Let’s Talk Teaching

With teacher shortages and shifting school demands, many early-career teachers are stepping into leadership roles within their first few years in the profession. However, with limited preparation and support, some find themselves burning out - or leaving teaching altogether. 

In this episode, teacher James Desmond reflects on his own fast-tracked journey into leadership, how it affected his relationship with his work - and what helped him rediscover the joy of teaching again. Dr Fiona Longmuir brings a research perspective, sharing insights on why so many teachers are leaving mid-career, the systemic changes schools need to consider, and how we can better support meaningful, lasting progression in education. 

This is an honest and practical conversation for any teaching navigating their next step - without losing yourself along the way. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it’s really like to move into leadership early in your teaching career.
• The signs it may be time to pause, recalibrate or step back to protect your wellbeing.
• How school systems and structures shape the experience of career growth.
• What meaningful support looks like - from colleagues, leaders and school culture.
• How to approach your next career step with clarity, confidence and long-term perspective.

Topics we explore:

(00:00) Introduction to Career Progression and Leadership
(02:13) James' First Year in Leadership 
(04:08) Dr Fiona Longmuir - Fast Tracking Careers
(05:11) The First Five Years
(08:24) Skills for Early Leadership
(09:07) Instability and Workforce Challenges
(11:57) Mid-Career Attrition and Burnout
(14:35) Building Belonging for Teachers
(16:10) Time, Money and Respect 
(19:49) Taking Charge of Career Progression
(22:14) Finding Mentors and Networks
(24:49) Rediscovering the Joy of Teaching
(25:41) The Future of the Teaching Workforce

Resources: 

• Monash Education - Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) Short Courses  
  Explore flexible short courses and programs to support your leadership journey at every stage of your teaching career.
• Monash Education - Education Workforce for the Future
  A Monash-led research initiative focused on improving teacher retention, leadership and system-wide reform.

Special Guests: 
Dr Fiona Longmuir
Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Culture & Society
Faculty of Education, Monash University
Co-Leader of the Education Workforce, Future Impact Lab
Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn or Bluesky

James Desmond
History and Politics Secondary School Teacher
Government School, Melbourne
Connect with James on LinkedIn

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast. 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit our website.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

Behind the disrespect and undermining attitudes lies a broader cultural shift, fuelled by misogynistic messaging - both inside and outside of school walls. This growing pattern of behaviour isn’t just challenging - it’s incredibly concerning, and it’s not just limited to the classroom. 

In this episode, teacher Simone Nguyen shares her firsthand experiences with male students in the classroom, from physical intimidation to daily microaggressions. Researcher Dr Stephanie Wescott breaks down how harmful narratives around masculinity are shaping student behaviour - and what needs to shift at every level, from classroom practices to school-wide culture, and why current responses from leadership to policy, aren’t keeping pace.

This episode digs into the structural gaps and the cultural discomfort that let these patterns continue - and what meaningful change could look like if everyone committed to sharing the responsibility in ensuring schools are safe, respectful spaces for everyone. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How misogynistic rhetoric is influencing student behaviour.
• What it’s really like to be a female teacher experiencing these patterns.
• The gaps in school systems around support and accountability.
• The role of male teachers as allies and what whole-school accountability looks like.
• Why respectful relationships education must be more than a one-off session.

Topics we explore:

(00:00) What Is The Manosphere
(00:28) The Rise of Misogyny in Classrooms
(02:11) Understanding the Manosphere
(04:43) What It Looks Like on the Ground
(09:09) When Students Choose to Speak Up
(10:44) A New Wave of Undermining Behaviour
(14:22) Advice for Early Career Teachers
(16:50) Breaking the Silence
(19:22) Leadership’s Role in Cultural Change
(20:42) Why Respectful Relationships Education Falls Short
(24:10) Male Teachers as Allies
(30:52) Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers 

Warning: This episode discusses gendered violence and sexual harassment. If you need support, contact 1800-RESPECT. 

Resources: 

• Respectful Relationships
  Respectful Relationships education as a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to Year 12.
• 1800-RESPECT
  Available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. Call, text, online chat or video call options available.

Special Guests: 

Dr Stephanie Wescott
Lecturer, School of Education, Culture & Society
Faculty of Education, Monash University  
Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn or BlueSky

Simone Nguyen
Professional Learning Leader and Secondary School Teacher
Government School, Melbourne

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast. 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit our website.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of creativity and critical thinking within the educational sphere, exploring how these fundamental skills are pivotal across all subjects, especially in science. Our guests highlight the dynamic ways these skills can be integrated into daily teaching practices to enhance student learning and engagement, particularly through problem-solving.

Join Dr. Jen Mansfield and Mel Gatt for a vibrant exploration of creativity and critical thinking in shaping today’s educational landscape. Together, they unravel the complexity of these essential skills, offering rich insights into how they can transform classroom dynamics and empower students. Through lively conversation, our guests provide practical strategies for embedding these skills into teaching, highlight the nuanced ways they can be nurtured in students and tackle the intricate challenge of assessing such dynamic competencies.

Together, we explore:

• The crucial role of creativity and critical thinking across all areas of education, especially in science.
• How creativity and critical thinking drives student engagement and deeper learning.
• Strategies for fostering an educational culture that promotes collaboration, deep reflection and effective self-management among students.
• Techniques for explicitly teaching and integrating creativity and critical thinking to foster students’ comprehension of the curriculum.
• The complexities of assessing these skills, emphasizing the importance of focusing on processes and thought patterns rather than just final learning outcomes.

Dive into this episode to discover how fostering creativity and critical thinking can revolutionize educational practices, making learning more dynamic and impactful. Join us on this creative journey in Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• OECD - Critical Creative Thinking Project (class-friendly Rubriks)
• The Power of Making Things Visible
• Teaching Creative Thinking

Special Guests:

Dr Jen Mansfield
Senior Lecturer, Science Education - Monash University

Melissa Gatt
Learning and Teaching Leader - St Peter’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Epping
 

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

In this episode, we explore the evolving world of literacy education, where technological innovations are revolutionising traditional teaching and learning methods.

Our guests Dr. Kylie Bradfield and Claudia Shute, explore the critical role of literacy across all curriculum areas, emphasising how incorporating students’ home languages can enrich literacy education by enhancing comprehension and inclusivity. They also discuss the transformative impact of children’s books, highlighting its power to offer students mirrors and windows - reflecting their own experiences, whilst exposing them to new perspectives at the same time.

Together, we explore:

• The broad scope of literacy which now encompasses not only traditional reading and writing, but also critical thinking and the ability to navigate technology effectively.
• Children’s books and their importance in developing literacy - offering both mirrors for students to see themselves and windows to learn about the world.
• The challenges of teaching literacy in today’s diverse classrooms and the importance of valuing students’ home languages to enhance comprehension and inclusivity.
• How parents can play a pivotal role in literacy development through activities such as reading together with their children.
• The need for ongoing support for teachers and access to research-informed pedagogical strategies to elevate literacy standards within the classroom.

This episode highlights the broad impact of literacy on academic success and personal development, advocating for a holistic approach that empowers teachers, involves parents and meets the diverse needs of students. Jump in and Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• My Two Blankets
• The Red Beast
• I Wanna Iguana

Special Guests:

Dr Kylie Bradfield
Senior Lecturer, Curriculum, Teaching and Inclusive Education - Monash University

Claudia Shute
Teacher - Barton Primary School, Cranbourne West
 

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

Join us as we explore how fostering student mental health and wellbeing impacts their academic success. From the importance of creating trusting relationships to the impact of COVID-19 - learn how to create strategies that support both students and teachers to create a nurturing and cohesive educational environment.

In this episode, Dr. Stella Laletas and Dr. Chloe De Rosbo-Davies discuss the critical role of mental health in shaping educational experiences. As experts in psychology and education, they offer invaluable insights into the complex relationship between a student's sense of wellbeing and learning capacity.

Drawing from her extensive teaching experience, Stella underscores the importance of creating secure and trusting environments for student success. Echoing her insights, Chloe, a psychologist and previous school counsellor, highlights the profound positive changes in students who establish connections with their teachers.

Together, we explore:

• The direct impact of emotional safety on motivation and engagement in learning.
• The composition and invaluable role of wellbeing teams within schools, and how teachers can utilise these resources for additional support.
• Strategies for teachers to build trust and meaningful relationships with students, while maintaining professional boundaries and respecting privacy.
• The significant and ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health, including the rise of disengagement and separation anxiety.
• The growing necessity for schools to prioritise educator wellbeing as it’s intrinsically linked to their effectiveness in the classroom.
• Practical resources and approaches that can help such as mental health first aid, to empower teachers to support their students effectively.

This episode advocates for a holistic approach to wellbeing in education, providing a wealth of insights for educators aiming to enrich their classroom environments and foster comprehensive development in their students. Join us for an enlightening discussion on Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Schools Mental Health Menu
• Student Wellbeing Hub
• High Impact Wellbeing Strategies

Special Guests:

Dr Stella Laletas
Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Counselling and Inclusive Education - Monash University

Dr Chloe De Rosbo-Davies
Educational and Developmental Psychologist - Level Up Psychology
 

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

This episode takes a closer look at how creating supportive learning environments through trauma-informed practices and restorative justice can fundamentally transform the classroom landscape. It emphasises the importance of recognising student’s backgrounds to nurture and heal relationships, thereby enhancing learning outcomes.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Kristin Reimer and Peter Langham share their extensive experiences in creating supportive and transformative learning environments within complex school communities. They outline the essential elements for fostering nurturing educational spaces that effectively support students’ emotional and educational growth. Together they also discuss the use of trauma-informed care and its integration into daily classroom strategies to enhance and strengthen both teacher and student interactions and relationships.

Together, we explore:

• Insights into Kristin’s and Peter’s motivations for specialising in creating supportive learning environments, including Kristin’s experiences teaching in North Korea.
• The development of supportive classrooms at Monterey Secondary College in response to its complex community needs.
• What elements are essential for creating nurturing and effective educational spaces.
• How trauma-informed care integrates into standard classroom settings.
• Discussing the alignment of trauma-informed and high-impact teaching strategies and how these approaches complement each other to improve learning.
• The importance of recognising and addressing trauma in students.
• Exploring the connection with trauma-informed practices and its focus on repairing relationships.
• The importance of teacher support and professional development of staff to sustain these environments.
• The active role of students in understanding and shaping their own learning experiences.
• Techniques for long-term maintenance of supportive educational settings.

This conversation is rich with actionable insights and is a must-listen for educators looking to embrace a more holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. Join us now on Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Berry Street Model
• The Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education - Katherine Evans and Dorothy Vaandering
• Becoming a trauma informed restorative educator - Joe Brummer and Margaret Thorsborne
• Restorative Schools Australia
• Implementing Trauma Informed Pedagogies
• The Transformative Power of Trauma Informed Positive Education

Special Guests:

Dr Kristin Reimer

Senior Lecturer in Restorative Justice and Relational Pedagogies - Monash University
Associate Head of School, School of Education, Culture and Society - Monash University

Peter Langham

Principal - Monterey Secondary College, Frankston North

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

Join us as we explore the art of differentiation in education, revealing how personalised teaching strategies can effectively meet individual student needs and foster inclusivity, transforming classroom dynamics and empowering every student to reach their full potential.

Our guests in this episode - Dr Penny Round and Madaline Curtain dive into the essential teaching strategy of differentiation. They explore how adapting lessons to cater to the unique needs of every student creates a nurturing educational environment.

Together, we explore:

• The role differentiation and why personalised instruction and inclusivity is so important in the classroom.
• Understanding individual student profiles including their learning styles and unique needs forms the foundation for effective teaching strategies.
• Strategies for adapting teaching methods including modifying task complexity, scaffolding and classroom pacing to support diverse learning needs.
• The importance of documenting educational adaptations and collaboratively setting goals with students to track progress.
• The role of ongoing assessment and feedback in improving educational outcomes.
• How building strong, supportive relationships with students and recognising their successes is critical in creating positive and inclusive classroom environments.
• How collaboration and resource sharing with colleagues can enhance the implementation of differentiated strategies and enrich teaching practices.
• Practical examples of how you can seamlessly integrate differentiation into daily lesson planning, ensuring that teacher adjustments are both manageable and effective.

With actionable tips and valuable resources, this episode aims to empower educators to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of all students, ensuring every individual’s potential is maximised through innovative and personalised educational strategies. Join us today and Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Simply Kinder
• Twinkl
• Australian Journal of Teacher Education ‘Differentiated Instruction at Work. Reinforcing the art of classroom observation through the the creation of a checklist for beginning and pre-service teachers’
• ‘Preparing beginning teachers for inclusion: designing and assessing supplementary fieldwork experiences’

Other suggested resources:

• Top teacher
• Mrs learning bee
• Elizabeth Richards and mta for support resources (furniture, sensory etc)
• Diverse Learners Hub (Department of Education)
• High Ability Toolkit - Identifying High Potential
• Universal Design for Learning (Cast)
• PBIS World

Special Guests:

Dr Penny Round
Lecturer in Inclusive and Special Education - Monash University

Madaline Curtin
Learning Specialist and Foundation Teacher - Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School, Cranbourne
 

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

We kick off our second season of Let’s Talk Teaching by exploring the transformative role of feedback in education. This episode uncovers how technology is revolutionising teacher-student interactions, shifting from traditional methodologies to innovative approaches that enhance learning outcomes.

Join us as we unveil the nuances of educational feedback with our distinguished guests, Michael Hendersen and Dr. Matt Fyfield. Together, they discuss the pivotal role of clear, timely and actionable feedback that resonates with students, highlighting how technological tools like video and audio feedback are instrumental in enriching this process. Specifically, we delve into how the implementation of more dynamic formative assessments - such as Matt’s ‘Lightening Feedback’ model fosters continuous improvement and enhances engagement in the learning process.

Together, we explore:

• The role of feedback as a core part of teaching practice, transitioning from traditional methods to innovative forms including video, audio and imagery.
• The evolution towards learner-centered feedback approaches that enhance student understanding and performance.
• How early, clear and relevant feedback is critical in fostering effective learning.
• Matt’s ‘Lightening Feedback’ model as a dynamic method for providing frequent and concise feedback, reducing teacher workload and enhancing the process.
• Proven strategies and practices that resonate in classroom settings.
• The culture of collaboration and open communication and its role in fostering connections between educators, learners and parents.
• Strategies for teachers to begin implementing effective feedback practices in their education setting.

This conversation is packed with practical suggestions, tips and techniques for teachers who want to start implementing effective feedback strategies into their classrooms. Join us today and Let’s Talk Teaching.

Resources:

• Screenplay (Previously Screencastomatic): Effortlessly record videos and share them instantaneously, bypassing the need for uploads. This feature is particularly beneficial for creating parent communications or providing feedback when your Learning Management System (LMS) lacks this capability.
• School Box: This is the Learning Management System (LMS) adopted by Mazenod. It boasts exceptional feedback functionality, including direct video embedding into documents and electronic markup capabilities. This system is implemented as a school-wide program, not merely for individual use.
• Wheel Decide: This is an electronic spinning wheel designed to randomly select students. Teachers can simply paste a list of students into the provided box, and the wheel generates. It also produces an embed code, allowing for integration into a class page. In my case, it is prominently displayed at the top of my class landing page.
• Exploring Video Feedback: Insights from Michael Henderson and Phillips' Seminal 2012 Study (Video feedback on student assessment: Scarily personal)
• Providing Feedback that moves learning forward - Dylan William (YouTube)

Special Guests:

Professor Michael Hendersen
Professor of Digital Futures - Monash University
Director, Hub for Educational Design and Innovation (HEDI)

Dr. Matt Fyfield
Deputy Principal (Learning and Teaching) - Mazenod College, Mulgrave

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit: Monash Education's learn more page.

We are grateful for the support of Monash University’s Faculty of Education in producing this podcast.

Join us for the season finale of Let’s Talk Teaching as we explore the significance of nurturing and embracing one’s teacher identity, and how it can create a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.

From expressing your own personality in the classroom to your approach to behavior management and your interactions with students – teacher identity is an all-encompassing concept that influences the way teachers plan, assess, and collaborate with both colleagues and students.

Our panel of esteemed guests – Gary Prasad, Andrew Greville, and Dr. Michelle Ludecke – share their personal experiences, insights, and practical strategies for nurturing teacher identity and help us understand why it’s so important in a long career of teaching.

Together, we explore:

• The fluid and evolving nature of teacher identity
• The importance of authenticity and personal compatibility in considering teaching roles
• Teacher identity as a reflection of personality and individual approach, including the use of humor or wit in teaching practice
• Reflecting on teaching practices, learning from your mistakes, and the "Green Pen" approach
• The evolution of teaching styles over time
• The challenge of maintaining continuity in classes or subjects for valuable reflection and improvement
• Developing teacher identity through involvement in extracurricular activities and building relationships with students outside the classroom
• The use of voice memos as a reflection strategy and its impact on the evolution of teacher identity
• Individual contribution to collective teacher identity and its social impact

Special Guests:

• Gary Prasad: Retired Secondary School Teacher
• Andrew Greville: Classroom Maths Teacher - Catholic Secondary School, Mildura, Victoria
• Dr. Michelle Ludecke: Lecturer, School of Curriculum, Teaching & Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education at Monash University

Join us for an insightful discussion on nurturing teacher identity and discovering its profound influence on teaching practice and student outcomes.

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit Monash Education's learn more page.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/embracing-your-identity-for-teaching-success/transcript

Join us as we discuss the importance of building and sustaining partnerships with parents, carers, and community groups to enhance student learning opportunities and outcomes.

Our guests, Professor Ruth Jeanes, Caitriona Dempsey, and Hayden Owens, share their expertise and individual strategies on how they engage and create meaningful relationships both inside and outside the classroom.

Ruth discusses the significance of community within schools and shares her extensive background working with various organisations and groups; while Caitriona offers practical strategies for engaging parents and carers, emphasising the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration; and Hayden shares the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding working in a school with students and parents from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Together, we explore:

• Engaging multi-cultural communities in education
• The importance of community partnerships in supporting students with trauma backgrounds
• The role of pre-service teachers in engaging with their broader community
• Challenges and strategies for building parent and community partnerships in schools
• The importance of community connections in education
• Tips on establishing effective and productive partnerships with community organisations
• Connecting with community resources in education
• The effort and leadership involved in sustaining partnerships and their influence on student outcomes

Join us for an insightful conversation on the power of partnerships and the important role teachers have in building and sustaining these relationships with the aim of enhancing student learning outcomes.

Special Guests:

Professor Ruth Jeanes Head of School, School of Curriculum, Teaching & Inclusive Education, Faculty of Education at Monash University

• Twitter - @RuthJeanes

Caitriona Dempsey Primary Classroom Teacher - Government Primary School, Melbourne, Victoria

Hayden Owens Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Physical Education Teacher - Noble Park English Language School, Noble Park, Victoria E: [email protected]

If you’re enjoying Let’s Talk Teaching, don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review! You can follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and share your thoughts on the show by using the hashtag #letstalkteachingpodcast 

If you’re interested in hearing more about the short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate study options that Monash Education offers, please visit Monash Education's learn more page.

Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/creating-strong-partnerships-with-parents-carers-and-the-community/transcript