author and WalkThrus founder Tom Sherrington for a practical and thought‑provoking conversation about great teaching and instructional mastery. From the influence of music and creativity to the origins and global growth of WalkThrus, Tom shares clear guidance on implementation, professional learning, fidelity, cognitive load and coaching. Packed with concrete insights for teachers and leaders alike, this episode focuses on doing fewer things well and making change stick.   Description Links Tom’s blog: teacherhead – Zest for Learning… into the rainforest of teaching MACS’ WalkThrus Hub: MACS WalkThrus Hub. CEVN PL Resources: CEVN - Professional Learning Resources Online Learning Module –  CfU & Guided & Independent Practice: https://rise.articulate.com/share/WMBSyUvIGpmh8xBiqwzYFiYif8zxcSbe  Tom’s inspiration: Sarah Cottinghatt | Substack Email us: [email protected] Listen, subscribe and share elsewhere:  Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flourishing-podcast/id1882587014 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/12B8t35WKXtdz952APYyeA?si=LAhxx6feSVGsdgLbV6kcKQ 

In this episode of the Flourishing Podcast, Danny Jaber speaks with Katie Roberts-Hull about how teachers, schools, and systems can improve teaching practice through evidence-informed professional learning, strong curriculum resources, and clear system direction.The conversation explores how success builds motivation, why teachers need clarity and shared language, and how professional learning works best when it combines the “why” of research with practical classroom strategies. Katie also discusses the importance of intellectual preparation, the role of high-quality curriculum resources like Ochre, and how system frameworks such as the Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement help schools align practice and strengthen equity and excellence across the system.This episode is ideal for teachers, school leaders, and education system leaders interested in improving teaching practice, professional learning, and student outcomes.Chapters – Key Learnings0:00 Success builds motivation for teachers and students1:24 Why teachers need strong system supports4:13 The power of teacher collaboration and professional communities7:03 Professional learning: understanding the why and the how9:16 Consistency and quality in professional learning programs10:37 Using video reflection to improve teaching practice11:55 Curriculum resources that reduce teacher workload14:05 Intellectual preparation and using student data17:27 Avoiding “death by PowerPoint” in lesson delivery19:16 System frameworks and shared language for improvement21:19 Aligning professional learning with student needs24:19 Equity through consistent teaching and learning26:41 Final reflections and closing#FlourishingPodcast #EducationLeadership #TeachingPractice #ProfessionalLearning #ScienceOfLearning #InstructionalImprovement #TeacherDevelopment #CatholicEducation #EquityAndExcellence

In this episode of the Flourishing Podcast, we’re joined by Dr Edward Simons, Executive Director of MACS, to explore both, the Vision for Instruction and the Vision for Engagement, from a system-wide lens. Ed shares insights into how the Visions align with MACS’ broader strategic goals, the leadership required to embed it across diverse school contexts and what 2026 holds for our teachers. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on leadership, coherence and the power of a shared instructional vision.