Inspiration, Influence and Impact

My guest this episode, Rachael Lehr, shares how the ideas and big dreams of others and books have inspired and influenced her teaching, learning and life journey. She also discusses her belief in the power of people and the human spirit as being vital for personal growth, and how she hopes to leave people better, and sparkle, through her presence, influence, or relationship with her. 

Finding Your Leadership Sparkle

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My guest this episode, Tammy Robinson, shares how in the midst of grief she discovered her life's purpose and, in the process, healed her heart. She talks of her desire to empower young people and show them they are important, valued and respected. Tammy's goal is for the young people she supports to know that kindness is free, and to teach them that, as a community, we can create a ripple effect of kindness. 

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Tammy runs Formally Ever After, a community program in Logan, Queensland. She is a mother of four (three adult children and her 12 year old daughter), and her partner enthusiastically helps with the program. Tammy works in the Aged Care industry as a Lifestyle Carer, and working with our elderly has always been her passion. In 2019 she lost three very important people in her life, and in 2020 she lost a fourth loved one. These tragic losses reminded her how precious life is and how important it is to be kind to one another. It also reminded her that if time is we have to give another, then we should give our time. Tammy believes we need to use our experiences in life to help lift others and to show our children and young adults that kindness is free.  

My guest this episode, Tammy Baart, shares how identity has impacted her own life and learning journey, and her hope to be role model and provide a platform to celebrate Indigenous success. She talks about her passion for ensuring all children achieve success and exceed their own expectations, and her mission to support young people to know who they are and where they belong in the world. Learning about and reconnecting with her culture, has Influenced Tammy's sense of belonging and view of the world. 

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A proud Dharug woman, Tammy, has grown up reconnecting with her culture; firmly believing that we must harness the power of education and its ability to create future opportunities.  As the first in her family to graduate high school, Tammy is the epitome of a lifelong learner and acknowledges that we all play a role to play in shaping future leaders.

With over two decades of educational leadership – in School Executive roles and Curriculum Writing – Tammy uses her experience in both the Government and Independent sectors to advocate and enable change, prioritising student needs so children and youth can be empowered to write their own narratives. Ignited by a passion and drive to find the gaps in the education system, Tammy firmly believes and advocates for all students to have access to authentic and sustainable learning pathways.

Modeling learning and leading in two worlds, Tammy is a bold and courageous Indigenous woman who has foresight and vision to challenge herself and in turn those she works with to greater heights. Understanding the bigger picture while knowing the little things matter is Tammy’s superpower.

Leading with love and compassion, Tammy brings people together to commit to creating a new and higher standard of what is possible for our children.

My guest this episode, Alice Vigors, shares her passion for creating a culture of thinking, visible learning and inquiry in teaching, leading and learning, and discusses the inspiration and influences that have helped fuel the fire on her journey. She also talks about her belief that all students should be known, valued and cared for in our schools; and that the teachers in our school are our greatest resource. 

Alice's inspiration, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Rebecca West from Talkin' Chalk, Aaron Johnston from Mr J’s Learning Space Book - The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros Podcast - Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks with Katey Street Cause - Student well-being Dream Travel Destination - Canada and Alaska Connect with Alice: Twitter - @alice_vigors Instagram - @thinkingpathways Website or Blog - thinkingpathwayz Facebook Page - Thinking Pathways Podcast - Teacher Takeaway Podcast Linkedin - Alice Vigors Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate assistant principal: curriculum and instruction, who uses her creativity, innovation and dedication to inspire others and build their capacity to make a positive difference to the education of all students. She has been a teacher and leader for 14 years, working in both the NSW Public and Catholic education systems. Alice has developed a website, blog and professional learning network called ‘Thinking Pathways’, a resource and information hub for sharing her knowledge and examples of classroom practice around the explicit teaching and scaffolding of critical and creative thinking skills, the implementation of visible learning practices and understanding the role of inquiry learning in teaching, learning and leading. Alice launched and co-hosts an educational podcast in March 2021 called the ‘Teacher Takeaway’ podcast to provide educators with practical takeaway ideas across a range of educational topics with three other prominent educational leaders. Alice has just written a book called the ‘Thinking Classroom: supporting educators to embed critical and creative thinking’ which is being released on the 26th October 2022.

My guest this episode, Sarah Johnson, shares how she uses her three core values of balance, resilience and faith to live her own full life. She talks about her aim to serve and guide others live their own full life focus through her passions and work. Sarah discusses how her own life journey has had a significant impact on developing her passions, skills and mission to rise and reach the masses. 

My guest this episode, Catherine Williams, shares how connecting with others inspired her teaching and positively impacted student engagement and  learning. These connections also provided the opportunity for professional learning and innovation, in addition to support, encouragement and friendship. Catherine also talks of how she now finds inspiration in nature, and the joy she finds in serving and uplifting others.  

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