Annabelle Knight: Connection, courage and passion

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Douglas Reeves, well-respected author and expert in fearless teaching and leadership. Listen to Doug and I chat about his research on success in high-poverty schools and learn practical teaching and leadership tips based on decades of his own experience and evidence-based perspectives.

Dr Douglas Reeves is the founder of Creative Leadership Solutions. He has addressed audiences around the globe on educational leadership and effective teaching. Doug is the author of more than 40 books and 100 articles on education, leadership, and student achievement. He was named the Brock International Laureate for his contributions to education and was recognized by the Australian Council of Educational Leaders with the William Walker award. Twice named to the Harvard University Distinguished Authors Series, Doug has worked on six continents and over 40 countries. 

Your homework:

• Cut your time spent on assessment and feedback by implementing smarter strategies.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Douglas Reeves
• Douglas Reeves' author profile and publications (Amazon)
• Creative Leadership Solutions
• The Suzuki Method
• Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle (book)
• Stolen Focus by Johann Hari (book)
• Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Friere (book)
• Urban Debate League

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I'm joined by Barbara J Smith, from ZPD School and Curriculum Design. Listen to Barbara talk about how we can better attract and retain teachers and manage school budgets to make the difference that students and teachers need.

Barbara J Smith is a passionate educator who enjoys challenging boundaries. Barbara's background includes over forty years in public, charter, independent and international schools. She has started three schools and has been a teacher, principal, consultant, trustee, and teacher educator at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, McGill University and the University of Saskatchewan teaching faculties and graduate schools.  Barbara now spends her time writing, supporting schools and school systems and sharing her ideas on how to make bold changes in education on a global level. 

Your homework:

• Consider: How can you create spaces to be creative? How can you bring in new ideas?

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• ZPD School and Curriculum Design
• Barbara J Smith's books on Amazon
• John Dewey
• Elliot Eisner
• Lev Vygotsky
• Alfie Kohn
• Malcolm Gladwell - Outliers (book)
• Michael Thompson 0 Raising Cain (book)
• Eric Sheninger - UnCommon Learning (book)
• Michael Fullan
• Douglas Reeves
• Habits of Mind
• Jack Miller
• Carol Dweck - Growth Mindset
• Ted Spear
• Jennifer Fraser 0 The Bullied Brain (book)
• Lave & Wenger - Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation (article)
• The Dr Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Annabelle Knight, Director of Strengths Canvass. Annabelle talks about the importance of putting people and relationships at the centre of education and how deep collaboration can provide multiple solutions for evolving the education system.

Annabelle Knight has over 40 years experience in school leadership, pedagogy and wellbeing in Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary contexts. Her consulting business, Strengths Canvass, empowers individuals and teams to experience greater wellbeing and higher performance through positive leadership.

Annabelle holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology and received a SACS Leadership Award. She has presented at several National and International conferences including the World Thinking Skills Conference and International Symposium for Coaching and Positive Psychology. Annabelle has enjoyed time in Finland, the USA and Reggio Emilia, Italy, studying pedagogy and learning. She is an advocate for using a strengths-based approach in education and sees the potential for it to impact positively on all areas of our lives.

Your homework:

• Find something to teach this week that sets your heart on fire (even if you have to set some of the curriculum aside).

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Strengths Canvass
• Personalizable Education for All Children by Yong Zhao 
• OECD Education Policy Outlook Finland
• Allan Pizzey Building - Design Solution Award
• Reggio Emilia Approach
• Reggio Emilia Australia
• Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry
• The Developmental Relationships Framework

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Rachael Dubois, actor and drama coach. Rachael shares some of her most powerful moments working with audiences and unpacks the value that drama education can bring to young people and adults alike, including building empathy.

Rachael Dubois is an experienced facilitator and teaching artist with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. She is also an actor, theatre practitioner and film maker.

Rachael uses the principles of storytelling, improvisation, adaptability and collaboration to help groups work together more creatively and cohesively and find ways to connect their bodies, intellect and imagination within professional and learning contexts.

She has a particular fascination with personal story and spent a significant number of years working in Playback Theatre.

Your homework:

• Try playing a drama game in your classroom this week to support students with their physical regulation skills. Knife and fork is a great place to start. Reflect on how their capacity to use non-verbal language and social skills improve with continued practice.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• What is Playback Theatre?
• Melbourne Playback Theatre
• ARTS:LIVE
• The Songroom
• Book: Improvisation by Lyn Pierse
• Improv Games for collaboration

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Corcoran, a teacher who has recently decided to leave the classroom.

Megan spent over eleven years teaching and leading in alternative schools for young people who have experienced trauma and/or significant disadvantage. During that time, she worked as a school leader in Australia’s largest alternative school. She studied a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and her teaching practice is trauma-informed and grounded in Wellbeing Science. Megan is also an experienced workshop facilitator, coach and consultant, and co-founder of Teacher's Well, that provides wellbeing communities for teachers and aims to generate teacher-led wellbeing initiatives in schools.

Listen to Megan speak about the importance of slow teaching and building deep connections with colleagues. We'll also discuss the challenges that are driving teachers out of the classroom in droves and the solutions for teacher wellbeing that Megan and her colleagues are offering at Teacher's Well.

Your homework: 

• Think about: Who do you feel safe talking to about your teaching challenges, and where do you go if/when your school doesn't have a culture that supports honest and vulnerable conversations?
• Consider: How can you better support your colleagues and create safety for them to share their concerns inside or outside of the workplace?
• Leadership challenge: Ask your staff what their ideal role would look like and make it happen.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Megan Corcoran's website
• Teacher's Well
• The Teacher's Well compass of values
• What is positive psychology?
• Trauma-informed school practices
• Using the science of wellbeing to encourage flourishing learning environments
• Check out Episode 11 on our Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I'm joined by Lael Stone.

Lael is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counselor. She is also the co-creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative new school based on emotional wellbeing and connection. Lael is the co-host of The Aware Parenting Podcast and a sought-after public speaker who talks candidly about her experiences and her great passion; creating wellness in families through connection and communication.

Listen to me speak with Lael about her journey with Woodline Primary School and her dream for an education system that prioritises emotional wellbeing for teachers and students.

Your homework: 

• Think about what opportunities you have in your current environment that would allow you to prioritise connection and emotional expression. If you feel you have these opportunities, what can you try now? If you don't, what might you be able to influence in your environment to create space for this?
• Explore some of the resources below to learn more about trauma-informed practice or emotional expression.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Lael Stone's website
• Woodline Primary School
• How To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children | Lael Stone | TEDxDocklands
• The Aware Parenting Podcast
• About Birth - online childbirth education classes
• About trauma-informed practice
• The Wisdom of Trauma documentary featuring Dr Gabor Maté
• How to Release Emotions Stuck in Your Body
• Punished by Rewards - book by Alfie Kohn
• Unconditional Parenting - book by Alfie Kohn
• Island - book by Aldous Huxley
• Check out Episode 10 on our Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Freeman, Energy Coach and Facilitator. Amanda speaks about how her experience with disability and adult education taught her the value in supporting individual needs in learning environments. She also talks about the power of reiki as a tool for healing for kids as well as adults.

Amanda helps purpose-driven well-being professionals and therapists develop both the confidence and the go-forward plan to reach their most cherished life and career goals. In safe, sacred space they conquer fears, clear energy blocks, and develop sky-high confidence in order to make powerful, intuitive life and career decisions.

An adult educator, experienced Reiki Master and parent of teenagers, Amanda understands how important it is to cater for diverse learner needs and meet people where they are at.

Your homework:

• Consider how you might better support your students or children with their diverse needs in ways that make them feel seen, but not stand out.
• Look for opportunities to ask your students, colleagues or family members about their needs and really listen to their responses.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Amanda Freeman.com.au
• Free resources from Amanda
• Join Amanda on Facebook
• Join Amanda on Instagram
• What is reiki?
• Reiki Australia
• Check out Episode 8 on our Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I'm joined by Margaret Thorsborne, OAM. Margaret speaks about the power of Restorative Practices to heal trauma and relationships - far beyond a check-box exercise.

Margaret was a pioneer of Restorative Practices and played an important role in introducing it into schools, first in Australia and New Zealand in the 90’s, and later in the UK. She has since trained conference facilitators and schools in education, community, police and justice sectors across Australia, Asia, New Zealand, Britain, the USA and Canada. She remains involved in this important reform in schools working alongside government bodies and agencies across the world as a recognised expert in the field of Restorative Practices in schools and workplaces. 

Your homework:

• Think about an unresolved incident you were involved in. How might a restorative approach have supported healing?
• How could you integrate a restorative approach into your work?
• What opportunities are there for you to be curious, rather than furious?

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• The healing power of dialogue | Margaret Thorsborne | TEDxDarwin
• Margaret's books on Restorative Practices
• More about Margaret Thorsborne
• What is restorative practice? NSW Government
• Restorative Practices International
• RP for Schools
• The Compass of Shame
• John Kotter's 8-Step Process for Leading Change
• Social Ventures Australia, Teaching and Learning Toolkit
• Stress, Trauma, and the Brain: Insights for Educators
• Check out our Episode 7 Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I'm joined by Francean McCall, director of Functional Education.

After a career in Hydrology and Coastal engineering, Francean decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. After qualifying, she taught science at a public college before transitioning into the Steiner Waldorf system. When her life took an unexpected turn, Francean needed to find ways to continue her passion for teaching - outside of the traditional classroom environment. She now spends her days reimagining education and co-creating learning experiences filled with wonder and connection. 

Your homework:

• How could you approach routine and flexibility in your classroom to better suit the needs of your students?
• Consider further: What alternative streaming opportunities might be possible to better meet the varied needs and learning styles of your students.

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Functional Education
• About Steiner Waldorf Education
• Embracing cultural narratives
• Kaupapa Māori education
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
• Understanding the Three Levels of Autism
• Teaching Strategies for Asperger Syndrome
• Check out our Episode 6 Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Julie S Hasson, author, educator, story collector and speaker. Julie speaks about how we remember our teachers, the importance of building strong relationships with students and how to care for our own safety as teachers.

Dr Julie Schmidt Hasson is a professor in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. She is a former teacher and school principal. Julie’s research on the impact of a teacher is the topic of a TEDx talk and is the focus of her engaging professional development programs. She founded the Chalk and Chances project, a vehicle for elevating and celebrating teachers, in 2017. Her latest book, Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom, was released in November 2021.

Your homework: 

• Notice any bids for connection that are coming from the people around you and watch how you are responding to these?
• How can you make more effort to lean into bids for connection?

Further learning related to this episode/references:

• Acorn story - Chalk and Chances
• Share your story - Chalk and Chances
• Turning Toward Our Children: Answering Bids for Connection
• More from the Gottman Institute
• Julie's TEDx Talk: The Teachers we Remember
• Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom
• Check out our Episode 5 Pinterest board

Learn more at teacherhealer.com

Music by Twisterium from Pixabay.

ZeroCo 
Ditch single-use plastics