Real Schools of Thought with Adam Voigt

Adam Voigt

Hosted by Adam Voigt, Real Schools of Thought is a bold, reflective podcast for principals, aspiring school leaders, and educators who are ready to rethink the way schools work. Through raw, story-rich conversations with real changemakers in education, we go beyond policies and programs to explore the personal mindset shifts, leadership moments, and cultural decisions that truly shape our schools. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real.

Episodes

  1. FEB 3

    The Story and Influence of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People on Real Schools

    In this solo episode Adam opens up the real story behind RP2.0 and the deep influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had on his teaching, leadership and restorative approach. He traces the three knowledge bases that shape the model affect theory, social and organisational psychology and the wisdom gifted to him through First Nations educators, elders and families. Adam shares personal stories from his early teaching in Alikarung and from his time learning alongside leaders like Yalmay and Mandawuy Yunupingu including the powerful metaphor of “tilting the earth” and the reminder that some kids will still walk uphill. He explores why language is the first domain of school culture how shame works as a reintegrating force in Aboriginal communities and why these ideas align so strongly with restorative practice in modern schools. This is a grounded generous conversation about culture, belonging and the responsibility educators hold in shaping the environments young people grow within. Adam offers a rare look behind the curtain at where RP2.0 really comes from why it works and what it asks of us as teachers and leaders today.   Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online. Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    30 min

  2. JAN 27

    If We Funded Schools Properly...Here’s What Would Actually Change - with Tina King

    In this episode, Tina King shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a leader in education, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the education system. She emphasises the importance of leadership, collegiality, and the need for systemic support to meet complex student needs. Rita Pearson TED Talk that Tina referred to - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw Interested in our work? 1.     Learn more about Real Schools here. 2.     Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here. 3.     Check out our Student Behaviour PhD. 4.     Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here. 5.     Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    36 min

  3. JAN 20

    The Power of a Smile - Matt Kenny's Secret to School Success

    Adam Voigt is joined by Matt Kenny, Principal of Dodges Ferry Primary School, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and what helps schools thrive. Together, they explore the power of relationships, the importance of staff wellbeing, and why consistency and unity in leadership matter more than ever. The episode reflects on how educators grow over time, how behaviour can be better understood, and how schools can stay focused on what truly matters despite growing pressures. It’s a grounded, hopeful discussion about leading with clarity, care, and purpose. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    35 min

  4. JAN 14

    How'd We End Up At Real Schools?

    In this solo episode of Real Schools of Thought, Adam Voigt shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of Real Schools. For the first time, Adam traces the formative experiences, pivotal moments, and hard leadership lessons that shaped his philosophy on education, culture, and 'RP2.0'. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online. Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia).

    27 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Teaching Through Heart and Purpose: Nick Dodd's Story

    In this episode of Real Schools of Thought, we sit down with Nick Dodd, the principal of Clarence High School, to explore his impactful leadership journey. Under Nick's guidance, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student engagement, attendance, and performance. Notably, suspension rates have dropped by 50% in just the first year, and the school achieved its best NAPLAN results ever. Nick shares his insights on the importance of community involvement and innovative teaching methods. He also discusses the role of technology in modern education and the impact of personalised learning on student success. Looking ahead, Nick outlines his future goals for further academic excellence at Clarence High. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    39 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Professor John Hattie: The Hopeful Horizon of Education in Australia

    In this engaging conversation, Professor John Hattie discusses the profound impact of great teachers, the challenges faced by school leaders, and the importance of fostering a positive school culture. He emphasises the need for teachers to recognise their own expertise and the significance of balancing instructional strategies in the classroom. Hattie also explores the implications of AI in education and the necessity for educators to adapt to future challenges while maintaining a focus on student engagement and learning outcomes. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    44 min

  7. 08/18/2025

    Leading with Kindness: Claire & Jade's Story at Nepean School

    In this conversation, Adam speaks with Claire Toohey and Jade Leggett from Nepean School about their experiences as educators and the unique culture of their school, which caters to children with physical disabilities. They discuss the importance of restorative practices, effective communication, and the supportive environment that fosters student empowerment and staff collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of kindness, the role of parents, and the continuous journey of improvement within the school community. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    40 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    From Challenges to Change: Darren Brailey's Educational Impact

    In this conversation, Darren Brailey, principal of Morisset High School, shares his journey of transforming the school culture through restorative practices. He reflects on the influence of a great teacher in his life, the challenges he faced in student engagement, and the importance of consistency and fairness in creating a supportive environment. Brailey emphasises the need for building relationships with parents and the shift from punitive measures to restorative approaches. He discusses the commitment to developing responsible citizens and the ongoing journey of improving school culture. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    34 min

  9. 08/12/2025

    Navigating the Future of Education with Zoe McKenzie

    In this conversation, Zoe McKenzie reflects on the profound impact of teachers and education on her life, emphasising the importance of values, responsibility, and the role of family. She discusses her journey into politics, driven by a desire to improve education and mental health systems. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and education, the challenges posed by AI, and the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world. Zoe advocates for a balanced approach to education that prepares young people for the future while preserving essential human attributes. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    42 min

  10. 08/12/2025

    Restorative Practices in Action: A Conversation with Bern Warburton

    In this conversation, Bern Warburton shares her journey as a principal at Lake Primary School, detailing the transformation of the school's culture through restorative practices. She reflects on the impact of caring teachers, the challenges faced during her leadership, and the importance of engaging staff, parents, and students in the process. Bern emphasises the significance of building relationships and fostering a positive school environment, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for students and a sense of pride in the school community. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    35 min

  11. 08/04/2025

    Empowering Change: Martine Gill's Journey of Leadership and Community

    Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Martine Gill, the principal of Clover Hill State School. Martine shares her journey from aspiring teacher to visionary leader, emphasising the importance of community, connection, and personal growth. Discover how her personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and learn valuable insights on fostering a sense of belonging in educational environments. Interested in our work? Learn more about Real Schools here.Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here. Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

    42 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Hosted by Adam Voigt, Real Schools of Thought is a bold, reflective podcast for principals, aspiring school leaders, and educators who are ready to rethink the way schools work. Through raw, story-rich conversations with real changemakers in education, we go beyond policies and programs to explore the personal mindset shifts, leadership moments, and cultural decisions that truly shape our schools. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real.

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