Teachers Supporting Teachers

Narelle Lemon

Welcome to 'Teachers supporting teachers'. The podcast sharing insights into being and becoming a teacher. I’m your host Narelle Lemon, a Professor of Education located in Australia and currently working at Edith Cowan University in Perth in the state of Western Australia. I’m curious and love to use this strength to find out more, so what better way to support others than to create this podcast series to be able to gain insights and perspectives from colleagues and friends. Make a cup of tea and find a comfy place to sit as you listen to various guests talk about being and becoming a teacher. Find out more by reading the podcast notes at http://www.exploreandcreateco.com/teachers-supporting-teachers-podcast

  1. 10/02/2024

    Teachers Supporting Teachers Series 10 Episode 3: Developing Strengths in Pre-Service Teaching

    In this enlightening episode of Teachers Supporting Teachers, host Narelle Lemon explores the development and application of character strengths in pre-service teaching. Joined by guests Gail, Marnie, Aimee, and Cheylin, the conversation delves into the experiences of graduate diploma students as they navigate their journey into teaching.   Key Topics: The evolution of teaching strengths over timeApplying personal strengths to overcome classroom challengesThe impact of consciously using strengths in teaching practiceThe role of mentorship in developing professional strengthsCreating inclusive classroom environments that celebrate diverse student strengthsThe connection between strengths, wellbeing, and self-care in teaching  Highlights: Aimee shares her experience of developing leadership skills and adaptability during swimming lessonsCheylin discusses how her nursing background enhances her teaching approach, particularly in compassion and understanding individual needsBoth pre-service teachers reflect on the importance of resilience and adaptability in responding to feedbackStrategies for creating a classroom environment that recognises and celebrates students' diverse strengthsThe crucial link between teacher wellbeing, self-care, and effective classroom management  Takeaways: Recognising and leveraging personal strengths can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagementMentorship plays a vital role in helping pre-service teachers identify and develop their strengthsCreating an inclusive classroom environment involves catering to diverse learning styles and celebrating individual student successesMaintaining wellbeing through self-care and strength awareness is essential for both teacher and student success  Whether you're a pre-service teacher, an experienced educator, or someone considering a career in education, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of strengths-based teaching and personal development in the field of education.

    31 min
  2. 09/23/2024

    Teachers Supporting Teachers Series 10 Episode 2: Harnessing Character Strengths in Remote Teaching

    In this episode, we're joined by Rex Monsoon, a Master of Teaching student at Edith Cowan University, currently on his final professional experience in the remote community of Kalumburu, Western Australia.   Episode Highlights: Rex shares his journey as a mature-age student transitioning into teaching from creative fieldsInsights into teaching design and technology, visual art, and incorporating First Nations perspectivesStrategies for cultivating and developing strengths in challenging teaching environmentsCreating flexible boundaries for differentiation and student engagementBalancing positive feedback with areas for development in student growthThe importance of reflective practice and challenging one's own viewpointsApproaches to mentoring and fostering individual potential in studentsHow a strength-based approach could transform schools and impact communities Key Takeaways: Strengths need to be stretched and challenged to developMistakes are valuable learning opportunities for both teachers and studentsEngaging with carers helps build supportive learning dispositionsEducators can be agents for change beyond the school gates  Join us for an inspiring conversation about leveraging character strengths in education, particularly in remote and regional settings.   Featuring host Narelle Lemon with guest co hosts Carli Sanbrook, Tammy Green, and special guest Rex Monsoon.

    42 min
  3. 09/17/2024

    Teachers Supporting Teachers Series 10 Episode 1: The power of yet

    In this inspiring episode of Teachers Supporting Teachers, host Narelle Lemon explores the role of character strengths in early childhood education. Joined by guests Carli Sandbrook, Bev Adkin, and pre-service teacher Skye, the conversation delves into the journey of becoming an early childhood educator and the importance of recognising and utilising personal strengths in teaching. Key Topics: The motivation behind choosing a career in early childhood educationIdentifying and developing personal strengths as an educatorIntegrating strengths into teaching philosophy and practiceCreating positive and inclusive classroom culturesThe role of mentorship in developing professional strengthsApplying a strengths-based approach with young childrenSelf-care and wellbeing for teachers  Highlights: Skye shares her journey from being an Education Assistant to pursuing a degree in early childhood educationDiscussion on how personal strengths such as passion, empathy, and organisation contribute to effective teachingInsights into creating engaging learning experiences for young children through play-based learningThe importance of building strong relationships with students, families, and colleaguesStrategies for incorporating strengths-based language and feedback in early childhood settings Takeaways: Recognising and leveraging personal strengths can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagementBuilding strong relationships is crucial in early childhood education and underpins a positive learning environmentModelling curiosity, enthusiasm, and a growth mindset helps foster these qualities in young learnersSelf-care and maintaining connections with colleagues are essential for teacher wellbeing  Whether you're an aspiring early childhood educator, an experienced teacher, or someone interested in strengths-based approaches to education, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of personal strengths in shaping positive educational experiences for young children.

    29 min
  4. 05/27/2024

    S9 Ep6: Remote, Regional and Rural Teaching Experiences...Embracing the Unknown: Navigating International Educational Experiences

    In this episode, Narelle Lemon, Teachers Supporting Teachers producer and VC Professoriate Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University, and her series co-host Marnie Harris, a lecturer and professional experience coordinator at Edith Cowan University's South West Campus, are joined by special guest Jan Drew, director of The Global Student, to discuss international educational experiences. Jan shares her journey into this space, having been a teacher herself and later developing the Global Education Practicum, an initiative that brings pre-service teachers to school placements in national and international schools in Malaysia. She highlights the unique aspects of these experiences, such as large class sizes, varying levels of English proficiency, diverse school cultures, and different teaching methods and schedules. The discussion delves into the amazing "aha" moments Jan has witnessed, including pre-service teachers realizing that kids are kids no matter where they are, developing confidence and adaptability, and making life-changing decisions about their teaching careers. The collegiality and research opportunities for participating academics are also noted as unexpected benefits of the program. Cultural awareness is explored as a key aspect of these international experiences, with Jan emphasizing the importance of respect for differences without judgment, understanding the reasons behind cultural practices, and managing expectations. She also shares an inspiring story of a pre-service teacher who discovered her passion for teaching through a challenging experience in a Malaysian classroom. The conversation touches on the often-forgotten or undervalued elements of growth during these experiences, such as peer learning and the development of professional networks. Jan also highlights the importance of self-care and well-being, both physical and emotional, during these experiences, drawing on insights gained from working with Narelle. As the episode concludes, Jan shares her top tips for pre-service teachers considering an international educational experience: leave your expectations at home, be flexible, and say yes to everything. She emphasizes the value of embracing new experiences and the lasting impact these opportunities can have on both the pre-service teachers and the communities they engage with. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what hashtag flexibility, open-mindedness, attitude, and courage look like in their own professional growth and to consider saying yes to a remote, regional, rural, or overseas experience. You may also be interested in: The Global Student Past Teachers Supporting Teachers episodes capturing an international remote placement in Series 7

    40 min
  5. 05/27/2024

    S9 Ep4: Remote, Regional and Rural Teaching Experiences...Principals' Perspectives: Thriving in Regional, Rural, and Remote Educational Experiences Part 1

    In this episode, Narelle Lemon, Teachers Supporting Teachers producer and professor based at the Mount Lawley campus at Edith Cowan University, and her series co-host Marnie Harris, a lecturer based in the South West Campus in Bunbury, engage in a thought-provoking discussion with three principals from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Eliot, principal of Derby District High School, shares his 27-year journey in education and his experiences working in regional and remote schools. Paul, principal at Looma Remote Community School, discusses his 35 years in education and his passion for rural and remote teaching, emphasizing the strong sense of community and belonging in these settings. Esther, principal at Kimberley School of the Air, shares her unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of distance education in the vast Kimberley region. The principals discuss their motivations for taking on pre-service teachers for professional experience placements, highlighting the importance of developing resilience, confidence, competence, and agility in a supportive environment. They also share insights on how their schools and communities support and assist pre-service teachers during their placements, including thoughtful mentor and supervisor assignments, social activities, and cultural immersion. The conversation delves into the unique opportunities and challenges faced by pre-service teachers in remote settings, such as the School of the Air, and the differences between professional experiences in community schools compared to regional or metropolitan schools. The principals emphasize the strong sense of family, community involvement, and the life-changing relationships built with Aboriginal students and educators. The episode also explores the support structures in place for pre-service teachers relocating from their home residence, including financial assistance, social networks, and professional development opportunities. The principals discuss the importance of community integration and the qualities or characteristics pre-service teachers need to thrive in regional, rural, or remote placements, such as reflectiveness, patience, resilience, adventurousness, and self-kindness. Listeners are encouraged to consider risk and failure as stepping stones to success and to reflect on what putting themselves forward looks like in their own lives, moving beyond the "safe game." You may also be interested in: Kimberley Region of Western Australia Derby District High School Looma Remote Community School Kimberley School of the Air

    49 min

About

Welcome to 'Teachers supporting teachers'. The podcast sharing insights into being and becoming a teacher. I’m your host Narelle Lemon, a Professor of Education located in Australia and currently working at Edith Cowan University in Perth in the state of Western Australia. I’m curious and love to use this strength to find out more, so what better way to support others than to create this podcast series to be able to gain insights and perspectives from colleagues and friends. Make a cup of tea and find a comfy place to sit as you listen to various guests talk about being and becoming a teacher. Find out more by reading the podcast notes at http://www.exploreandcreateco.com/teachers-supporting-teachers-podcast