Toddcast Teacher Podcast

Episode 60 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Ash - Rainbow Sky Creations)

For the sixtieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Ash from Rainbow Sky Creations. 

Ashleigh has been a teacher for several years teaching both in Australia and Dubai. During her teaching career she meet her business partner Alisha. Then in 2016 they both wanted to give back to the teaching community and Rainbow Sky Creations was born. 

Rainbow Sky Creations helps support and empower teachers throughout Australia and the world especially having a focus on new teachers in the profession. They also have heaps of teaching resources, ideas and strategies focused on curriculum, planning, time saving as well as mini courses and a podcast is available. If you haven’t already found them yet go and check them out. 

Ash discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher.

- Teaching in Dubai. 

- How Rainbow Sky Creations all came about. 

- What does Rainbow Sky Creations offer. 

- How they support and empower teachers. 

- Her business partner Alisha.

- Supporting new teachers in the profession. 

- The resources, mini courses they have to offer at Rainbow Sky Creations. 

- Their podcast called Rainbow Skies for New Teachers. 

- Top five teaching ideas and strategies. 

- Reading and maths ideas for the classroom. 

Get in contact with Ash or Rainbow Sky Creations below:

Episode 59 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Andrea Hillbrick)

For the fifty-ninth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Andrea Hillbrick.

Andrea has been involved in education for over 35 years and has enjoyed various roles such as curriculum leader, learning and teaching coach and assistant principal. Andrea now runs Andrea Hillbrick consultancy which she has been doing for 15 years where provides professional learning for teachers that is innovative, engaging, authentic and purposeful. Andrea has also written a number of books as well as running an online Book Club over the last four years. 

Andrea discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher.

- Top strategies to be an effective leader in a school.

- What is Andrea Hillbrick consultancy. 

- What does Andrea Hillbrick consultancy offer schools and staff. 

- What she enjoys most about her consultancy role. 

- Her book club and what is involved in her book club.

- The books she has written. 

- Andrea’s presence on Facebook and Instagram.

- Top five teaching ideas and strategies to assist teachers in the classroom. 

 You can get in contact with Andrea below:  

Episode 58 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Tournament of Minds – Eliza and Siobhan - TOM Directors)

For the fifty-eighth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Eliza and Siobhan both directors of Tournament of Minds. 

Both Eliza and Siobhan are teachers as well as both volunteering for Tournament of Minds where they are directors in their respective states. 

Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a program for all primary and secondary students providing the opportunity to solve authentic, open-ended challenges that foster creative, divergent thinking whilst developing collaborative enterprise, excellence and teamwork. Challenges are set in the following disciplines: The Arts, Language Literature, Social Sciences and STEM.

Eliza and Siobhan discuss the following:

-        Their educational journeys. 

-        Reasons why they decided to be a volunteer at Tournament of Minds.

-        What is Tournament of Minds. 

-        What does it offer schools and students. 

-        What are the disciplines available in Tournament of Minds. 

-        Opportunities and real-life benefits of students being involved in Tournament of Minds. 

-        Importance of teamwork in Tournament of Minds. 

-       What Tournament of Minds judges do. 

Find out more about Tournament of Minds or get in contact with Eliza and Siobhan below:  

Episode 56 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Amy Green)

For the fifty-sixth (and the first episode for 2024) of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Green.

Amy is founder of The Wellness Strategy, a published author, speaker, facilitator, and coach, and a leader in improving workplace culture and wellbeing in schools and organisations. As a past teacher and school leader, Amy is determined to change the way we view wellbeing to support our everyday and workplace needs. With a background in teaching and leadership and having studied human behaviour and positive psychology, Amy brings to the wellbeing space a fresh approach to what can be a sensitive topic. 

Amy guides workplaces to understand the difference between individual and collective wellbeing to ensure all employees feel safe, valued, and fulfilled, and to bring about a workplace culture in which all staff thrive and flourish. 

Amy discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher

- Tips when moving school.

- Teaching in London. 

- What is The Wellness Strategy.

- How did The Wellness Strategy all come about.

- What does The Wellness Strategy offer teachers and leaders.

- What is teacher wellbeing.

- Why is teacher wellbeing so important.

- Why is a school’s culture so important.

- Amy’s book called Teacher Wellbeing – A Real Conversation for Teachers and Leaders

- Amy’s podcast.

You can get in contact with Amy (The Wellness Strategy) below:

Episode 53 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Kelly Chislett – Common Reader)

For the 53rd episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Kelly Chislett from the Common Reader. 

Kelly is a primary school teacher who has mainly been based in the early years. She has taken on leadership roles such as year level co-ordinator and transition co-ordinator. Kelly is currently on Family Leave however during this time Kelly founded Common Reader, which is an online resource designed to be a pillar for parents as they navigate early school life with their children.

Kelly discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher

- What is the Common Reader. 

- What motivates parents to be engaged in the school environment.

- Any common misconceptions made by parents or teachers regarding home reading practice.

- Top tips and ideas to support parents in getting their child reading at home.

- Why engage parents and so much more. 

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Kelly (Common Reader) below:  

Episode 54 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Andy Connick – Andy Connick Coaching)

For the 54th episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Andy Connick from Andy Connick Coaching. 

Andy is a teacher turned personal trainer. Andy has been involved in schools for over 10 years which includes various roles such as teacher assistant, pastoral support worker, teacher in a pupil referral unit, assistant head of centre, teacher in charge of primary and deputy head of centre. However last year Andy made the decision to take a break from teaching and requalified as a personal trainer and went on set up an online coaching business that starts from a point of fitness and how teachers can keep fit around the madness of a teaching schedule, but then also works more generally on health and wellbeing with the aim of trying to minimise burn out and keeping as many amazing teachers in the classroom as possible. 

Andy discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher

- Teaching in a Pupil Referral Unit. 

- How having various roles helped him develop as a teacher. 

- How he realised he was burnt-out.

- Was it hard decision to take a break from teaching. 

- Why did he become a personal trainer. 

- What is Andy Connick Coaching. 

- What does Andy Connick Coaching offer teachers. 

- Importance of teachers being physically and mentally healthy. 

- Top tips for teachers to stay physically and mentally healthy.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Andy (Andy Connick Teaching) below:  

Episode 48 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Sue Webb)

For the forty-eighth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Sue Webb. 

Sue has been a high school teacher for over 30 years and has various teaching and leadership positions during her teaching career. 

In 2016 Sue suffered a debilitating panic attack and for the next four years, her life spiralled out of control. Feeling lost and burnt out, Sue began writing and her book “Teachers Cry Too”, was released in November 2022 It captures the challenges and joys of teaching in a world that is becoming increasingly more complex. Sue also launched a Facebook and Instagram account (Teacher’s Cry Too) which is a space for advocacy, lived experience and emerging research about teacher wellbeing.

Sue discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. 

- Her story about struggling with her mental wellbeing and health. 

- Why is teacher wellbeing so important.  

- Top tips for teacher wellness and wellbeing.  

- If someone is struggling with their teacher wellbeing the advice she would give. 

- What schools can do to enhance? teacher wellbeing. 

- About her book “Teacher’s Cry Too”. 

- Her Instagram page. 

- Advice for graduates. 

- Goals for the future. 

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can check out and listen to the on the links below:  

Episode 47 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Mitch Leyton)

For the forty-seventh episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Mitch Leyton. 

Mitch is into his 5th year of teaching and is currently teaching a Grade 5/6 class. Throughout Mitch’s career he has taught in either the Grade 3/4 or 5/6 area. 

Mitch is extremely passionate teacher who loves to learn and develop and continue to improve his teaching. Mitch also has an Instagram page called Mr. Leyton’s Little Learners where he shares his teaching journey. 

Mitch discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. 

- Teaching tips for the upper primary area. 

- Canva Education. 

- His Instagram page (Mr. Leyton’s Little Learners) 

- Resources, books and online tools that are a must in the upper primary area. 

- Being a teacher during the day and yoga instructor at night; 

- Importance of having something outside of school to assist your wellbeing. 

- Goals for the future. 

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Mitch below:  

Episode 46 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Crystal McIntosh)

For the forty-sixth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Crystal McIntosh.

Crystal is an Early Childhood Educator who has undertaken various roles during her 8 year career to date and is currently an Early Years Advisor at Shine Bright Kindergarten.

Recently Crystal has also launched a podcast with another two work colleagues called Shine On, which focuses on Early Childhood Education.

Crystal discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher.

- Why she enjoys Early Years Education so much.

- Top tips when teaching Early Childhood Education.

- Main focuses and aims in getting children ready for school.

- What can schools do to support children for a smoother transition to school.

- Her leadership roles in Early Childhood Education.

- Their new podcast called Shine On.

- How the podcast all came about and what can listeners expect to hear.

- Goals for the future.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

Episode 44 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Danica See – Little Bloom Consultancy)

For the forty-fourth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Danica See from Little Bloom Consultancy. 

Danica is an early childhood educator, university lecturer, practicum supervisor and mother of one. She is also the owner of Little Bloom, a platform that shares a multitude of information about child development, social-emotional learning and, most significantly, supporting children’s behaviour for people supporting children aged 0-7 years.

After working in the early childhood space for over 15 years, Danica has recognised a fundamental need for a shift in the way that we support children’s behaviour - people are seeking help with how to effectively support young children’s behaviour and emotional development but are unsure of where to find this information. Through Little Bloom, Danica has made it her mission to bridge the divide between theory and practice by bringing evidence-informed information to parents and early childhood educators by sharing personal anecdotes, camaraderie, current research and strategies.

Danica discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. 

- What is Little Bloom Consultancy and how it all came about. 

- What does it offer teachers and parents. 

- Best tips on how to best support educators and parents transform how they support their children’s behaviour and emotional development. 

- Importance of building relationships with your students. 

- Does a teacher’s or parent’s mindset play an important role in how a child will react. 

- Strategies for when students say NO. 

- Discussion around reward charts and class awards.

- Aims and goals for the future. 

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Danica (Little Bloom Consultancy) below:  

Episode 43 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Sarah MacDonald – Canine Comprehension)

For the forty-third episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Sarah MacDonald from Canine Comprehension.

Sarah started her career as a teacher and worked with many young people. Sarah also completed an animal assistance therapy course and spent considerable time as a professional dog trainer. During this period, she recognised how kids, especially at-risk ones, could benefit from dog-assisted therapy, and Canine Comprehension was born.  

Canine Comprehension is a company that brings therapy dogs to schools to interact with children. Therapy dogs can help young people widen their perspective on mental health so they can get to the stage where they are ready to learn. 

Canine Comprehension not only works with schools and support facilities in Melbourne but offers mentoring and other school services and also supports residential care for kids who are out of school due to social anxiety.

Sarah discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. 

- What is Canine Comprehension.

- How did Canine Comprehension all came about. 

- What does Canine Comprehension offer schools and students. 

- Benefits for students having therapy dogs in their life or classroom.

- How can people get involved as a mentor. 

- Aims and goals for the future. 

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Sarah (Canine Comprehension) below:  

Episode 42 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Ryan and Tam - theINmag)

For the forty-second episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Ryan and Tam from theINmag.

Both Ryan and Tam have been teachers for a number of years in many different roles before they started up their passion project called theINmag.

theINmag is a nation-wide magazine - made by kids, for kids! It is dedicated to creating an authentic platform for kids to showcase their greatest creations. The content is carefully curated to be curriculum aligned while making learning fun and engaging.

Their goal is to empower kids, support parents and teachers, and promote shared learning. Their mission is to help kids in Australia create, share and learn together.

Ryan and Tam discuss the following:

- Their teaching journeys and why they became teachers.

- Proudest moments as teachers.

- What is theINmag.

- How did theINmag all come about.

- What is inside theINmag and how is it curriculum linked.

- How teachers have used theINmag in their classroom.

- Benefits of having a copy of theINmag for students, parents and teachers.

- Aims and goals for the future.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Ryan and Tam (theINmag) below: 

Episode 40 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Michaela Epstein - Maths Teacher Circles)

For the fortieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Michaela Epstein.

Michaela has taught in secondary schools in both rural and urban areas and is deeply committed to sharing great maths ideas with others.

Michaela is the founder and director of Maths Teacher Circles which was created in 2020. Maths Teacher Circles focuses on bringing primary and secondary teachers together to explore great maths problems and share ideas about teaching. Michaela is also a past president of the Mathematical Association of Victoria.  

Michaela discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher.

- What are Maths Teacher Circles.

- What does this consultancy offer teachers.

- Importance of problem-solving questions in your Maths lesson.

- Being president of the Mathematical Association of Victoria.

- Tips to improve your Maths teaching.

You can get in contact with Michaela below: 

Episode 39 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Katey Street – Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks Podcast)

For the thirty-ninth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity interviewing Katey Street.

Katey has had many wonderful and amazing experiences in her career so far from completing her training in the UK and teaching in the junior area, then moving to Australia and becoming an Early Years Educator for several years to now moving into education design and marketing. This latest move enables Katey to affect change in the wider education industry.

Katey has her own teacher podcast called “Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks” having wonderful and amazing conversations with teachers and educators. If you haven’t already, go and check it out.

Katey discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher.

- Her career in early years education and tips when teaching in this area. 

- Her new role in education design and marketing.

- Discussion about her podcast “Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks.”

- Favourite part about podcasting.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Katey below: 

Episode 38 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Kiah Allen)

For the thirty-eighth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity interviewing Kiah Allen.

Kiah is a primary school teacher who now works for the Cyber Safety Project as their senior educator. Kiah has a passion for engaging young people to develop the skills they need to independently navigate the online world safely. Kiah is passionate about technology for learning and helping young people take control of their digital balance through wellbeing strategies.

Kiah discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Reason why she moved from teaching to the Cyber Safety Project.

- The Cyber Safety Project and what they offer.

- Highlights and most challenging part of her job at the Cyber Safety Project.

- Key teaching tips around Cyber Safety (Prep – 2, Grade 3-6 and secondary.

- Tips for parents around Digital Safety and Wellbeing.

- Making your classroom cyber safe.

- How to keep up to date with current technology trends.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

Resources:

Episode 36 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Max Roach)

For the thirty-sixth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing my first international guest in Max Roach from Canada. Max has had many different and interesting career opportunities, however currently Max has started up his own tutoring business called JonAyves Learning Club. His tutoring company provides one on one tutoring for children from Grades K to 12 in Reading, Writing and Maths as well as many resources, books, digital resources etc. Max has a wonderful passion for teaching and seeing his students achieve their best results possible.

Max discusses the following:

- His interesting career journey.

- What made him start his own tutoring business (JonAyves Learning Club).

- Greatest challenge as a tutor.

- Proudest moment as a teacher.

- What does the JonAvyes Learning Club offer children.

- Has tutoring bridged the learning gap for children’s education post-pandemic.

- Why are their mixed reviews around tutors and tutoring.

You can get in contact with Max below:

Episode 34 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Kate Korber – The Inquiry Project)

For the thirty-fourth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Kate Korber.

Kate has been teaching for 20 years in various roles as a Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching Leader as well as ICT and Maths leadership and many years as a classroom teacher in Catholic Education. 

Kate has a passion for curriculum design, Inquiry, technology innovation and high impact teaching strategies. She has worked with hundreds of teachers to help enhance their capacity about what we as educators can do in the classroom to improve student learning.

Kate has recently just started her own consultancy called the “The Inquiry Project” which is based on supporting and mentoring teachers and schools to ignite passion for Inquiry learning in your school.

Kate discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model.

- The reason why she went down the leadership path.

- Important qualities of a strong leader.

- Building a strong school culture.

- Discussion about her new own consultancy “The Inquiry Project”.

- Why Inquiry learning is so important

- Importance of student voice and agency and how to implement in your classroom.

- Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

You can get in contact with Kate below:

Episode 31 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Em Gentle)

For the thirtieth-first episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Em Gentle.

Em has been in education for 11 years and is currently teaching a Stage 2 class in New South Wales. Em has had various teaching experiences in both upper and lower primary schools in both Victoria and New South Wales, as well as being a Relieving Assistant Principal.

Em has recently just started her own business call the “The Grad Guide” which is based on supporting and mentoring Graduate teachers through an online membership community.

Em discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model.

- Challenges of coming back from maternity leave.

- What schools can do to support Mums coming back into the workplace.

- Advice for teachers on maternity leave.

- Importance of building a positive relationship with students, importance of personal development for teachers.

- Being a Relieving Assistant Principal and what qualities, experiences, PD do they need to have or undertake.

- Discussion about her new business venture “The Grade Guide”.

- Tops tips for Graduate teachers.

You can get in contact with Em below:

Episode 30 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Tarun Stevenson)

For the thirtieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Tarun Stevenson.

Tarun is an educator with over 15 years’ experience in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary settings. He is the founder of Calmer Classrooms which provides professional development that is both relevant and engaging.

Tarun is an established consultant who works with teachers and school administration teams in the area of Behaviour Management and Leadership Development. He is passionate about providing teachers and school leadership teams with tools to effectively connect, communicate and manage students with confidence, care and socially just practice.

Tarun discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher.

- The Calmer Classrooms consultancy and courses available.

- His new book “Behaviour Management Essentials”.

- Practical ways that teachers can establish and maintain a calm classroom environment.

- The importance of self-reflection when it comes to behaviour management.

- Behaviour management strategies for students with trauma.

- How to engage boys in the classroom and curriculum.

If you would like to purchase Tarun’s new book “Behaviour Management Essential” here is the link below:

Episode 29 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Tam – Mrs. Learning Bee)

For the twenty-ninth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Tam aka Mrs. Learning Bee.

Tam has been teaching for 12 years particularly in the Junior Area as well as being an Assistant Principal. Tam is currently out of the classroom running her business Mrs. Learning Bee.

Tam has a huge presence on Instagram sharing her knowledge, experiences and especially resources.

Tam discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher.

- Discussion about her business Mrs. Learning Bee and her new venture “The Hive”.

- Discussion about leaving the classroom to run her business (Mrs. Learning Bee)

- Advice on how to organise an effective learning space.

- Being an Assistant Principal and what experiences will assist you in this role

- Teacher Wellbeing.

- Instagram.

- One Word Association with Todd (Game).

Episode 28 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Nathan Van De Monde)

For the twenty-eighth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Nathan Van De Monde.

Nathan has been teaching for 13 years in both secondary and primary schools in various teaching and leadership roles. Nathan is currently an Acting Principal in Victoria .

Nathan also has a huge presence on Instagram sharing his teaching and leadership journey.

Nathan discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s.

- The difference between teaching in secondary and primary schools.

- How to go about moving to a new school.

- His leadership journey and experiences, PL and reading required to be a leader.

- Building positive relationships with parents.

- Balancing his teaching career and being a Dad.

- Instagram

- One Word Association with Todd (Game).

During the podcast Nathan mentioned a couple of books based around Leadership.

Here they are below:

Episode 27 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Dr. Russ Fox – Behaviour Management)

For the twenty-seventh episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview behaviour management expert Dr. Russ Fox.

Dr. Russ Fox is a lecturer in applied behaviour analysis at Monash University. He is a trained primary school teacher with experience teaching and working in mainstream primary and secondary schools. Russ’ direct teaching experience has predominantly been in alternative education settings, specifically supporting primary and secondary students exhibiting behaviours of concern and at risk of school disengagement. He has worked extensively with teachers in a capacity building role delivering in-school teacher consultation and coaching to improve behaviour support in classrooms.

Russ discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s.

- Where did the passion for behaviour management come from.

- Importance of building relationships with students in regard to behaviour management.

- Is self-reflection important when it comes to behaviour management.

- Importance of praise in the classroom to improve behaviour management.

- Is classroom organisation and transition important in classroom management.

- Best behaviour management strategies and tips.

- Do you need to work out where behaviour is coming from.

During the podcast Russ mentioned several books based around Behaviour Management. 

Here they are below:

- Running the Room: The teacher's guide to behaviour 

- Implementing classwide PBIS: A guide to supporting teachers

- Supporting successful interventions in schools: Tools to plan, evaluate, and sustain effective implementation 

- Classwide Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports: A Guide to Proactive Classroom Management 

Russ also mentioned Qld DoE Behaviour Function Tool.

Episode 25 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Michael Minas)

For the twenty-five episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I interview Maths guru Michael Minas.

Michael is an extremely experienced educator who has been in education for over 20 years and now manages Love Maths Consultancy.

Michael’s areas of interest include problem solving and student engagement.

Episode 24 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: Kristen Woodcock

For the twenty-fourth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Kristen Woodcock who I also actually went to school with and we coached volleyball together.

Kristen works in a Special Education setting, which she has been doing since 2016 and currently completing her Master’s in Teaching in Special Education.

Kristen has also created her own business called The Empowerment Initiative, which is based on empowering teenage girls and young women with disabilities by creating individually tailored community access programs.

Kristen discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model.

- Where did the passion for Special Education come from.

- Key teaching tips and strategies when teaching special education.

- Catering for students with individual differences.

- Special education curriculum in South Australia and does it prepare students for eighteen plus.

- Discussion about her Master’s in Teaching and her new business venture (The Empowerment Initiative)

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Click on the links below for more information about The Empowerment Initiative:

Episode 23 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: Trent Ray and Sam Macauley (Cyber Safety Project).

For the twenty-third episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the wonderful privilege of interviewing Trent Ray and Sam Macauley from the Cyber Safety Project.

Both Trent and Sam have a number of years’ experience in either primary or secondary schools as teachers or leaders before both becoming co-founders of the Cyber Safety Project. Trent is the Director and Cyber Safety Educator and Sam is the Lead Cyber Safety Educator.

The Cyber Safety Project’s mission is to provide a whole community approach focused on developing future skills, lifelong habits and self-regulation when innovating and using digital technologies for work, life and play. They complete this through empowering young people, equipping educators and engaging parents.

The Cyber Safety Project ensures that they support and empower all Australian students to be safe and responsible users of digital technologies both at home and school and arm all teachers, parents and the wider community with digital literacy skills, resources and up to date information and latest trending digital topics.

Trent and Sam discuss the following:

- Their teaching journey, why they became teachers and their teacher role model/s.

- How did the Cyber Safety Project all come about.

- What does the Cyber Safety Project offer for schools, students, teachers and parents.

- Has having teaching experience helped deliver the Cyber Safety Project program and curriculum.

- The highlight and most challenging part of their job at the Cyber Safety Project.

- Top tips for teachers when looking and dealing with cyber safety and digital wellbeing in each teaching area – Prep-2, Grade 3-6 and Secondary School.

- Tips for parents when looking and dealing with cyber safety and digital wellbeing.

- Different strategies of how to deal with cyber safety and digital wellbeing situations at school.

- Current trends teachers and parents should be looking out for in regard to cyber safety and digital wellbeing and how to keep up to date in this area.

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Click on the links below for more information about the Cyber Safety Project

Episode 22 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: Riss Leung (Oz Lit Teacher)

For the twenty-second episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Riss Leung also known as the Oz Lit Teacher.

Riss has been involved in education for 19 years in various roles which include being a teacher, leading teacher, Principal, consultant for the Department and now running the Oz Lit Teacher which offers many different professional development options, mentor text review, resources and support around Literacy.

Oz Lit Teacher and Riss’s vision is for a future where children from every postcode receive the highest quality literacy instruction to empower them to reach their full potential and a mission to helps build teacher confidenceand competence in teaching literacy effectively.

Riss discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Where did the passion for Literacy come from.

- Discussion about Oz Lit Teacher and how it all came about.

- Conversation about mentor texts (why important to use in Literacy lesson, how to use them, finding mentor texts and resources and where to start if looking at purchasing some mentor texts).

- Best instructional model for a reading and a writing lesson.

- Strategies to get students loving writing.

- Impact of being a consultant and the impact she is having on many schools, teachers and students.

- Favourite PD session to present and blogging.

- Tips to improve your literacy teaching

- Classroom novel suggestions for Prep – 2 and Grade 3-6 areas.

Click on the links below for more information about Riss and Oz Lit Teacher

Episode 21 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: Richard James

For the twenty-first episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing friend Richard James.

Richard has been teaching for 26 years and is currently a Deputy Principal in Queensland. Richard has worked in various schools and had various experiences either as a teacher, head of department or a Deputy Principal.

Richard discusses the following:

- His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s.

- His leadership career to date.

- Qualities of a strong leader and experiences and PL required to be a Deputy Principal.

- Biggest challenges and greatest strength as a leader.

- Looking deeper into his Deputy Principal roles at his two school (Student Learning and Outcomes and Student Wellbeing and Support).

- Tips and advice when moving schools.

- Advice when dealing with parents

- Balancing his teaching career and being a Dad.

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Episode 20 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: Charlotte Kidd (Grow PL)

For the twentieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Charlotte Kidd, the founder of Grow Professional Learning.

Charlotte has a range of experiences during her career to date, which include teaching Physical Education and Science for five years, working for an education technology company then completing her Master of Teaching focusing on professional learning.

As a result Charlotte founded Grow PL in 2021, which is online professional learning for Australian teachers. Grow PL has a huge range of courses covering various areas that teachers can choose from.

Charlotte’s motto is “Grow is about coming together as a community, to nurture ourselves as educators so that we, in turn, can nurture our students”.

Charlotte discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s.

- Where the passion for PL come from

- What is the purpose of PL

- Best ways to transfer PL into your classroom

- How should schools structure their PL and the differentiation of PL for staff

- What to remember when presenting PL

- Top 5 tips to get the most out of PL

- Discussion about Grow PL

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Click on the links below for more information about Grow PL

Episode 18 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Jacqueline Irvine)

For the eighteenth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Jacqueline Irvine.

Jacqueline is into her 5th year of teaching, having done 3 years in Prep and now currently doing casual relief teaching due to the fact Jacqueline is going to be studying positive psychology in July.

Jacqueline has a huge passion for teacher wellness and wellbeing and that is why Jacqueline is doing extra study and research into this area.

Jacqueline discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model.

- Where her passion for teacher wellness came from

- What she has learnt so far about teacher wellness through her research and study.

- Top 5 tips for teacher wellness and wellbeing

- Advice for teachers struggling with teacher wellness

- Discussion about her book which is about to be released (The Teachers Notebook)

- The Teacher Notebook Instagram account

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Check out Jacqueline’s Instagram account on the link below:

Episode 17 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Aaron Johnston)

For the seventeenth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing fellow podcaster Aaron Johnston.

Aaron is into his 14th year of teaching (currently teaching Stage 3 students) and 7th year as an Assistant Principal in New South Wales.

Aaron discusses the following:

- His educational journey, reasons why he decided to become a teacher and his decision to go down the leadership path.

- Important qualities and experiences required to be a strong leader

- Discussion about his Teacher Takeaway Podcast

- Teacher Instagram environment

- General teaching tips

- Importance of developing strong relationships with your students and parents

- Teacher Wellbeing

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

Check out Aaron’s Instagram account on the link below and his Teacher Takeaway Podcast.

Mr. J Learning Space

Episode 14 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Rob Vingerhoets)

For the fourteenth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I interview Maths guru Rob Vingerhoets.

Rob is an extremely experienced educator who has been in education for over 45 years.

Rob has been a teacher, curriculum co-ordinator, Assistant Principal, Principal, a consultant overseas, an author and now manages the Rob Vingerhoets Educational Consultancy throughout Australia.

Rob is a popular and engaging presenter with hands-on and engaging maths ideas and practices for teachers and students throughout all school settings. Rob essentially believes and teaches by his motto that “maths doesn’t have to hurt”.

Rob discusses the following:

- His educational journey and why he became a teacher

- His educational thoughts and philosophies

- Discussion about the Rob Vingerhoets Educational Consultancy,

- Importance of open ended learning tasks in Numeracy,

- The biggest issues in Numeracy at the moment

- Strategies on how improve and develop as a teacher

- One Word Association with Todd (Game)

More about Rob can be found at:

Episode 13 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Sarah)

For the thirteenth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I interview the wonderful and talented Sarah from Pevan and Sarah. Sarah is one of my teaching favourites and I am lucky enough to have Sarah and Pevan in my classroom every day.

Sarah has many years of teaching experience in various settings, however Sarah and her husband (Manny) now run a highly successful business called Pevan and Sarah. Using their teaching experience to guide their creative endeavours, they have produced a gigantic range of engaging and educational resources and videos, which are used in so many classrooms around the country – including mine!

Sarah discusses the following:

- Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and teacher role models.

- What is Pevan and Sarah, what they are aiming to achieve and goals for the future etc.

- How they felt about going full time into Pevan and Sarah and leaving their teaching careers

- Why is singing and dancing in education so important?

- Todd’s Quick Questions

You can check out Pevan and Sarah at: