PODCAST · education
Teach
by Department for Education, South Australia
Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.
Episodes
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Gender equity and perimenopause support at work
In this episode of Teach, Marina Elliot, the department’s Executive Director People and Culture, talks about gender equity, leadership and supporting women at work. Explore why women are underrepresented in some leadership roles despite making up much of the school and preschool workforce. The...
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Helping students self-regulate and learn at Oakbank School
What does it take to make self-regulation part of everyday school life? In this episode of Teach, Oakbank School shares how a whole-school focus on regulation helped shift culture, reduce stigma and keep more students engaged in learning. With support from the Department for Education’s...
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Moving beyond old-school thinking
In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia’s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to...
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Equity and agency in public education
Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing...
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Behind the scenes at PNTV
At Prospect North Primary School the students are telling their own stories via PNTV (Prospect North TV) videos and podcasts. Hear how it all began, why it’s got the whole school community excited, and how students come up with their own story ideas to share with everyone. Staff members Judy and...
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Inclusive connections at Berri Regional Secondary College
Berri Regional Secondary College, 2025 winner of the Public Education Award for Inclusive Practices in Education, reimagined the traditional school house sports competition to encompass diversity, belonging and unity. Principal Clinton Ridgway, along with Sports and HPE Coordinator Josh Vater…
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Empowering student voice through civics education
In this episode, hear how civics and citizenship education is brought to life at Golden Grove High School with teacher Chantel Lee and year 11 student Joel Strauss. The pair share their experiences from last year’s inaugural Active Citizenship Convention, where students from across the state...
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Learning expeditions: How our schools are bringing learning and community together
In this episode, Teach welcomes back Ron Berger (Senior Advisor, EL Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor) and Gwyn ap Harri (CEO & Co-founder of XP Schools Trust, UK) to reflect on the progress and growth since Learning Expeditions were first introduced a year ago.…
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Rethinking assessment in education with Professor Bill Lucas
Professor Bill Lucas is internationally recognised for his work on creativity, assessment, and educational leadership. In this week’s episode, Prof. Lucas explores how education has developed over time, emphasising the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and dispositions alongside...
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Walking Alongside: Embedding Aboriginal perspectives in Family Day Care
In this episode, Kaurna Elder Kauwana Tamaru and Family Day Care Service Manager Liz Whitbread share insights on their collaborative "Walking Alongside" project, helping educators to embed Kaurna language and culture into their services. Hear stories about how they are connecting connecting...
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Language, Culture and Learning: Aboriginal EALD Education in Practice
In this episode of Teach we explore effective strategies for supporting Aboriginal EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) learners in South Australia. Our guests highlight approaches such as explicit teaching, translanguaging, and leveraging students' first languages and cultural...
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New Year, New Opportunities with Chief Executive Martin Westwell
Start the new school year inspired with Chief Executive Martin Westwell as he joins Teach to discuss the year ahead. From encouraging new teachers and exploring the updated curriculum, to the introduction of three-year-old preschool and the first technical college student graduates, the Chief...
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Chief Executive Martin Westwell reflects on the 2025 school year
In the final episode of Teach for 2025, Chief Executive Martin Westwell reflects on the many achievements made across the Department for Education this year. Professor Westwell shares stories from his visits to schools and preschools and discusses big projects such as the rollout of EdChat to all...
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Shaping the future of learning in SA with the Curriculum Leaders’ Network
In this episode Stew Nancarrow, Assistant Principal at Colonel Light Gardens Primary School and Sarah Bradbury, Assistant Director in the Department for Education’s Learning and Teaching Directorate discuss the Curriculum Leaders' Network. This initiative is designed to connect leaders of...
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Challenge to change – Implementing Positive Behaviour for Learning
Principals Sylvia Groves, Salisbury High School and Sally Schwartzkopff, Renmark Primary School, join us to talk about implementing Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) at their schools. Hear how adopting the PBL framework has led to cultural transformation, improved wellbeing and strengthened...
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Building a blueprint for resilience at Lenswood Primary School
Join us to explore Lenswood Primary School’s Resilient Lenswood Parents in Education project, an inspiring initiative born from the devastating 2019 Cudlee Creek bushfires. Sokhan Greenwood, Principal at Lenswood Primary School and Caroline Williamson, parent, volunteer and Project Lead share how...
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Anti-racism in education
Natalie Gentle, Education Programs Manager at Reconciliation SA and a member of the Department for Education’s Reconciliation Action Plan working group, and Leonie Shelley, Principal at Blair Athol North School (B-6), join us to discuss anti-racism in education. Natalie shares how Reconciliation...
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Numeracy Summit 2025 – Supporting early mathematical thinking with purposeful talk and visualisation
Professor Caroline Cohrssen and Dr. Danielle Harris share their insights into enhancing mathematical understanding in early childhood and secondary education, emphasising the importance of purposeful communication and responsive engagement in early years to foster mathematical thinking beyond…
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Michael Fullan on deep learning and the purpose of public education
Global education expert Professor Emeritus Michael Fullan joins us to unpack the shift from shallow to deep learning and why South Australia is leading the way. He explains how the Six Cs are redefining what it means to thrive in school and society and why empowering schools and communities from...
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Supporting students through school refusal and reengagement
Matthew McCurry, Principal of Hospital School SA, joins us to discuss how his team supports students across South Australia, and beyond, who are navigating illness, mental health challenges, and school refusal. With more than 4,600 students a year coming through their doors, Hospital School SA...
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Understanding school attendance distress through a neurological lens – School Can’t Australia
Join us as Tiffany Westphal and Louise Rogers, co-directors of School Can’t Australia (SCA), share their views on why some students experience distress around school attendance. Tiffany and Louise discuss how school attendance difficulties are often a protective nervous system response to chronic...
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Tailored learning and supporting every student to thrive
Join us as Jared Daly, Assistant Principal of Equity and Inclusion at Murray Bridge High School shares how Tailored Learning, formally known as Flexible Learning Options, is making a difference for students facing barriers like anxiety, disengagement or complex home lives. He outlines how his…
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Play, talk, learn: unlocking oral language development in preschool learners
How can play be a powerful tool for developing young children's language skills? In this episode we sit down with Professor Louise Paatsch, Deputy Director of Deakin University's Strategic Research Centre in Education to explore how intentional play-based learning environments can nurture...
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Talking to learn: the role of dialogue in education
What if the secret to better learning isn’t just reading and writing, but talking? In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, join Dr Yael Leibovitch from the University of Queensland Critical Thinking Project and Professor Ian Wilkinson from the Ohio State University as they...
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The power of oracy in literacy learning
How does talk shape learning? In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, Dr Debra Myhill and Dr Rupert Wegerif dive into why oracy, the ability to speak and listen effectively, is at the heart of literacy. They explore how teachers can create rich classroom discussions that…
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Building respectful and affirming school cultures
In this episode we hear from student Willow and Wellbeing Leader Taylor about the restorative work Charles Campbell College is doing to support and champion LGBTQIA+ students. Learn how the school fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported.…
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Ron Berger and Gwyn ap Harri on how expeditionary learning builds confident, capable students
What if education was about more than just academic success? In this episode we explore how the expeditionary approach to learning can drive student growth, wellbeing and meaningful outcomes. Ron Berger, Senior Advisor for EL Education and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor, and Gwyn…
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Connection, innovation and the Spiral of Inquiry
In this episode, hear from Dr Linda Kaser and Dr Judy Halbert, co-leaders of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education in Canada. Judy and Linda share insights from British Columbia’s education system and their work globally, drawing upon the power of curiosity, networks and the Spiral of...
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Literacy Without Barriers: a community approach to reading
In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School. Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5. Aimed at nurturing a love of...
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Fostering inclusive education at Marryatville Primary School
In this episode hear from Cathy Cook, Autism Inclusion Teacher and 2024 Public Education Award finalist, and Sue Shywolup, a former Year 3 teacher at Marryatville Primary School. Cathy shares how she fosters inclusivity for neurodiverse students by upskilling staff, introducing sensory tools, and...
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Shaping the future: SA education achievements and priorities with Professor Martin Westwell
Join us as we sit down with Chief Executive, Professor Martin Westwell as he takes us through 2024’s key achievements and outlines priorities for 2025. Professor Westwell discusses how South Australia’s education system is a learning system centred on relationships and purpose-driven strategy.…
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Empowering students as agents of change
In this episode we explore how South Australian schools are empowering students to take charge of their learning through the concept of learner agency. Join Brenton Wilson from Kilkenny Primary School, Narelle Christiansen from Avenues College, and students Elliot and Joe as they share their...
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Enhancing literacy through the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Joining us in this literacy-focussed episode is Dr Kate de Bruin, a senior lecturer in Inclusive Education at Monash University. Dr. de Bruin delves into the research underpinning the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a framework designed to provide targeted reading instruction and...
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Redefining student success with Naracoorte High School
In this episode we explore how Naracoorte High School’s work with the New Metrics Project is impacting equity and excellence in education and reshaping the future for students. Principal Lynette Corletto and Senior Leader Felicity Slotegraaf share their insights on this innovative partnership…
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Transitioning young learners from kindy to classroom through the mid-year intake
In this episode Jodie Zwar, Principal of Gladstone Primary School, unpacks the intricacies of transitioning our young children from preschool to primary school, and how Gladstone’s approach fosters a successful transition. Hear how the collaborative efforts of educators, the benefits of early...
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Connecting through languages in the new SA Curriculum
Miriam Parsons, Manager Languages and Bilingual Schools and Amy Goodrich, Indonesian Specialist Teacher explore how the focus on languages in the new SA Curriculum for public education will have a positive outcome for students’ wellbeing and sense of community throughout their schooling. Show...
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Supporting the safety and wellbeing of neurodivergent and autistic students
In this episode Professor Sally Robinson, Professor of Disability and Community Inclusion and Professor Gerry Redmond, Professor of Public Policy unpack the crucial topic of supporting the safety and wellbeing of autistic and neurodivergent children in our schools and preschools. They shed light…
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Learning trajectories in mathematics
Discover what learning trajectories are and how they can support you to help students develop their mathematics abilities. Joining us this episode from the University of Denver are Doug Clements, Professor of Early Childhood Learning and Julie Sarama, Professor of Innovative Technologies. They…
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The beauty and humanity of mathematics with Benediktsson-Karwa Professor Francis Su
This episode provides an insight into how mathematics is more than just a set of skills and how educators can develop a joy and wonder for mathematics. Francis Su is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of...
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2024 - A year of learning with Professor Martin Westwell, Chief Executive
In this episode we sit down with Chief Executive Professor Martin Westwell to discuss what's next in 2024 following the release of last year’s public education strategy. Professor Westwell says it’ll be a year of educators putting things like the areas of impact into practice but not being too...
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Navigating the journey from teacher to leader with Orbis professional learning
This episode offers insights into the teacher to leader transition and the vital role of high-quality professional development. Join us as Kurt Ferguson from Taparra Primary School (previously South Downs Primary School) shares how Orbis professional learning programs, including Middle…
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Leveraging learner agency with Professor Guy Claxton
In this episode, UK cognitive scientist Professor Guy Claxton explores the crucial connection between learner agency and effective learners and how educators can support this in their classroom. We sat down with Professor Claxton fresh from a live online workshop he facilitated with almost 600...
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From foreign diplomat to secondary school teacher, in conversation with Mr Rod Bunten
In 2009 Mr Rod Bunten, the husband of the Governor of South Australia, left the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and completed a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education. He then started a second career as a secondary school teacher of physics and mathematics. In this episode Mr Bunten…
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The teaching of synthetic phonics
Join us as Dr Jennifer Buckingham discusses the how and why of teaching synthetic phonics. Dr Jennifer Buckingham OAM is Director of Strategy and Senior Research Fellow at MultiLit, and Director of the Five from Five Project. She explains some of the strategies educators can take to develop...
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Discovering career options with the Workabout Centre
From barista training to industry immersion weeks, the Workabout Centre supports Aboriginal students to make a successful transition from school to work, higher education or further training. In this episode, hear from the Workabout Centre’s Senior Project Officer Natasha Chisholm and former...
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The metacognition of wellbeing and learning
Metacognition is the process of thinking about one’s own thinking and learning. In this episode, clinical psychologist Andrew Fuller explains how metacognition applies to wellbeing and learning and the role it can play in improving student outcomes. Andrew has worked with more than 4,000 schools...
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The benefits of outdoor learning
Discover the advantages of taking your students outside the classroom and how it can help connect their learning to the real world. Joss Rankin is a Senior Lecturer at Flinders University, in Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education Lead. He shares some of the barriers to outdoor...
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Embracing student agency
From implementing green initiatives to having a say in history lessons students at Craigmore High School in Adelaide's northern suburbs are empowered and supported to play a role in their learning experience. In this episode Student Agency Leader Georgina talks to us about fostering student…
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Improving communication in schools and preschools
How good is the communication at your school or preschool? Following the department's Perspective survey last year, communication, change and voice were identified as three focus areas for sites. In this episode, hear from educators at Parafield Gardens High School and Port Lincoln Junior Primary...
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Designing a public education system fit for the times
Continuing our conversation about the purpose of public education we discuss creating a public education system suited to 21st century life and beyond. Valerie Hannon is an independent writer, researcher and consultant in education and works with innovative educators around the world to devise…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.
HOSTED BY
Department for Education, South Australia
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Teach have?
Teach currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Teach about?
Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.
How often does Teach release new episodes?
Teach has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Teach?
You can listen to Teach on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Teach?
Teach is created and hosted by Department for Education, South Australia.
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