Advertise on podcast: Teach

In this episode of Teach, Marina Elliot, the department’s Executive Director People and Culture, talks about gender equity, leadership and supporting women at work. Explore why women are underrepresented in some leadership roles despite making up much of the school and preschool workforce. The episode also looks at perimenopause, how it can affect people at work, and why understanding it matters. Discover simple ways leaders can support staff through open conversations, flexibility and practical adjustments, so people feel respected, supported and able to thrive at work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to make self-regulation part of everyday school life? In this episode of Teach, Oakbank School shares how a whole-school focus on regulation helped shift culture, reduce stigma and keep more students engaged in learning. With support from the Department for Education’s Self-Regulation Service, staff moved from using withdrawal spaces in a reactive way to giving students consistent, practical strategies to use in class. Hear from school leaders about what worked, how they built staff buy-in, and why starting small mattered. From reception to year 12, students are learning to recognise what they need, talk about it confidently and support each other. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia’s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to illustrate how schools can break free from old ways of thinking. Dr Hames highlights the importance of language, trust, community, and curiosity for educators seeking to create genuine change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing challenges facing schools today. Learn how education reform can foster equity, strengthen community relationships, and build learner agency. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of public institutions, the importance of inclusive approaches, and how schools can support resilient, engaged communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Prospect North Primary School the students are telling their own stories via PNTV (Prospect North TV) videos and podcasts. Hear how it all began, why it’s got the whole school community excited, and how students come up with their own story ideas to share with everyone. Staff members Judy and Sam share how making media boosts student confidence and connects their learning with real life. Students Darcy and Alistair talk about their favourite moments, and who’s on their interview ‘wish list’. If you’re interested in starting something similar, you’ll pick up some simple tips and see how fun and rewarding student-led media can be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Berri Regional Secondary College, 2025 winner of the Public Education Award for Inclusive Practices in Education, reimagined the traditional school house sports competition to encompass diversity, belonging and unity. Principal Clinton Ridgway, along with Sports and HPE Coordinator Josh Vater share how students were the instigators of the Inclusion Cup – an event with such a variety of activities that every student can participate and feel valued. The event has resulted in greater attendance, improved wellbeing, and an overall sense of school pride. The school presented their journey at the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) National Inclusion and Disability Conference, showcasing how student agency and creative event design can transform school culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, hear how civics and citizenship education is brought to life at Golden Grove High School with teacher Chantel Lee and year 11 student Joel Strauss. The pair share their experiences from last year’s inaugural Active Citizenship Convention, where students from across the state learned about politics, democracy, and having a real say in their communities. The episode highlights practical ways young people are supported to take on leadership roles and drive positive change, such as holding a student forum and taking on social action projects to improve access to period products. These activities help students build confidence, find their voice, and learn the value of working together, debating ideas, and making decisions. When students are given the chance, it’s clear to see just how eager and able they are to make a real difference in their school and beyond. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Teach welcomes back Ron Berger (Senior Advisor, EL Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor) and Gwyn ap Harri (CEO & Co-founder of XP Schools Trust, UK) to reflect on the progress and growth since Learning Expeditions were first introduced a year ago. Discover how schools have embraced this approach, linking academic challenge with character development and community action, and hear inspiring stories from students, teachers, and school leaders who are seeing real change in their classrooms and communities. Ron and Gwyn share valuable lessons from international experience, the challenges and successes of scaling up, and the continual importance of school culture and leadership in sustaining meaningful learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Bill Lucas is internationally recognised for his work on creativity, assessment, and educational leadership. In this week’s episode, Prof. Lucas explores how education has developed over time, emphasising the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and dispositions alongside traditional knowledge. In this insightful conversation, Prof. Lucas clears up common myths about assessment, shows how knowledge and skills fit together, and gives easy tips for teachers to help students become confident, adaptable learners. Whether you're a school leader or classroom teacher, this episode offers valuable advice for embedding creative thinking and holistic assessment into daily practice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Kaurna Elder Kauwana Tamaru and Family Day Care Service Manager Liz Whitbread share insights on their collaborative "Walking Alongside" project, helping educators to embed Kaurna language and culture into their services. Hear stories about how they are connecting connecting children, educators, and families with Country, the ripple effect of knowledge sharing, and practical advice for educators wanting to engage respectfully with Aboriginal culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Teach we explore effective strategies for supporting Aboriginal EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) learners in South Australia. Our guests highlight approaches such as explicit teaching, translanguaging, and leveraging students' first languages and cultural backgrounds through co-teaching and culturally responsive practices. The episode also outlines the resources available through the EALD hub, including online modules, coaching and professional learning communities. Educators are encouraged to keep learning, collaborate and use these supports to enhance teaching and learning outcomes for Aboriginal EALD students across the state. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Start the new school year inspired with Chief Executive Martin Westwell as he joins Teach to discuss the year ahead. From encouraging new teachers and exploring the updated curriculum, to the introduction of three-year-old preschool and the first technical college student graduates, the Chief Executive shares his optimism, vision, and practical insights for educators. Discover how South Australia is broadening what success looks like for every learner and be energised for the year ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we explore the transformative Literacy Without Barriers project at Kingston Community School. Teacher librarian Kirsten Barich and parent Katie Hines share how this program is empowering families with creative book packs designed for kids aged 0 to 5. Aimed at nurturing a love of reading, the packs include books, user-friendly activity guides and materials for hands-on learning. Along with boosting students’ confidence, the program is also breaking down barriers for parents and fostering connections within the community. In 2024 this project was nominated for a Public Education Award and won the LGA South Australia's Jim Crawford Award for Innovation in Libraries. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode and any ideas you have for future topics. Get in touch with the Teach Podcast team at [email protected]. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode hear from Cathy Cook, Autism Inclusion Teacher and 2024 Public Education Award finalist, and Sue Shywolup, a former Year 3 teacher at Marryatville Primary School. Cathy shares how she fosters inclusivity for neurodiverse students by upskilling staff, introducing sensory tools, and leading the Autism Action Team. She’s built a collaborative approach involving teachers, SSOs, and families to support students’ needs. Cathy also discusses her plans to to expand initiatives with guest speakers and more student-led activities.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we sit down with Chief Executive, Professor Martin Westwell as he takes us through 2024’s key achievements and outlines priorities for 2025. Professor Westwell discusses how South Australia’s education system is a learning system centred on relationships and purpose-driven strategy. The conversation also explores how to create an education system that prioritises innovation, equity, and civics, ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.