Teaching Together

37. The 'Effective Teacher' Myth


Listen Later

In this episode, we’re pulling apart one of the biggest assumptions in education right now — that we can standardise our way to better teachers. 🎓

The Strong Beginnings report argues that high-quality, uniform Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs will create more effective teachers — and in turn, solve the teacher shortage. But that idea misses a huge piece of the puzzle.

Today we unpack why “teacher effectiveness” can’t simply be built through university content or policy frameworks. Whether you’re in ITE, mentoring a graduate, or somewhere in between, this episode challenges the myth of the “perfectly prepared teacher” and reminds us that teaching is as much art as it is science.


💡 Helpful Links

  • Department of Education – Strong Beginnings Report

  • Mason & Matas (2015) – Teacher Attrition and Retention in Australia

    AITSL – Initial Teacher Education Data Reports


  • Recording this as PD? Here are the relevant APSTs:

  • Focus Area 6.3 - Engage with colleagues and improve practice

    Focus Area 7.4 - Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities



  • ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Teaching TogetherBy Teaching Together