In this episode of Talking Teaching we focus on the national teaching standards that are validated by the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). In particular, AITSL's chair Prof John Hattie looks at the way Highly Accomplished teachers are using their networks to spread the word about high-impact teaching practice. We also hear from his counterpart in the U.S. Peggy Brookins who describes the way national standards apply across the American states.

In a separate story, we take a look at South Melbourne Primary School, Victoria's first public vertical school. The University of Melbourne's Professor Wes Imms says that re-thinking the design of learning spaces is a proven way to boost student interest.

Read the full transcript.

Laureate Professor John Hattie, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne

Peggy Brookins, President/CEO National Board fro Professional teaching Standards, U.S.

HALTS teachers - Tania Crawford, Deana Cuconits, Adele Maughn, Natalie Polak, Andrew Cornwall, Meghan Smith

Principal Noel Creece, South Melbourne Primary

Associate Professor Wesley Imms, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne

Theme music by Gavin Nebauer

Talking Teaching recorded and mixed by Gavin Nebauer at The Horwood Recording Studio, University of Melbourne