Just A Teacher Podcast

While fulfilling his goal of being an engineer, Ryan Steuer, discovered a new goal - helping young people see new opportunities.  Ryan left engineering and became an English teacher.  While trying to connect with and challenge his learners, Ryan found project-based learning.  Now Ryan is an expert in PBL and supporting teachers, coaches, leaders and schools to help their learners see opportunities

In Part B of Jumping In with Josh Velez, we learn about how Josh ensures learners have the greatest year possible in his classroom.  Josh shares the elation of winning Australian Primary School Teacher of the Year award and we contemplate what the "bladeless fan" of education may be.

In Part A of Jumping In with Josh Velez we hear how a young boy growing up in Canada, with no ambitions of becoming a teacher, was crowned Australian Primary School Teacher of the Year.  It is a great story of never being scared to jump into new things!

In Part B of our conversation with Marg Thorsborne, Restorative Practice Pioneer & Practitioner, we discuss what incident-centered problem solving means and debunk myths about restorative practice.  Marg also shares that our goal should be developing conflict competent young people.

Marg Thorsborne OAM is one of the world's leading experts in restorative practice.  On this two-part series, you will learn how Marg went from classroom teacher to restorative practice pioneer and practitioner.

In Part B of our conversation with Arts integration expert, Elizabeth Peterson, we unpack how to meaningfully integrate The Arts in Social & Emotional Learning.  We also discuss the impact school shootings have on learners, staff and communities.

On this episode we are joined by Art integration specialist and the founder of The Inspired Classroom, Elizabeth Peterson.  From a young age, Elizabeth knew she wanted to be a teacher that made a difference.  Elizabeth shares how her love of music has led on a journey of discovery with The Arts and the impact it can have on young people.

In Part B of our conversation with Dr Stephanie Smith, Learning Manager at Museum of Australian Democracy, we continue to unpack the power of inquiry-based learning and how it can be applied in museums.  Steph also shares the important role museums play in developing good people.

Dr Stephanie Smith, Learning Manager at the Museum of Australian Democracy, joins the podcast to share her journey from museums to the classroom and back again.  Stephanie is passionate about engaging people in learning and facilitating meaningful conversations.  On Part A, you will hear how Stephanie made her passion a reality.

In Part B of my conversation with the amazing Becky Keene we deep dive into professional learning.  Becky shares her experiences, insights and tips on coaching and delivering professional learning that makes a difference.

Becky Keene is one of the World's leading voices on digital technology integration and innovation in education.  She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher.  Becky was not perturbed by people telling her she was "wasting" her intelligence by becoming a teacher.  On Part A, we unpack how Becky longed to be challenged as a learner and why she became so passionate about integrating technology in her classroom.

In Part B of our conversation with Kylie Captain, we explore how we ensure no learner or family feels they need to leave their culture at the gates of the school.  Kylie shares proactive strategies all schools can be implementing to create inclusive environments.  We also discuss how Kylie turned her book idea into reality.

Kylie Captain had every reason to give up on her dream of becoming a teacher, but she didn't!  Her story is an incredible one that will leave you inspired to make a difference.  On Part A, we hear the challenges Kylie overcame to finish school and the confidence, resilience and focus Kylie demonstrated to become a teacher.

Normal programming returns and so on this episode we shine the light on an amazing teacher making a different.  Kelly Chase is on a mission to make history fun and engaging for all learners.  She achieves this by undertaking such activities as burying skeletons in the schoolyard and creating the amazing podcast, History Detective.   On this episode, hear this person who found history boring has transformed into one of the most inspirational history teachers you will meet!

Just A Teacher podcasts resident doctor, Dr Gihan Jayaweera, joins the podcast to provide insights into goal-setting and developing habits.  To provide the listeners with a practical guide, Dr G coaches Travis on how to develop a habit to positively impact his wellbeing.

On the second episode of the Summer Series, we are joined by Rick Holmes, founder of Relate Then Educate, to discuss teacher wellbeing.  Rick is passionate about supporting people to see how valuable they are and making sure our teachers' love for the profession grows not diminishes during their career.

On this special episode I share one of my favourite podcasts, History Detective with Kelly Chase.  The episode, Ethics of Archaeology: Mungo Man is a prime example of the engaging and informative episodes Kelly shares on the people, cultures and events that are often under represented or even untold in our History curriculum. I am also excited that Kelly will be joining a future episode of Just A Teacher Podcast to share her passion for History and journey in education.  Look out for that episode dropping soon.

Our Summer Series sees us discuss the hot topics impacting school communities.  On the first episode we are joined by Trent Ray, founder of the Cyber Safety Project, who provides some great tips on supporting young people as they navigate the online environment.

On this episode we are joined by Daisy Turnbull, mother, author, former teacher and wellbeing director.  We deep dive into wellbeing in schools and the topics of Daisy's two books - resilience, risk-taking and fostering communication and confidence with teenagers.

This is an episode not to be missed.  Jackie Mancinelli is doing incredible things inside and outside the classroom.  On this episode, Jackie shares her passion for supporting English language learners.  She also opens up about a series of tragic events that led to Jackie creating Start Healing Together.  An advocacy group that provides information, instruction, and support to help alleviate the stigmas surrounding pregnancy loss and infertility.  

In Part B with Dr G, we deep dive into happiness and wellbeing and if we are going to help others, we need to first help ourselves.  Dr G shares the idea of "doing happiness" and how we can build and sustain habits that will improve our wellbeing.

In Part A of this two-part series, we gain an insight into why Dr Gihan Jayaweera aka Dr G is focused on supporting teachers to be happier.  Dr G shares his journey from Sri Lanka to Australia and the impact teachers had on him.

High School teachers, Elizabeth and Bill James, are passionate about addressing social inequality.  They are so passionate they have written a book to help support teachers tackle the social issues many young people face or feel strongly about.  In this episode, Liz and Bill share why they are hopeful for the future, how teachers can support learners to be critical thinkers and share with us how a printer can open the door to romance.

Katie Kinder is an acclaimed teacher, instructional leader and author who is passionate about teaching and the public education system.  In this episode we bounce around topics such as gamification, teacher burnout and how we amplify the voice and success of unsung "Rockstar" teachers.  Katie also shares her personal connection to the 9/11 tragedy and how that still impacts her teaching and classroom 20 years on.

On this episode, we are joined by one of the most respected voices in education, Craig Kemp.  Craig is not only a passionate teacher and school leader, he also is driven to share his knowledge and skills with a global audience.  Craig hosts the Ignite Edtech Podcast, consults with edtech companies, and is launching a new, revolutionary professional learning platform called EduSpark.

While working in a Juvenile Correctional Facility, Jarrod Jones observed first hand the life changing capacity of reading.  This was something that inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher and then writing a novel for young adults.  We know you are going to love Jarrod's journey from the basketball court to the classroom.

On this episode, we are joined by Primary School Principal, Will Johnston.  Will shares his journey from managing a fast food restaurant to leading a primary school with over a 1000 learners.

On this episode we are joined by passionate teacher, Harsharan Sokhi.  Harsharan provides new insights on the role of mindfulness in the classroom. She also proposes that before we discuss student wellbeing, we need to first focus on teacher wellbeing.  We also deep dive into some hot topics in education at the moment.

On this episode we are joined by acclaimed author and teacher, Brendan James Murray.  Brendan recently released The School, a powerful portrait of a single school year.  We delve into many of the topics discussed in the book including what makes a great teacher, igniting a passion for reading, bullying and much more.

On this episode, we are joined by Jess Murphy, Head of Languages and Learning Innovation.  Hear how participating in an immersion program in Japan changed the course of Jess' life.  It is an incredible story of finding your passion and lifelong learning.

From Adelaide to the Middle East, Rebecca has seen the difference education can make.  These experiences have led her to want to help teachers, leaders and schools to achieve the strongest outcomes possible for learners.  Rebecca is an expert in coaching, leadership and creating a positive and productive school culture.  In this episode she shares her journey and some valuable lesson learnt along the way.

Yasmin Atwani has been smashing stereotypes her life.  After overcoming challenges to achieve highest possible tertiary entry ranking, an OP1, to other people's dismay she chose to become a teacher.  You are going to love Yasmin's inspirational journey and her passion for making a difference.

Fi Morrison has been on a journey of discovery and transformation that led her to launch the STEM ED Magazine.  On this episode, Fi shares what her ignited her passion for STEM learning and what drove her to pursue her passion project.

Maggie Purcell has been on a teaching mission, having taught in New Zealand, England and now Australia.  Maggie has made it her mission to connect with and teach some of the most challenging students education systems have to offer.  This passion for wellbeing has seen her take on a new challenge in 2021.

Teacher, eLearning leader, musician, Microsoft Fellow and the list of ways to describe Mark Savery goes on.  Mark is an incredible educator with an amazing story about how he became a teacher.  We know Mark's joy for life, happiness and zest will leave you motivated to make a difference.

Welcome back to a new season of Just A Teacher Podcast.  We launch 2021 with a brilliant, first guest, Adam Voigt.  Adam is the founder and CEO of Real Schools, an organisation focused on transforming and enhancing school culture through a focus on what really counts.  On this episode, Adam shares his journey in education, developing school culture, advice for creating positive classroom environments and why we need to stop avoiding shame.

As a thank you to all the listeners who have tuned into the podcast and guests who have agreed to join an episode, here is the Just A Teacher Podcast: Christmas Special.  A mash-up of some of my favourite stories and insights from 2020.

On this episode, we are joined by Scott Parkinson.  13 years ago Scott took a risk and accepted an offer to teach in Longreach.  Located in the centre of Queensland, it was a long way from home for Scott.  He arrived knowing no one and will leave at the end of this year with friendships, connections and memories that will last a lifetime.  This is Scott's story.

On this episode, we are joined by Kym Amor, foundation principal of Foxwell State Secondary College.  Kym has planned, designed and built Foxwell from scratch.  From creating the vision to building the pillars for success, it has been a steep but thoroughly rewarding journey for Kym.

Co-Founder and Managing Director of impactED New Zealand, Arnika Macphail, joins the podcast.  Arnika's journey to this point in her career is a remarkable one.  After becoming disengaged with school, Arnika made the challenging decision to leave high school early.  She then took an unconventional road to the profession of teaching.  However, it is this road that has resulted in Arnika becoming the teacher and educational consultant she is today.

Anna Kinnane, Manager (Digital Strategies) at Queensland College of Teacher, joins the podcast to share her incredible journey in education.  From classroom teacher to lead writer for the Australian Curriculum, Anna has made a positive impact in any role she has undertaken.

Cathy Hunt not only talks the talk, but she also walks the walk when it comes to creative confidence.  Her passion for integrating Visual Arts with Digital Technologies has seen her present around the World and inspire thousands of teachers with her blog about her classroom experiences.  In this episode, we deep dive into the importance of The Arts now more than ever and how we can challenge learners and colleagues alike to embrace creativity.

What does it take to be a sensational school leader?  Listen to this episode to find out.  Candi Fowler shares her journey from teacher to school principal and the important lessons she has learnt along the way.  Candi discusses how in uncertain times she still bring her school community together and what she would change education if she could.

Design & Innovation Coach, Andrew Del Mastro, joins the podcast to discuss his incredible teaching journey.  From rekindling his love of teaching with the Czech Republic's Ministry of Defence to redesigning learning spaces to promote design thinking.  

Like any other profession, there are OK teachers, good teachers, great teachers and then there are exceptional teachers.  This episode's guest is one of those.  Stephen has spent his teaching career making a difference in one of Australia's most complex communities.  This is a conversation not be missed!

On this episode, we are joined by inspirational teacher, Shannon Martinez.  Shannon has been tasked with the challenge of teaching a class of gifted and talented learners.  A challenge that has shaped her as a teacher and person.  Shannon shares her insights into gifted and talented education and how we can meet the needs of this unique group of learners.

Ray Nashar joins the podcast talk and shares his journey from growing up in a milk bar to working with some of the biggest names in education.  Ray is an expert on the change process and is passionate about utilising digital technologies in education.  He discusses his love for gaming and what his dream job would be.

On this episode, I am joined by Collective Education's Trent Ray.  For the last 10 years Trent has been working with teachers, leaders and school to reshape curriculum design to build future skills in learners. We discuss Trent's family ties to education, leading change in schools, what successful schools have in common, cyber safety and a lot more.  If you enjoyed the podcast please share far and wide.  Also if you know someone who should appear on the podcast please let us know.

On this episode we are joined by teacher, instructional leader and "Teacher Tuber" Bec West.  Bec shares how Eddie Woo inspired her to explore the use of YouTube in the classroom.  We discuss the impact of COVID-19 on education, our thoughts on "teacher pay teacher" phenomenon and what excites us in education.

On this episode, we are joined by the CEO of eSports competition, The Fuse Cup, Dan Martinez.  Before Dan made his dream a reality he was one of Australia's most innovative teachers.  Dan shares what he has learnt about teaching during his career, how to lead change in a work setting and why more schools should be getting on the eSports bandwagon. If you love the podcast or know someone that we should have on please leave a comment.

In Part 2 of my conversation with acclaimed musician and teacher, Peter Thornley, we delve deep into his family's history, the discrimination they faced and the difficult decisions that resulted.  Pete then talks about his work in remote indigenous communities and the challenges young people in these communities face.  We discuss how we can move forward and impact positive change.  Then to conclude we have a musical treat for you!