The Art of Teaching

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. 

Ariam Mogos: Reimagining the future of education through innovation.

Reimagining the Future of Education Through Innovation with Ariam Mogos. Ariam leads the emerging tech portfolio at Stanford’s d.school, where she supports students and educators in designing with tools like AI, always with a keen eye on their ethical impact on people and the planet.

Her work spans continents, from Africa and Asia to the US and Europe, collaborating with organisations like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the LEGO Foundation. A National Geographic Explorer, Ariam’s contributions to digital learning and inclusion have also been recognised by Mozilla and Fast Company

Andrea Downie: How do we design school systems that prioritise people and wellbeing?

Andrea Downie is a systems leader, educator, and wellbeing expert who has worked collaboratively with hundreds of schools and organisations around the world on the application of wellbeing science, education redesign and systems leadership. Andrea is currently the Head of Wellbeing on the Board of Executive at British School Jakarta and also an Honorary Fellow of the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne.

Andrea was the co-founder of Project Thrive®. An organisation started in Australia focusing on systems and wellbeing science design, and has been invited to share her work as a keynote speaker at conferences across 5 continents.

Previously, Andrea has taught and held leadership positions in primary education, consulted in secondary schools, taught and guest lectured in tertiary education, worked in TAFE education systems, across all sectors: state, private and independent. Her 18 years of experience in education spans the international system. Her experience, knowledge and action research has given her insight into some of education's greatest strengths and, importantly, opportunities for growth.

She has implemented long term theory of change processes with well over 100 education leaders and designed, facilitated and hosted numerous overseas immersions with principals. Her work with leaders and schools has been published to provide school networks, local and state governments with key principles and processes for developing wellbeing and educational capabilities across communities.

Her on-the-ground experience teaching in both primary schools and at a university level, along with previously held leadership positions in wellbeing, learning enhancement, technology, gifted education and as a deputy principal, has significantly shaped what she brings to education today. Andrea has also worked as a National Activation Manager in a Fortune 500 corporation and grew up in family businesses, giving her solid foundations and a strong understanding of the dynamic and complex nature of business operations.

Andrea is passionate about making education the best and most desirable system in the world, where wellbeing, authentic learning and personal growth for all students and staff are at the forefront.

Here are some of the wellbeing resources from British School Jakarta: 

https://www.bsj.sch.id/wellbeing/defining-wellbeing#slide1

Peter Howes: Rethinking leadership, building trust and authentic community engagement.

Today’s guest is Peter Howes, Principal of Ballina Coast High School and a passionate leader in public education. With more than three decades of experience across teaching, leadership, and community engagement, Peter brings a deep commitment to equity, innovation, and inclusion in every aspect of his work.

As a seasoned school leader, he’s driven by a belief that every student — no matter their background or ability — deserves access to a high-quality, supportive education. His approach to leadership is grounded in strong relationships, community partnerships, and a vision of schools as places where both students and staff can grow, contribute, and thrive.

In this conversation, we explore what it means to lead with purpose, how to build an inclusive school culture, and the role of public education in shaping stronger communities.

Let’s get into it.

Dr Daniel T. Willingham: Why Don’t Students Like School?

Today’s guest is Dr. Daniel T. Willingham a cognitive scientist, professor, and author whose work bridges the gap between research and the classroom.

He’s a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia and the bestselling author of Why Don’t Students Like School?, a go-to book for educators looking to understand how students learn.

Dr. Willingham has a rare gift for translating complex science into clear, practical insights. His research focuses on memory, reading, and critical thinking, and he writes regularly for The Washington Post and American Educator.

In 2017, he was appointed by President Obama to the National Board for Education Sciences, recognising his contribution to evidence-based education.

I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Willingham. Let’s get into it.

Ashleigh Smith: Rainbow Sky Creations, influential books and memorable teachers.

Today I’m joined by Ash Smith, co-founder of Rainbow Sky Creations — a passionate educator creating practical, inspiring resources for teachers. Through her work, Ash supports educators to feel more confident, organised, and empowered in their classrooms.

Let’s jump into the conversation.