The Art of Teaching

Melinda Phillips: Honest conversations about burnout, boundaries, and emotional literacy

Melinda is a teacher and coaching psychologist with 20+ years’ experience supporting school staff and leaders. With research in compassion fatigue, burnout, and engagement, she offers evidence-based wellbeing support through coaching, facilitation, and strategic planning. Melinda has worked as a teacher, counsellor, consultant, educator, and general manager. She takes a compassionate, practical approach tailored to each school’s context. Melinda is an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation.

Professor David Gurr: Educational leadership, serving others and global perspectives.

Professor David Gurr is a global expert in educational leadership at the University of Melbourne. He has authored over 200 publications, presented at numerous conferences, and contributed to research projects worth more than $26 million. A founding member of key international leadership networks, he has supervised over 60 postgraduate research students and conducted more than 100 school reviews across Australia and internationally. David has held editorial roles in major education journals and received several honours from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, including the prestigious Gold Medal. He also consults widely and holds fellowships with institutions in Hong Kong, the UK and Canada.

Dr Mitchell Gibbs: Teaching strength, changing our minds and the future of pain management.

Dr Mitchell Gibbs is a lecturer and researcher at the University of New South Wales. He holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science, a Master of Research, and a PhD from Western Sydney University. His research centres on back pain, focusing on exercise and education through a biopsychosocial lens. Mitchell teaches musculoskeletal rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. With over 10 years of industry experience, he also consults on complex pain and in professional sport. It was a pleasure speaking with him about his journey and passion for teaching.

Shane Hatton: Let's Talk Culture and how to develop remarkable people leaders.

Shane Hatton is a leadership and culture expert, author, and speaker. With a background in business and psychology, he helps leaders build high-performing teams through better communication and connection. He’s the author of Lead The Room and Let’s Talk Culture, and hosts the podcast Phone Calls With Clever People. Shane has worked with top organisations like Microsoft and the Victorian Government, and his insights have been featured in Forbes and Harvard Business Review. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and Forbes Coaches Council member, Shane equips leaders to shape culture and lead with impact.

Dr Phil Cummins: The Character Education Series, the Game Changers podcast and finding joy.

Dr Phil Cummins is a global leader in education, character, and leadership. With over 30 years of experience, he leads a School for tomorrow. and CIRCLE Education, guiding schools to deliver purposeful learning. He’s Associate Professor at Alphacrucis University College, co-host of the Game Changers podcast, and author of 30+ books. His four-book series—based on global research and conversations—guides students on a journey from purpose to impact. Drawing on work from CIRCLE, a School for tomorrow., and Game Changers, the series offers practical insights for personal growth and meaningful contribution. Phil’s work is recognised through multiple prestigious fellowships.

Tom Sherrington: Rosenshine's Principles in Action, WALKTHRUS and evidence informed instruction.

Tom is a highly respected educational consultant, author, and former headteacher with more than 30 years of experience in schools. Renowned for championing evidence-informed teaching, he has written several influential books, including The Learning Rainforest, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and Teaching WalkThrus (co-authored with Oliver Caviglioli). Through his blog, teacherhead.com, and international workshops, Tom empowers teachers and school leaders to implement research-based strategies that enhance classroom practice and support professional growth.

https://walkthrus.co.uk/

 

Matt Pitman takes over the mic as The Art of Teaching Podcast turns 200 🎉

Today, it is a pleasure to release the 200th episode of The Art of Teaching. To mark this milestone, we’re doing something a little different. The incredible Matt Pitman takes over the mic to interview me. We reflect on the biggest lessons I’ve learned from two hundred conversations with educators, leaders, and changemakers from around the world.

Whether you've been here since Episode 1 or you're tuning in for the first time, thank you for being part of this journey.

Let’s dive into Episode 200 of The Art of Teaching Podcast. 

Summer Howarth: The Eventful Learning Co and how to design and deliver great learning.

Summer Howarth is an education strategist, learning designer, and founder of The Eventful Learning Co. She works with schools, organisations, and governments to create powerful learning experiences. Her career includes teaching in NSW and the USA, lecturing at Sydney University, and leading innovation at AITSL. Summer has worked with partners like Zoos Victoria, The Prince’s Trust Australia, and Google for Education. She supports student voice projects across Australia, advises education start-ups, and is on Beyond Blue’s National Education Committee. A multi-time Educator Hotlist honouree and entrepreneur finalist, Summer is passionate about shaping the future of learning with purpose and heart.

John Cleary: Beyond Voice: Students as Transformative Partners in Education

Up next is a conversation that I recently had with John Cleary. John has recently stepped away from leading School and System Improvement at the Northern Territory Department of Education. Before this, he was the Principal of a primary school in Katherine. He also created the NT Learning Commission, which promotes student-led research and uses the Impact Evaluation Cycle. In 2018, John was named one of 12 National Schools Plus Teaching Fellows and has received national recognition for his work as a principal. He is currently working towards a doctorate at the University of Melbourne.

This conversation took place during a beautiful wet season storm in Larrakia Country, so very occasionally John’s connection drops out, but he comes right back. 

Here is a resource that is referenced in our conversation: 

https://www.cse.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/CSE-Leading-Education-Series24-June2024-secure.pdf

Steven Trotter: The Art of Skimming Stones and how to drive meaningful change.

Steven Trotter, an experienced education leader, has spent over a decade as a principal, system leader, and senior leader. His book, The Art of Skimming Stones, introduces the SKIM Model—a practical approach to sustained school improvement. Unlike traditional leadership frameworks, SKIM focuses on intentional, subtle shifts that drive meaningful change. With a passion for professional learning, He equips educators and leaders with actionable strategies for lasting impact.