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In this episode, BTN presenter and proud Gomeroi man Jack Evans joins us to explore how his family’s teaching connections and his own school experiences shaped his passion for storytelling. We discuss making complex news accessible to young people, using humour to spark curiosity, and bringing First Nations perspectives into classrooms across Australia. From the BTN newsroom to youth theatre, Jack reflects on the power of creativity and representation to inspire the next generation.

In this episode we are joined by James Dobson to talk about intellectual preparation and how this supports high quality instruction in the classroom and improves student outcomes. You can connect with James at layingthefoundations.net

In this episode, we are joined by the Hon. Prue Car MP for an important conversation about the power of public eduction in NSW and its future. Prue Car is the Deputy Premier of NSW, Minister for Education and Early Learning and Member for Western Sydney. You can find out more about Prue, her work and connect with her via her website https://www.pruecar.au/

In this episode we are joined by Professor Catherine Attard. She joins Bec to unpack effective mathematics instruction in the classroom and share her recent research around the use and impact of generative AI on effective teacher practice. Catherine Attard is a Professor in Mathematics Education and Deputy Director of the Centre for Educational Research at Western Sydney University.  She is also serving as the current Director and Board Chairperson for the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT). You can find out more information about the work of AAMT and read their recent papers at https://aamt.edu.au

In this episode we are joined by Ben Bowen who is the CEO of Indigenous Literacy Foundation. He shares insights into the work of the ILF in supporting literacy development in remote communities across Australia and practical ways teachers can support literacy development and Indigenous Languages in the classroom. You can find out more about the work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and access their literacy resources at https://www.ilf.org.au/

In this episode, Melissa-Jane Fogarty explores the powerful ways educators can explore Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander language, culture and identity through picture books.

In this episode, Dr Joanne Casey explores how understanding the social brain can transform the way educators lead, connect and build trust. She shares practical insights into how relationships, emotional safety and human connection influence team culture, collaboration and performance. This conversation offers valuable strategies for leaders seeking to create supportive environments where both staff and students can thrive.

This episode explores the often-overlooked world of middle leadership with Dr Kylie Lipscombe, unpacking why the role is fundamentally relational and what effective middle leaders actually do. We discuss the challenge of leading colleagues, navigating difficult conversations, and balancing relationships with accountability. Kylie also shares practical advice for middle leaders and the senior leaders who support them, including what to focus on from day one.

In this episode, Trent Ray explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and how it can support teaching and learning. The conversation also highlights digital safety and the importance of helping students use AI responsibly, ethically and safely.

In this episode, proud Gamilaraay woman Bronwyn Cochrane shares insights from her 28-year journey in education and her work supporting educators to embed authentic First Nations perspectives. Bronwyn explores the importance of the 8 Ways Aboriginal Pedagogy, why good intentions must be supported by knowledge, and how educators can build confidence through practical tools and strategies. She also explains why this work enriches education for all young people, not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

In this episode, we speak with Tim Bullard, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), about his journey in education and AITSL’s role in shaping the profession. We explore the professional standards for teachers, middle leaders and principals, alongside teacher induction, mentoring, professional learning and culturally responsive practice. Tim also shares the work being undertaken nationally to support educators and his optimism about the future of teaching and school leadership in Australia.

In this episode, we speak with Glenn Forbes about instructional leadership and the practical ways school leaders can build clarity, consistency and impact in teaching and learning. Glenn shares insights on leading improvement, supporting teachers, and keeping student learning at the centre of every decision.

In this episode, we speak with Bronwyn Cochrane and Debbie Hoger, proud Aboriginal women, educators, business founders and co-founders of the TIPIAC x Riley Callie Resources National First Nations Education Conference. Together, they share their journeys in Aboriginal education and offer practical advice for educators wanting to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in authentic, meaningful and culturally safe ways. The conversation explores moving beyond tokenism, choosing appropriate resources, working with local community, embedding perspectives across the curriculum, and the importance of centring First Nations voices in education. TIPIAC – Bronwyn (Bonnie) Cochranehttps://tipiac.com https://www.facebook.com/TipiacEdu/https://www.instagram.com/edutipiac/https://www.pinterest.com.au/edutipiac/https://www.youtube.com/@tipiacfirstnationseducationhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-cochrane/ Email: [email protected] Callie Resources – Deborah (Debbie) Hogerhttps://www.rileycallieresources.com.au/https://www.facebook.com/rileycallieresourceshttps://www.instagram.com/rileycallieresources/https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-hoger-b7b924142/ Email: [email protected] Indigenous Perspectives In the Australian Curriculum

In this episode, we speak with Kirby McDonald, a primary educator, numeracy leader and instructional coach from New South Wales, about what effective literacy instruction looks like in Years 5 and 6. Kirby unpacks the key elements of strong upper primary literacy blocks, including vocabulary, comprehension, background knowledge, explicit writing instruction and the impact of the Science of Reading. With a practical and research-informed lens, she shares how teachers and schools can make high-quality literacy teaching clear, consistent and achievable in real classrooms.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Tessa Daffern, Founding Co-director of Literacy Education Solutions and Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University, to explore the science of spelling instruction and assessment. Tessa shares her journey in education, unpacks her innovative instructional framework that helps students analyse words through multiple linguistic lenses, and discusses how teachers can effectively assess and teach spelling using evidence-based approaches. We also examine emerging trends from updated CoSTEY and CoST data, practical implications for classroom practice, and where educators can access high-quality resources to strengthen spelling outcomes for students. Recent Publications Daffern, T. (2025). Spelling Assessment and Instruction: An ‘ART PhOrM’. In M. Quinn & B. Healy (Eds), Teaching writers – from apprentice to expert (Chapter 4). PETAASnow, P., Serry, T., Buckingham, J., Lorraine, H., Dinham, S., Charles, E., Weadman, T., Swain, N., Hiland, S., &Daffern, T. (2025). National and international monitoring of student literacy and numeracy attainment: The case for rigorous macro and micro analysis. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 0, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.70049