Teach

Department for Education, South Australia

Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    Shaping the future: SA education achievements and priorities with Professor Martin Westwell

    Join us as we sit down with Chief Executive, Professor Martin Westwell as he takes us through 2024’s key achievements and outlines priorities for 2025. Professor Westwell discusses how South Australia’s education system is a learning system centred on relationships and purpose-driven strategy. The conversation also explores how to create an education system that prioritises innovation, equity, and civics, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Fostering inclusive education at Marryatville Primary School

    In this episode hear from Cathy Cook, Autism Inclusion Teacher and 2024 Public Education Award finalist, and Sue Shywolup, a former Year 3 teacher at Marryatville Primary School. Cathy shares how she fosters inclusivity for neurodiverse students by upskilling staff, introducing sensory tools, and leading the Autism Action Team. She’s built a collaborative approach involving teachers, SSOs, and families to support students’ needs. Cathy also discusses her plans to to expand initiatives with guest speakers and more student-led activities.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Literacy Without Barriers: a community approach to reading

    In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School. Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5. Aimed at nurturing a love of reading, the packs include books, user-friendly activity guides and materials for hands-on learning. Along with boosting students’ confidence, the program is also breaking down barriers for parents and fostering connections within the community. In 2024 this project was nominated for a Public Education Award and won the LGA South Australia's Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Connection, innovation and the Spiral of Inquiry

    In this episode, hear from Dr Linda Kaser and Dr Judy Halbert, co-leaders of the Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education in Canada. Judy and Linda share insights from British Columbia’s education system and their work globally, drawing upon the power of curiosity, networks and the Spiral of Inquiry model in driving transformation and change in our schools.  The conversation covers leadership, transitions for Indigenous learners, decision making and student voice, offering practical tips and real-world stories which support our implementation of the Strategy for Public Education.    Show notes:  Networks of Inquiry and Indigenous Education (NOIIE) NOIIE Transitions Report 2024 (PDF 2.1MB) Temperley, Kaser and Halbert, A framework for transforming learning in schools: Innovation and the spiral of inquiry Kaser and Halbert, The Spiral Playbook: Leading with an inquiring mindset in school systems and schools We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Ron Berger and Gwyn ap Harri on how expeditionary learning builds confident, capable students

    What if education was about more than just academic success? In this episode we explore how the expeditionary approach to learning can drive student growth, wellbeing and meaningful outcomes. Ron Berger, Senior Advisor for EL Education and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor, and Gwyn ap Harri, Chief Executive Officer of XP School Trust in the UK, reveal how powerful learning experiences can empower students to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom. Discover practical strategies for creating a culture of high expectations, character development, and authentic learning. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Building respectful and affirming school cultures

    In this episode we hear from student Willow and Wellbeing Leader Taylor about the restorative work Charles Campbell College is doing to support and champion LGBTQIA+ students. Learn how the school fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. We’ll also discuss the Department for Education resources that schools can use to better support LGBTIQA+ communities, so everyone feels like they belong. Show notes: We understand and acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ acronym is evolving and used differently across groups in the community and doesn’t recognise Aboriginal cultural diversity. We want to assure all our listeners that we value and recognise all identities and we know the acronym doesn’t include every identity. Topics in this episode may be of a sensitive nature for some listeners and may bring up issues or experiences that have been or are currently distressing. If you need support please seek assistance from one of the services listed below. Always call 000 in an emergency. The department’s Employee Psychology Services hotline - 8226 0744 Lived Experience Telephone Support Service - 1800 013 755 13YARN - 13 92 76 QLife - 1800 184 527 Lifeline - 13 11 14 Gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people (public page) Gender and sexual diversity EDi page Strategy for public education Plink module Introduction to supporting gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people Whole of staff training on supporting gender diverse, intersex and sexually diverse children and young people Diversity and inclusion in the department We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at education.teachpodcast@sa.gov.au.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    The power of oracy in literacy learning

    How does talk shape learning? In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, Dr Debra Myhill and Dr Rupert Wegerif dive into why oracy, the ability to speak and listen effectively, is at the heart of literacy. They explore how teachers can create rich classroom discussions that build confidence, critical thinking, and inclusion. Join us as we discuss how dialogue can be both a means and an end in education, fostering deeper learning and a more thoughtful, engaged society. Key takeaways: The role of oracy: Speaking and listening skills are fundamental to all learning. Before students learn to read and write, they make sense of the world through spoken language, shaping their cognitive and social development. Teachers as facilitators: Educators play a crucial role in guiding classroom discussions, modelling inquiry-based thinking, and creating an environment where students feel empowered to express their ideas and engage in deeper conversations. Assessment and learning: Traditional high-stakes testing may not always reflect a student's understanding. Through classroom dialogue, teachers can assess comprehension more effectively and identify misconceptions in real time. The role of AI in learning: While AI tools like ChatGPT present both opportunities and risks in education, dialogic teaching can help students use AI as a tool for inquiry rather than simply seeking quick answers. Show notes: Debra Myhill - A sea of talk: Why oracy matters in literacy learning Rupert Wegerif - Education for dialogue in the AI-enhanced internet age  Rupert Wegerif - Dialogue as an aim of education as well as a means to education See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Talking to learn: the role of dialogue in education

    What if the secret to better learning isn’t just reading and writing, but talking?   In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Literacy Summit, join Dr Yael Leibovitch from the University of Queensland Critical Thinking Project and Professor Ian Wilkinson from the Ohio State University as they discuss how dialogic teaching can spark critical thinking, boost engagement, and help students feel more connected to their learning. This episode is aimed at primary and secondary school teachers. For preschool educators, listen to our episode with Professor Louise Paatsch. Key takeaways: Talk as a learning tool: Classroom discussion helps students internalise ideas, build comprehension, and develop problem-solving skills. Building a culture of inquiry: Establishing a safe, collaborative learning environment encourages students to take intellectual risks and engage deeply. The future of dialogic pedagogy: AI is playing an increasing role in professional development, helping teachers analyse discourse and refine their facilitation skills. Ian Wilkinson - Quality talk about text to support critical and creative thinking Yael Leibovitch - A dialogic approach to writing pedagogy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    17 min
See All Season 5 (19)

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About

Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.

Information

  • Creator
    Department for Education, South Australia
  • Episodes
    68
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Department for Education, South Australia
  • Show Website
    Teach

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