Welcome to the Knowledge for Teachers podcast!
In the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, I (Brendan Lee) chat with researchers, teachers and experts about what evidence-informed education is and the nuances involved with actually implementing effective and sustainable school-based education.
I decided to start up this podcast because rather selfishly there are a lot of areas I would like to have more knowledge in and people that I would really like to hear from, so I thought why not start up a podcast so that I can share these conversations with other educators. I’m also really interested in finding out what those active ingredients are in actually getting evidence-informed practice happening in our classrooms.
Some people have mentioned that they’d like to know more about my background story. In this episode of the Human Chapters with Arti Shah, I delve into my own journey. It’s available wherever you listen to your podcasts or on youtube.
Listen to the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast here:
S02E09 – Trisha Jha on teacher experiences in implementing the science of learning
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Trisha Jha who currently works with the Centre for Independent Studies and recently released a couple of reports titled: What is the Science of Learning? And Implementing the Science of Learning: Teacher experiences. Trisha unpacks these papers and discusses her journey into education research and…
S02E08 – Dr. Mark Dowley on Managing Behaviour and Maximising Learning
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Mark Dowley (Associate Head – Staff Development at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research) and has recently released the book, “The Classroom Management Handbook” that he co-authored with Ollie Lovell. In this chat, they unpack the book and how it’s what Mark and…
S02E07 – Rebecca Birch On Improving Australian Education
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Rebecca Birch, a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney, Australia. She shares her journey from a career in fashion and advertising to becoming an English teacher. Rebecca emphasises the importance of evidence-based practice…
S02E06 – Tom Bennett On Running The Room
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Tom Bennett, the Director and founder of researchED and school behaviour advisor to the UK government. He shares his journey from running nightclubs to becoming an influential figure in the education sector and we find out how teaching saved him. Bennett delves into the challenges…
S02E05 – Sarah Powell On Effective Word Problem Instruction
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr Corey Peltier who is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. He also contributes to The Science of Math movement that is focused on disseminating research-informed recommendations to enhance math instruction and outcomes for…
S02E04 – Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Developing Great Writing Skills
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He currently works at La Trobe University as a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement and the Director of Undergraduate Academic Programs. He is also the founder of Think Forward Educators. Nathaniel first appeared on the Knowledge for Teachers podcast in…
S02E03 – Dr. Jenny Donovan on accelerating the use of educational research in Australian classrooms
In this podcast episode, Brendan Lee interviews Dr. Jenny Donovan, CEO of the Australian Education Research Organisation. She stresses the necessity for evidence-based practices in education. Jenny talks about explicit instruction, classroom management, teacher training, NAPLAN testing, and accountability. Donovan’s career journey and involvement in significant educational reforms, including contributions to the…
S02E02 – James Dobson Decoding The Foundations Of Teaching Kindergarten
Brendan Lee interviews James Dobson, an accomplished teacher at Campbells Creek Primary School, who emphasises the importance of evidence-based teaching methods like Direct Instruction for young learners. James shares insights into his daily and yearly lesson planning, focusing on foundational skills like phonics, writing, and maths, along with balancing the demands of…
S02E01 – Dr. Ray Boyd on Leadership, Vision, and School Culture
In this podcast episode, Brendan Lee interviews Dr. Ray Boyd, discussing his educational leadership journey, particularly his pedagogic innovations at West Beechboro P.S. and his experiences founding Dayton Primary School. Dr. Boyd shares lessons from past mistakes, the importance of communication with parents, fostering school community, staff well-being, and setting clear professional…
28 – Brendan Lee’s Key Takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023
28 – Brendan Lee’s Key Takeaways from the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast for 2023
27 – Dr. Corey Peltier on what teachers need to know about the science of math
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr Corey Peltier who is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma. He also contributes to The Science of Math movement that is focused on disseminating research-informed recommendations to enhance math instruction and outcomes for…
26 – Dr. Tim McDonald on Building a Behaviour Curriculum
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Tim McDonald who is currently the CEO of YMCA WA and previously led Catholic Education WA, the Minderoo Foundation and was the Education Lead for Knowledge Society. Recently, he wrote a paper for the Centre for Independent Studies titled: Teaching Behaviour: How Classroom Conduct…
25 – Jessica Colleu Terradas on effective language and literacy screening and intervention practices for at-risk students
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Colleu Terradas the Senior Officer Teaching and Learning Literacy and Instructional Coach in Canberra and Goulburn Catholic Education. In 2022, she travelled to the USA, England and France where she met with leading experts to investigate effective literacy screening and instructional practices to support…
24 – Jessica Del Rio on solving illiteracy in Australia
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Jessica Del Rio the government and public finance lead at Equity Economics. She has recently been involved in a couple of major reports that have highlighted the poor literacy standards across Australia. In this conversation, Jess will tell us how bleak our current situation is,…
23 – Bruno Reddy on the psychology behind understanding, retrieval and anxiety in maths classrooms
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Bruno Reddy CEO of Maths Circle (Times Tables Rockstars and Numbots). He is the former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy and one of the pioneers of mathematics mastery, as we know it today. As you will hear, he is hugely passionate about mathematics…
22 – Emma Turner on Primary Curriculum Design and Cognitive Science
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emma Turner. She is an experienced school leader, author and co-host of the Mind the Gap podcast with Tom Sherrington. Her ability to describe what teachers need to know about curriculum development will leave you scribbling down notes throughout the episode. She also touches on…
21 – Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee coaching workshop (live): Supporting teachers in implementing the science of learning
Listen to this live coaching workshop on implementing the science of learning with Dr. Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee. In this session, you will hear from real teachers discussing their real-world challenges in implementing the science of learning. Dr Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee then guide the teachers and school leaders through…
20 – Dr. Nathaniel Swain answers the FAQ about implementing the science of learning
In this episode, Brendan Lee chats with Dr. Nathaniel Swain. He is currently a Senior Lecturer, Learning Sciences and Learner Engagement at La Trobe University and has also been a speech-language pathologist, teacher and is the founder of Think Forward Educators. In this conversation, Nathaniel plays the teacher version of Dolly Doctor…
19 – David Morkunas On Explicit Instruction In Primary Maths
In this conversation, Brendan Lee chats with David Morkunas and they touch on a range of topics including why he thinks so many teachers have such a negative attitude towards teaching maths, what the key elements of his maths lessons are and how to teach mixed-ability classes. In the previous episode, Brendan…
18 – Kevin and Robyn Wheldall on Effective Instruction in Reading
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall and Dr. Robyn Wheldall. They’ve achieved so much throughout their careers. This includes co-founding MultiLit a leading provider of effective literacy instruction. In this chat, they describe their journeys and how MultiLit came about. They also speak about their recently published…
17 – Christopher Such on the Art and Science of Teaching Reading Fluency
In this episode, I chat with Christopher Such. He is the author of, “The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading” and an experienced teacher, school leader and educational consultant. In our conversation, Chris touches on teacher workload, professional development and he goes through the thought behind his book and how his…
16 – St Bernard’s P.S. Transformational Change Through Catalyst (Catalyst Part 3)
This is the final instalment of the three-part series that has focused on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the 3 episodes, I have delved into Catalyst which is the term used that encompasses their approach to teaching and learning across the system. In this episode, you will hear about how…
15 – Patrick Ellis on considerations for change (Catalyst Part 2)
This is the second of a three-part series that focuses on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the three episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into Catalyst, the term used that encompasses the system’s approach to teaching and learning across the system. In the previous episode, Brendan spoke with Ross Fox,…
14 – Ross Fox on how Catalyst is transforming lives through learning (Catalyst Part 1)
This is the first of a three-part series that is focused on the Catholic Education Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn. Across the 3 episodes, Brendan Lee will delve into how they have changed their approach to teaching and learning across the system under the banner of Catalyst. For this episode, Brendan chats with…
13 – Jordan O’Sullivan on Shaping Minds and Practices
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee chats with Jordan O’Sullivan from Shaping Minds. Together with Jared Bussell and now Brooke Wardana, they have been supporting teachers in implementing the science of learning in the classroom through practical professional learning combined with lesson demonstrations. For this podcast, Jordan…
12 – Troy Verey on developing a whole school curriculum and what it looks like in the classroom
This is the second episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, which focuses on Marsden Road Public School. In the previous chat, Brendan Lee spoke with Marsden Road’s Principal, Manisha Gazula. Her story has inspired thousands of educators around the world. In this conversation, you will hear from Deputy Principal, Troy Verey….
11 – Manisha Gazula on how Marsden Road PS turned around its reading and maths results
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee had the opportunity of visiting Marsden Road Public School and then speaking to the Principal, Manisha Gazula. Manisha’s leadership style has been compared to Katherine Birbilsingh from Michaela Community School in the UK. However, in this conversation you will hear how…
10 – Kieran Mackle thinking deeply about the science of maths
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Kieran Mackle. Kieran is a primary mathematics specialist teacher from the UK, an author and is currently working with Complete Maths. He is also the host of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, a podcast that should be on your…
09 – Karen Tzanetopoulos on the Science of Math Learning in Research and Practice
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Karen Tzanetopoulos, a trained speech and language pathologist. Karen tells us about how she started working out of an office that was like a janitor’s closet to quietly do her own structured literacy with students and how her interest…
08 – Rouzana Komesidou on implementation science in schools
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast, Brendan Lee speaks to Dr. Rouzana Komesidou, a researcher who fell into implementation science after seeing the gap between research and practice in schools. In our conversation, she gives an overview of what things schools should consider before implementing something, how leaders can…