The Art of Teaching

Today on The Art of Teaching Podcast, I’m joined by Amelia Martin, Senior Education Advisor for Middle Years with Brisbane Catholic Education.

Amelia works passionately to deliver on a powerful vision — that every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging, connection, and success at school.

With experience across primary and secondary settings, Amelia has dedicated her career to supporting teachers and school leaders to create le...

Today I’m joined by Dr Nathaniel Swain - a teacher, instructional coach, researcher and writer with a deep passion for language, literacy and learning. Nathaniel is dedicated to helping teachers create effective and engaging learning for every student. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement at La Trobe University’s School of Education.

He is also the founder of Think Forward Educators, a commu...

Today, I’m joined by Claudia Owad, Director at Growth Coaching International. With over 30 years of experience across education, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, Claudia is a Master Practitioner with EMCC Global and has served on the board of the International Coaching Federation Australasia.

A former school counsellor, Claudia is passionate about helping people flourish through the integration of Coaching and Posi...

Today I’m joined by Michael, an experienced educational leader with more than two decades working across the primary, secondary and adult education sectors. His career has been shaped by a passion for coaching, digital technology, and the Performing Arts, where he’s made a real impact on both teaching and leadership.

Michael is currently the Deputy Principal at John Paul College in Frankston, Victoria, where he brings together his ...

Today I’m joined by Jamie Gerlach, an educator and leader who believes in the power of deep learning to build human agency and sees access to rigorous play as a basic right for all. For over a decade, he has designed and led professional learning in embodied literacy, 4C learning and school transformation, working with teachers and leaders across Australia and internationally. Jamie has also lectured at the University of Sydney and...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ange Rogers, a teacher, numeracy leader, consultant and researcher whose work has helped countless primary teachers feel more confident in the maths classroom. With more than twenty years of experience across teaching, coaching, and research, Ange has a real gift for turning evidence into simple, practical strategies that work.

Her passion lies in building teacher confidence, improving number sense...

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Brendan, a proud public education principal with deep roots in his community. Brendan now leads in the very place he once attended as a student, driven by a passion to expand opportunities for rural and remote students. His journey began early, when he revitalised the Riverina Industrial Arts Network to strengthen skills teaching across the region. He continues to champion equity, opportunity, an...

What if the key to thinking more clearly, feeling more connected, and even solving problems... was movement? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Peter Lovatt psychologist, dancer, and founder of the world’s first Dance Psychology Lab, to explore how moving our bodies can transform our minds. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will prompt you to think (and maybe even dance) in new ways. His n...

Today on The Art of Teaching podcast, I’m joined by Kiri, an educator who believes learning should be adaptive, reflective, and deeply connected to place. With extensive experience in regional and remote schools, Kirri has seen how education rooted in land, language, and community can transform lives.

Kiri’s work focuses on building capacity, strengthening pedagogy, and creating environments where curiosity and creativity thrive. S...

Today, I'm joined by Emma, Executive Director, Strategic Priorities at the NSW Department of Education and a proudly accredited Lead Teacher. With a career shaped by a deep commitment to educational excellence, Emma has held a range of influential leadership roles at both the school and system levels. She played a key role in founding the HALT Association NSW and now returns as its President, continuing to advocate for the recognit...

Today, I’m joined by Melissa Kennedy - a passionate educator, leader, and storyteller.

Melissa is Head of English at her school, a sessional university lecturer, and a presenter who brings depth and clarity to conversations about teaching, leadership, and curriculum. She’s also an accomplished author and was recently recognised as an ACEL New Voice in School Leadership for 2024.

Her work lives at the intersection of language, leade...

Reimagining the Future of Education Through Innovation with Ariam Mogos. Ariam leads the emerging tech portfolio at Stanford’s d.school, where she supports students and educators in designing with tools like AI, always with a keen eye on their ethical impact on people and the planet.

Her work spans continents, from Africa and Asia to the US and Europe, collaborating with organisations like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the LEGO Found...

Andrea Downie is a systems leader, educator, and wellbeing expert who has worked collaboratively with hundreds of schools and organisations around the world on the application of wellbeing science, education redesign and systems leadership. Andrea is currently the Head of Wellbeing on the Board of Executive at British School Jakarta and also an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne. A...

Today’s guest is Peter Howes, Principal of Ballina Coast High School and a passionate leader in public education. With more than three decades of experience across teaching, leadership, and community engagement, Peter brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and inclusion in every aspect of his work.

As a seasoned school leader, he’s driven by a belief that every student — no matter their background or ability — deserves acc...

Today’s guest is Dr. Daniel T. Willingham a cognitive scientist, professor, and author whose work bridges the gap between research and the classroom.

He’s a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and the bestselling author of Why Don’t Students Like School?, a go-to book for educators looking to understand how students learn.

Dr. Willingham has a rare gift for translating complex science into clear, practical insight...

Adam Larby, Head of Tudor House at The King’s School, is a passionate educator, thoughtful leader, and lifelong learner devoted to nurturing both character and curiosity. With years of leadership experience at Shore’s North Sydney Preparatory School and a deep commitment to faith, family, and community, Adam brings a rich blend of wisdom, vision, and heart to his role. It’s a conversation about leadership, legacy, and building a s...