Edu-Kate

Kate Kowalski

Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

  1. 11h ago

    Getting Assessment Right with Trevor MacKenzie

    Today’s guest is Trevor MacKenzie—an educator, author, keynote speaker, and inquiry consultant who partners with schools around the world. He is passionate about student agency, authentic assessment, and helping educators create inquiry-driven classrooms where curiosity and deep learning thrive.  In this episode, we discuss what meaningful, authentic assessment looks like in the PYP and how educators can use assessment to enhance student learning. Trevor shares what it means to "do less better," what effective feedback looks like, and why developing a culture of curiosity is essential—not only for students but also for educators. There is so much packed into this conversation, so tune in!  Books by Trevor MacKenzie: Dive into Inquiry: Amplify Learning and Empower Student Voice (2016) Inquiry Mindset: Nurturing the Dreams, Wonders, and Curiosities of Our Youngest Learners (2019) (with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt) The Inquiry Teacher: Lessons and Strategies for Cultivating Curiosity (2022) Amplify Student Voice: Developing Agency Through the Cycle of Inquiry (2024) (with Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt) Learn more about Trevor MacKenzie: Website: https://www.trevormackenzie.com Instagram: @trev_mackenzie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mackenzie-37103b261/ X: @trev_mackenzie

    51 min

  2. Jun 24

    How to Recognize and Prevent Bullying: Expert Advice from Steve Andrews

    In this episode of the Edu-Kate Podcast, I’m joined by Steve Andrews, who leads anti-bullying workshops in schools and works closely with children, educators, and families to create safer and more supportive learning environments. Steve shares practical insights into what bullying really is, how to recognise the signs, and the best ways to respond. We also discuss how to equip children with the confidence, resilience, and strategies they need to navigate bullying if they experience it themselves, along with the important role that parents and schools play in supporting young people. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone who works with children, this episode offers valuable advice and practical takeaways to help create environments where every child can feel safe, supported, and empowered. Contact Steve @ Bully_back_off@yahoo.com 604-307-9146 LinkedIn - Steve Andrews Bullying Prevention

    42 min

  3. Jun 11

    What If Learning Isn't Something We Measure? With Jon Madian

    Today’s special guest is Jon Madian. Jon is an educator, psychotherapist, and author whose work sits at the intersection of learning science, human development, and educational technology. His focus is on rethinking curriculum, assessment, and learning environments so that they better support curiosity, creativity, and the generative nature of human learning. LinkedIn: Jon Madian | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-madian-426477/

    57 min

  4. Jun 3

    Elementary Teaching Tips: 5 Things I Stopped Doing in My Classroom

    In today's short I share with you five things that I have stopped doing to improve my own teaching and to better support the children in my class. Maybe you have some things that you need to quit doing too. Listen in to see if any of my changes apply to you to.

    10 min

  5. May 20

    Math Anxiety & Mindset: How Emotions Shape Learning in Mathematics

    Today’s guest is Dr. Fabio D’Agostin, an Australian mathematics and physics educator with more than 40 years of teaching experience. In this episode, we discuss the important role emotions play in shaping students’ mathematical mindset, and how confidence, engagement, and emotional experiences influence learning in math classrooms. This episode will certainly get you thinking about how you teach math. Check out - Creating Schools: Where Students and Teachers Want to Beby Michael Lawrence and Dr. Fabio D’AgostinPublished by Melbourne Books (2025)

    1 hr

  6. May 13

    Teacher Wellness - Creating Balance

    Teachers are often so busy caring about everyone else that they forget to take the time to look after themselves. In this episode, I share with you some of the simple things you do to create more balance and show up as the best teacher you can be.

    14 min

  7. May 6

    How Parents and Teachers Can Work Together to Support Kids with Kirk Martin

    Today I'm joined by Kirk Martin - founder of Celebrate Calm and host of the Calm Parenting Podcast, where he supports parents and educators to respond to challenging behaviour with calm, connection, and practical strategies. Drawing on years of hands-on work with families, he focuses on reducing anxiety, defiance, and emotional overwhelm in children, helping adults create environments where students feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. Together we explore the ways in which parents and teachers can work together to best support the needs of children.

    57 min

  8. Apr 27

    Why Teacher Autonomy Matters in Elementary Education

    Today's special guest is Sophie Smith-Tong, an experienced primary educator, speaker, and advocate for teacher autonomy and wellbeing. With over 15 years in education, she focuses on empowering teachers to make meaningful classroom decisions that support student learning and creativity. She is the author of Teacher Autonomy: Where Has It Gone and Why We Need It Back, a powerful exploration of how increasing accountability and rigid systems have reduced teacher independence—and what educators can do to reclaim it.

    43 min
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About

Kate, a seasoned classroom teacher, brings you honest, research-backed conversations about early childhood and the schooling system we all navigate. Each week she sits down with leading educators, researchers, policy experts, and advocates to unpack what’s working, what’s broken, and what actually helps kids thrive. Real talk. Real solutions. Real education. New episodes every week.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate Kowalski
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kate Kowalski
  • Show Website
    Edu-Kate