The Art of Teaching

Claudia Owad: Solution focused schools, adaptive leadership and coaching in complex times.

Today, I’m joined by Claudia Owad, Director at Growth Coaching International. With over 30 years of experience across education, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, Claudia is a Master Practitioner with EMCC Global and has served on the board of the International Coaching Federation Australasia.

A former school counsellor, Claudia is passionate about helping people flourish through the integration of Coaching and Positive Psychology. She has worked with leaders, teachers, students and parents to create thriving learning environments, and continues to influence the field through her leadership, training and international speaking.

In this episode, we’ll explore her journey, insights into leadership and wellbeing, and the role of coaching in shaping education.

Dr Simon Breakspear: Elevated Conversations: Practical Tools to Make Teacher Collaboration Count.

In today’s episode, we explore Elevated Conversations, Dr Simon Breakspear’s new book that helps educators turn meetings from weary talk into purposeful dialogue. Drawing on years of work with schools worldwide, Simon shares seven practical tools designed to spark fresh thinking, deepen connections, and make the most of limited collaborative time. It’s a playbook for lifting the quality of our professional conversations and lightening the load for busy educators.   🎧 Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-art-of-teaching/id1552506400 Simon's resources:  📘 https://simonbreakspear.com/elevatedconversations-book/    

Michael O’Keeffe: Lessons from The Arts, leading with purpose and the power of professional learning communities.

Today I’m joined by Michael, an experienced educational leader with more than two decades working across the primary, secondary and adult education sectors. His career has been shaped by a passion for coaching, digital technology, and the Performing Arts, where he’s made a real impact on both teaching and leadership.

Michael is currently the Deputy Principal at John Paul College in Frankston, Victoria, where he brings together his deep expertise and his commitment to helping teachers and students thrive.

Jamie Gerlach: Deep learning, human agency and the power of play.

Today I’m joined by Jamie Gerlach, an educator and leader who believes in the power of deep learning to build human agency and sees access to rigorous play as a basic right for all. For over a decade, he has designed and led professional learning in embodied literacy, 4C learning and school transformation, working with teachers and leaders across Australia and internationally. Jamie has also lectured at the University of Sydney and spoken at national conferences. In this conversation, we explore his philosophy, passion and practical insights for reimagining education.

Dr Ange Rogers: PVAT, Building teacher expertise and the power of place value.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Ange Rogers, a teacher, numeracy leader, consultant and researcher whose work has helped countless primary teachers feel more confident in the maths classroom. With more than twenty years of experience across teaching, coaching, and research, Ange has a real gift for turning evidence into simple, practical strategies that work.

Her passion lies in building teacher confidence, improving number sense, and breaking down those common misconceptions that can so easily trip students up. Ange’s down-to-earth approach means everything she shares is classroom-ready, realistic, and focused on what makes the biggest difference for students.

Whether you’re a teacher wanting new ways to strengthen your numeracy practice or a leader looking to support your staff, this conversation is full of insights, routines, and encouragement that will help maths click.

Brendan Yu: Championing rural and remote schools.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Brendan, a proud public education principal with deep roots in his community. Brendan now leads in the very place he once attended as a student, driven by a passion to expand opportunities for rural and remote students. His journey began early, when he revitalised the Riverina Industrial Arts Network to strengthen skills teaching across the region. He continues to champion equity, opportunity, and strong staff support, making a real difference in the lives of young people and the communities they grow up in.

Dr Peter Lovatt: How pirouettes can literally change your mind.

What if the key to thinking more clearly, feeling more connected, and even solving problems... was movement?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Peter Lovatt psychologist, dancer, and founder of the world’s first Dance Psychology Lab, to explore how moving our bodies can transform our minds. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will prompt you to think (and maybe even dance) in new ways. His new book, The Dance Cure, is a must read. 

Kiri Marschall: Strengthening pedagogy, building capacity and the power of connection.

Today on The Art of Teaching podcast, I’m joined by Kiri, an educator who believes learning should be adaptive, reflective, and deeply connected to place. With extensive experience in regional and remote schools, Kirri has seen how education rooted in land, language, and community can transform lives.

Kiri’s work focuses on building capacity, strengthening pedagogy, and creating environments where curiosity and creativity thrive. Shaped by studies in Indigenous Knowledges and Education, Kiri is committed to culturally sustaining practices and true community partnership.

In this episode, we explore how schools and communities can work together to create education that is practical, sustainable, and grounded in local strengths.

Emma Mansfield: Building expertise and excellence in NSW education.

Today, I'm joined by Emma, Executive Director, Strategic Priorities at the NSW Department of Education and a proudly accredited Lead Teacher. With a career shaped by a deep commitment to educational excellence, Emma has held a range of influential leadership roles at both the school and system levels. She played a key role in founding the HALT Association NSW and now returns as its President, continuing to advocate for the recognition and celebration of teaching expertise across the state.

In our conversation, we’ll explore what it means to lead with purpose, how accreditation can elevate teaching practice, and why teacher voice matters more than ever in shaping the future of education.

Melissa Kennedy: The Sustainable Teacher in a Digital Age.

Today, I’m joined by Melissa Kennedy - a passionate educator, leader, and storyteller.

Melissa is Head of English at her school, a sessional university lecturer, and a presenter who brings depth and clarity to conversations about teaching, leadership, and curriculum. She’s also an accomplished author and was recently recognised as an ACEL New Voice in School Leadership for 2024.

Her work lives at the intersection of language, leadership, and learning. Whether she’s guiding students through rich texts or mentoring colleagues, Melissa is all about empowering others to think critically, communicate clearly, and lead with purpose.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation.