My guest this episode, Rachael Lehr, shares how the ideas and big dreams of others and books have inspired and influenced her teaching, learning and life journey. She also discusses her belief in the power of people and the human spirit as being vital for personal growth, and how she hopes to leave people better, and sparkle, through her presence, influence, or relationship with her.  Finding Your Leadership Sparkle Rachael's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Find people who inspire you, see you and challenge you, and connect any way you can. Book - Stolen Foucs by Johann Hari Podcast - Education Research Reading Room by Oliver Lovell Cause - Think local and find one your community needs. Dream Travel Destination - Europe Connect with Rachael: Twitter - @rachaellehr Facebook Pages - @Dayton Primary School @ACEL WA LinkedIn - @Rachael Lehr

My guest this episode, Tammy Robinson, shares how in the midst of grief she discovered her life's purpose and, in the process, healed her heart. She talks of her desire to empower young people and show them they are important, valued and respected. Tammy's goal is for the young people she supports to know that kindness is free, and to teach them that, as a community, we can create a ripple effect of kindness.  Tammy's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: Person - Sally Steele  Book - 'Dare More, Care Less' by Sally Steele Cause - Beyond DV Dream Travel Destination - United Kingdom Connect with Tammy: Facebook - Formally Ever After Tammy runs Formally Ever After, a community program in Logan, Queensland. She is a mother of four (three adult children and her 12 year old daughter), and her partner enthusiastically helps with the program. Tammy works in the Aged Care industry as a Lifestyle Carer, and working with our elderly has always been her passion. In 2019 she lost three very important people in her life, and in 2020 she lost a fourth loved one. These tragic losses reminded her how precious life is and how important it is to be kind to one another. It also reminded her that if time is we have to give another, then we should give our time. Tammy believes we need to use our experiences in life to help lift others and to show our children and young adults that kindness is free.  

My guest this episode, Tammy Baart, shares how identity has impacted her own life and learning journey, and her hope to be role model and provide a platform to celebrate Indigenous success. She talks about her passion for ensuring all children achieve success and exceed their own expectations, and her mission to support young people to know who they are and where they belong in the world. Learning about and reconnecting with her culture, has Influenced Tammy's sense of belonging and view of the world.  Tammy's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Joanne McEachen (The Learner First) Book - 'The Dreaming Path' by Paul Callaghan, 'The Yield' by Tara June Winch Podcast - Mojo Crowe with Ben Crow Cause - Know Your Country; Team Mills Foundation  Dream Travel Destination - To see the Northern Lights Connect with Tammy: Linkedin - Tammy Baart Instagram - @misstammy_blakignited Facebook - Blak Ingnited A proud Dharug woman, Tammy, has grown up reconnecting with her culture; firmly believing that we must harness the power of education and its ability to create future opportunities.  As the first in her family to graduate high school, Tammy is the epitome of a lifelong learner and acknowledges that we all play a role to play in shaping future leaders. With over two decades of educational leadership – in School Executive roles and Curriculum Writing – Tammy uses her experience in both the Government and Independent sectors to advocate and enable change, prioritising student needs so children and youth can be empowered to write their own narratives. Ignited by a passion and drive to find the gaps in the education system, Tammy firmly believes and advocates for all students to have access to authentic and sustainable learning pathways. Modeling learning and leading in two worlds, Tammy is a bold and courageous Indigenous woman who has foresight and vision to challenge herself and in turn those she works with to greater heights. Understanding the bigger picture while knowing the little things matter is Tammy’s superpower. Leading with love and compassion, Tammy brings people together to commit to creating a new and higher standard of what is possible for our children.

My guest this episode, Alice Vigors, shares her passion for creating a culture of thinking, visible learning and inquiry in teaching, leading and learning, and discusses the inspiration and influences that have helped fuel the fire on her journey. She also talks about her belief that all students should be known, valued and cared for in our schools; and that the teachers in our school are our greatest resource.  Alice's inspiration, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Rebecca West from Talkin' Chalk, Aaron Johnston from Mr J’s Learning Space Book - The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros Podcast - Cold Coffee, No Gluesticks with Katey Street Cause - Student well-being Dream Travel Destination - Canada and Alaska Connect with Alice: Twitter - @alice_vigors Instagram - @thinkingpathways Website or Blog - thinkingpathwayz Facebook Page - Thinking Pathways Podcast - Teacher Takeaway Podcast Linkedin - Alice Vigors Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate assistant principal: curriculum and instruction, who uses her creativity, innovation and dedication to inspire others and build their capacity to make a positive difference to the education of all students. She has been a teacher and leader for 14 years, working in both the NSW Public and Catholic education systems. Alice has developed a website, blog and professional learning network called ‘Thinking Pathways’, a resource and information hub for sharing her knowledge and examples of classroom practice around the explicit teaching and scaffolding of critical and creative thinking skills, the implementation of visible learning practices and understanding the role of inquiry learning in teaching, learning and leading. Alice launched and co-hosts an educational podcast in March 2021 called the ‘Teacher Takeaway’ podcast to provide educators with practical takeaway ideas across a range of educational topics with three other prominent educational leaders. Alice has just written a book called the ‘Thinking Classroom: supporting educators to embed critical and creative thinking’ which is being released on the 26th October 2022.

My guest this episode, Sarah Johnson, shares how she uses her three core values of balance, resilience and faith to live her own full life. She talks about her aim to serve and guide others live their own full life focus through her passions and work. Sarah discusses how her own life journey has had a significant impact on developing her passions, skills and mission to rise and reach the masses.  Sarah's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Latrese Younger; Megan Anderson; Neil Gupta Books - 'The Path Back to You' by Ian Cron Suzanne Sstabile; 'Gift of Imperfection' by Brene Brown Podcasts - Aspire Leadership Development Podcast with Joshua Stamper; Dare to Lead with Brene Brown Cause - Youth Mental Health First Aid and American Dream Travel Destination - Paris  Connect with Sarah: Twitter - @SarahSajohnson Instagram - @sarahsajohnson Website - sarahsajohnson.com  Facebook - Sarah Johnson Consulting  Podcast - In AWE Podcast Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. [Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University, and is in a Doctoral Studies program for Leadership, Learning, and Service.] She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories every week. She lives her own full life focus by pursuing passions such as running, writing, focusing on family, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning.

My guest this episode, Catherine Williams, shares how connecting with others inspired her teaching and positively impacted student engagement and  learning. These connections also provided the opportunity for professional learning and innovation, in addition to support, encouragement and friendship. Catherine also talks of how she now finds inspiration in nature, and the joy she finds in serving and uplifting others.   Catherine's inspiration, influential and impactful recommendations:   People - Connect with people who inspire you; Roman Nowak; Laurie McIntosh; Jen Jones   Books - 'Kids Deserve It' by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome; 'Kids These Days' by Dr Jody Carrington; 'Teachers These Days' by Dr Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh   Podcast - 'On Purpose' with Jay Shetty  Cause - A cause in your local community; Businesses in the rural and remote locations  Dream Travel Destination - Canada and Alaska; Top End of Australia    Connect with Catherine:  Twitter - @cathwilliams05  Instagram - @cathwilliams05 and @blue_wren_gardening 

Our Episode 20 guest, Monique Maguire, shares how martial arts helped her build self-confidence and emotional resilience initially after experiencing trauma, but also through all life’s challenges. Her drive for competing is also matched by her passion for teaching and empowering others, and she is firm believer in building people up rather than stripping them down. Monique also discusses her mental health struggles, and how she hopes that by being vulnerable and open, she can inspire others.   Monique's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: Person: Nick Atkins Book: A New Earth; Awakening Your Life's Purpose by Eckart Tolle Podcast: Gary Vee Cause: Push for Better Push Up Challenge Dream Travel Destination: Japan Connect with Monique: Instagram: @cutting_edge_martial_arts and @monique_maguire Website: Cutting Edge Martial Arts Centre

Our guest this episode, Paul Taylor, shares his educational journey as a learner, leader and innovator, whose passion for creating a better world drives him to seek and implement transformative learning that empowers students, and educators, to be their best selves. He discusses how the two big questions, "Do I understand?" and "How do I do this well?" guide him as a learner and leader. Paul's belief in supporting staff to empower learners to take responsibility for the development of both their own character and academic growth and to contribute to a better world, drives his work as a leader.  Paul's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Educators outside your own school who do things that you want to know more about Book - An Ethic of Excellence by Ron Berger Podcast - John Hattie Cause - Domestic Violence; Ration Challenge: Raising Funds for Refugees Dream Travel Destination - Switzerland Connect with Paul: Banora Point Primary School - 07 5524 1444  Twitter - @pdtaylor73 @i_on_the_Future  Deeper Learning - deeperlearning.com.au  Paul Taylor is Principal of Banora Point PS (enrolment 590) on the far North Coast of NSW. Over a 27-year career Paul has taught all grades, held all executive roles in NSW DoE schools and worked internationally as a classroom teacher in West Yorkshire. Paul was fortunate to be the recipient of two NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships in 2004 and 2005 and was a state finalist in the 2015 Australian Teaching Awards. Paul was named in The Educator Magazine ‘Top 40 Hotlist’ in 2016 and has sat on the judging panel of these awards since 2018. Paul is the founder and leader of iOnTheFuture Events. iOTF conferences grew rapidly in the 20 teens, with 900 teachers from 210 schools attending the 2019 iOTF6 event. Over the years the annual iOTF conference has hosted luminaries such as Ron Berger, Larry Rosenstock, Eric Mazur, Scott Hartl, Bob Lenz, Stephen Harris and Mark Scott. For the 2020 year, Paul has moved the focus of iOTF Events away from ‘the why’ of education change and a one day conference, to ‘the how’ with practical three day institutes (in partnership with PBL Works and EL Education) that drill deep down into the learning design and instructional practice required to help students develop ownership of and purpose for learning. Under Paul’s leadership, the Banora Point PS staff team have transformed teaching and learning, pioneering the introduction of student engaged assessment practices as found in EL Education’s Leaders Of Their Own Learning materials. Through this work, staff have empowered learners to take responsibility for the development of both their own character and academic growth and to contribute to a better world.

Our guest this episode, Laurie McIntosh, shares the role affirmation has played in her journey as an educator. She talks of her belief that schools should be a place of connection, community and healing, and her hope to be a teacher who leaves a legacy and who her students tell their grandchildren about. Laurie is most excited about, and proud of, the fact that she is helping nurture students who are 'really good people' who dream and plan really big; as well as seeing and supporting teachers to know they are 'enough'.  Laurie's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations:  People - Dr Jody Carrington; Barbara Gruener Books - Kids These Days by Jody Carrington; Teachers These Days by Jody Carrington and Laurie McIntosh; What Happened to You by Bruce D Perry and Oprah Winfrey Podcasts - Mr D Times 3 with Joe Dombrowski; and We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle Cause - Blankets of Hope  Dream Travel Destination - Australia; Hawaii  Connect with Laurie:  Twitter - @lauriesmcintosh and @MrsMacsKinders  Instagram - @mrsmacskinders Some of the best lessons are taught in the moments between literacy and numeracy. These golden moments based on kindness, connection and community are the moments this kindergarten teacher and author lives for. With compassion and thoughtfulness, Laurie has an incredible way of acknowledging the accomplishments of educators and affirms them as they journey on their paths, cheering them on as they use connection and relationship to revolutionize their practice. Storyteller, light bringer and dreamer, Laurie uses her 20+ years in education to forge new paths. With the stories she held writing ‘Teachers These Days’ with Dr. Jody Carrington and her 2 appearances on The Ellen Show Laurie strives to bring teachers together in community and to define and exemplify what it truly means to be a ‘teacher these days’.

Our guest this episode, Ryan Persaud, shares his passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice and how as a leader his goal is to collaboratively create a school community where all belong. He talks about his experiences in international schools and how he hopes to inspire others to be change makers, and to support those who don't have a voice to find theirs.  Ryan's inspirational, influential and impactful recommendations: People - Alysa Perreras - DEIJ Consultant; Darnell Fine - DEIJ Consultant; Jennifer Abrams Coaching, Mindset, Hard Conversations; Tonya Gilchrist/Erin Kent - RWW Workshop/Literacy; Dr Derrick Gay - Intercultural Competency; Dr Doug Fisher - Science of Learning; Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning Books - Neuroteach (Whitman), The Motive (Lencioni), Dare to Lead (Brown), Me and White Supremacy (Saad) Podcasts - Cult of Pedagogy (Jennifer Gonzalez), Ignite Edtech Podcast (Craig Kemp), At the Table (Lencioni) Cause - Ukraine; Nyaka Aids Orphan Project - Uganda Dream Travel Destination - Home (Canada) Connect with Ryan: Twitter - @ryanpersaud23 LinkedIn - https://br.linkedin.com/in/ryan-persaud Ryan is an experienced educational leader with a demonstrated history of working in the education sector (20 years).  He is skilled in K-12 Educational Leadership, DEIJ, Systems Thinking, Curriculum Design, Educational Business and Finance, and Innovation. Ryan is a strong leadership professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Education from the University of Toronto and currently working on an Educational Doctorate from the University of Western Ontario.