Toddcast Teacher Podcast

Episode 62 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Lauren Jeffery) For the sixty-second episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Lauren Jeffery.  Lauren is into her 17th year of teaching having taught in both Western Australia and Victoria mainly teaching in lower socio-economic school environments in the lower primary area.  During her career Lauren has completed her Masters in early childhood education and last year was a finalist for the Victorian Outstanding Primary School Teacher Award.  You may also know Lauren from her Instagram page called Lauren’s Lil Learners.  Lauren discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. - Why she loves teaching the early years so much. - Her Masters in Early Childhood Education. - Best suggestions when it comes to teaching foundation students in Term 1.  - What an effective literacy lesson looks like in her classroom.  - Best practice when teaching phonics.  - Play based learning. - Being a finalist for the Victorian Outstanding Primary School Teacher Award.  - Being married to a teacher. - Lauren’s Instagram Page. 

Episode 61 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Lisa Cain) For the sixty-first episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing Lisa Cain.  Lisa has been teaching for eight years all of which have been in the Catholic Education System. During her career to date Lisa has been a classroom teacher and over the last couple of years has been the Learning Diversity Leader and Behaviour Support.  Lisa discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. - What her role as Learning Diversity Leader and Behaviour Support involves.   - Is having this role (Learning Diversity Leader and Behaviour Support) in a school important.  - What are some important resources and strategies to support the students she is working with. - Moving into a leadership role. - Top leadership tips for teachers entering a leadership role.  - Top tips for teachers moving school. - Top 5 teaching ideas and strategies to assist teachers in the classroom.  - Advice for graduate teachers.  - One teaching resource you can’t live without. 

Episode 60 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Ash - Rainbow Sky Creations) For the sixtieth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Ash from Rainbow Sky Creations.  Ashleigh has been a teacher for several years teaching both in Australia and Dubai. During her teaching career she meet her business partner Alisha. Then in 2016 they both wanted to give back to the teaching community and Rainbow Sky Creations was born.  Rainbow Sky Creations helps support and empower teachers throughout Australia and the world especially having a focus on new teachers in the profession. They also have heaps of teaching resources, ideas and strategies focused on curriculum, planning, time saving as well as mini courses and a podcast is available. If you haven’t already found them yet go and check them out.  Ash discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. - Teaching in Dubai.  - How Rainbow Sky Creations all came about.  - What does Rainbow Sky Creations offer.  - How they support and empower teachers.  - Her business partner Alisha. - Supporting new teachers in the profession.  - The resources, mini courses they have to offer at Rainbow Sky Creations.  - Their podcast called Rainbow Skies for New Teachers.  - Top five teaching ideas and strategies.  - Reading and maths ideas for the classroom.    Get in contact with Ash or Rainbow Sky Creations below: Reach us by email [email protected] Teachers Pay Teachers store https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Rainbow-Sky-Creations Instagram @rainbowskycreations https://www.instagram.com/rainbowskycreations/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rainbowskycreations/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowskycreations?lang=en Membership for New Teachers https://rainbowsky.kartra.com/page/TYFY Freebie for New teachers https://rainbowsky.kartra.com/page/TYFYMidSU Podcast: Rainbow Skies for New Teachers https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/rainbow-skies-for-new-teachers/id1713486550

Episode 59 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Andrea Hillbrick) For the fifty-ninth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Andrea Hillbrick. Andrea has been involved in education for over 35 years and has enjoyed various roles such as curriculum leader, learning and teaching coach and assistant principal. Andrea now runs Andrea Hillbrick consultancy which she has been doing for 15 years where provides professional learning for teachers that is innovative, engaging, authentic and purposeful. Andrea has also written a number of books as well as running an online Book Club over the last four years.  Andrea discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. - Top strategies to be an effective leader in a school. - What is Andrea Hillbrick consultancy.  - What does Andrea Hillbrick consultancy offer schools and staff.  - What she enjoys most about her consultancy role.  - Her book club and what is involved in her book club. - The books she has written.  - Andrea’s presence on Facebook and Instagram. - Top five teaching ideas and strategies to assist teachers in the classroom.     You can get in contact with Andrea below:   Website - https://andreahillbrick.com.au/  Email - [email protected]  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012890528091  Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/andreahillbrick/ 

Episode 58 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Tournament of Minds – Eliza and Siobhan - TOM Directors) For the fifty-eighth episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Eliza and Siobhan both directors of Tournament of Minds.  Both Eliza and Siobhan are teachers as well as both volunteering for Tournament of Minds where they are directors in their respective states.  Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a program for all primary and secondary students providing the opportunity to solve authentic, open-ended challenges that foster creative, divergent thinking whilst developing collaborative enterprise, excellence and teamwork. Challenges are set in the following disciplines: The Arts, Language Literature, Social Sciences and STEM. Eliza and Siobhan discuss the following: -        Their educational journeys.  -        Reasons why they decided to be a volunteer at Tournament of Minds. -        What is Tournament of Minds.  -        What does it offer schools and students.  -        What are the disciplines available in Tournament of Minds.  -        Opportunities and real-life benefits of students being involved in Tournament of Minds.  -        Importance of teamwork in Tournament of Minds.  -       What Tournament of Minds judges do.    Find out more about Tournament of Minds or get in contact with Eliza and Siobhan below:   Website - https://tom.edu.au/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TOMtournamentofminds/  Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tournamentofminds/  Email - [email protected] & [email protected] 

Episode 57 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Laura Cole) For the fifty-seventh episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing a former team member and colleague as well as being a great friend in Laura Cole.  Laura is back for her second episode after being on the Graduate Roundtable Podcast back in 2021.  Laura is into her 4th year of teaching, and she is currently teaching a Prep/1 class and is also Team Leader of the Prep Area. Laura discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher. - Teaching tips for the lower primary area.  - Top tips for teaching Preps in Term 1.  - Being a matured aged student and completing her university course.  - What she has learnt through completing the Sounds Write course and what she has implemented into her classroom. - Being a team leader.  - Advice for graduate and new teachers entering the teaching field.  - Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

Episode 56 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Amy Green) For the fifty-sixth (and the first episode for 2024) of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Amy Green. Amy is founder of The Wellness Strategy, a published author, speaker, facilitator, and coach, and a leader in improving workplace culture and wellbeing in schools and organisations. As a past teacher and school leader, Amy is determined to change the way we view wellbeing to support our everyday and workplace needs. With a background in teaching and leadership and having studied human behaviour and positive psychology, Amy brings to the wellbeing space a fresh approach to what can be a sensitive topic.  Amy guides workplaces to understand the difference between individual and collective wellbeing to ensure all employees feel safe, valued, and fulfilled, and to bring about a workplace culture in which all staff thrive and flourish.  Amy discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher - Tips when moving school. - Teaching in London.  - What is The Wellness Strategy. - How did The Wellness Strategy all come about. - What does The Wellness Strategy offer teachers and leaders. - What is teacher wellbeing. - Why is teacher wellbeing so important. - Why is a school’s culture so important. - Amy’s book called Teacher Wellbeing – A Real Conversation for Teachers and Leaders - Amy’s podcast.   You can get in contact with Amy (The Wellness Strategy) below: Website – https://www.thewellnessstrategy.com.au/ Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygreen/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewellnessstrategy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_thewellnessstrategy/ Purchase Amy Book “Teacher Wellbeing – A Real Conversation for Teachers and Leaders”:   https://www.amazon.com.au/Teacher-Wellbeing-Conversation-Teachers-Leaders/dp/192260738X/ref=zg_bsnr_4903448051_sccl_2/358-9833681-3620401?pd_rd_i=192260738X&psc=1 The Work of Wellbeing Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5InVsecFCTd60gQAAOey2L?si=e12c1ae1f00a44bc

Episode 55 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Rick McWaters) For the fifty-fifth (and last episode for 2023) of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing former teacher, coach and friend Rick McWaters. I was lucky enough to be taught and coached by Rick as well as to coach volleyball with him. He was a very special teacher and mentor who inspired me to love learning and education. To say Rick is one of my favourite teachers is an understatement!  Rick has been in education for over 40 years in various schools, teaching Physical Education in both primary, secondary and VCE settings. Rick has also had many leadership roles such as Head of House and Head of Pastoral Care/Wellbeing.  Rick discusses the following: - His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher - His leadership roles. - Developing his leadership skills.  - His role as Head of Pastoral Care. - Challenges of dealing with serious situations and issues.  - How to go about not taking work home with you.   - Top tips when teaching VCE subjects.  - Building a strong sporting culture within a school.  - Having family members who are teaching.  - Retirement  - Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).

Episode 53 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Kelly Chislett – Common Reader) For the 53rd episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Kelly Chislett from the Common Reader.  Kelly is a primary school teacher who has mainly been based in the early years. She has taken on leadership roles such as year level co-ordinator and transition co-ordinator. Kelly is currently on Family Leave however during this time Kelly founded Common Reader, which is an online resource designed to be a pillar for parents as they navigate early school life with their children. Kelly discusses the following: - Her teaching journey, why she became a teacher and her teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher - What is the Common Reader.  - What motivates parents to be engaged in the school environment. - Any common misconceptions made by parents or teachers regarding home reading practice. - Top tips and ideas to support parents in getting their child reading at home. - Why engage parents and so much more.  - Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).   You can get in contact with Kelly (Common Reader) below:   Website –  https://www.commonreader.com.au/  Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/commonreaderau/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CommonReaderAu  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCte7Ty_DOePKAJdeac3gsTQ  Discount Code – Use the following code - TODDCASTTREAT - at the checkout, and get $10 off the first payment to a Common Reader subscription.

Episode 54 of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast: (Andy Connick – Andy Connick Coaching) For the 54th episode of the Toddcast the Teacher Podcast I had the privilege of interviewing Andy Connick from Andy Connick Coaching.  Andy is a teacher turned personal trainer. Andy has been involved in schools for over 10 years which includes various roles such as teacher assistant, pastoral support worker, teacher in a pupil referral unit, assistant head of centre, teacher in charge of primary and deputy head of centre. However last year Andy made the decision to take a break from teaching and requalified as a personal trainer and went on set up an online coaching business that starts from a point of fitness and how teachers can keep fit around the madness of a teaching schedule, but then also works more generally on health and wellbeing with the aim of trying to minimise burn out and keeping as many amazing teachers in the classroom as possible.  Andy discusses the following: - His teaching journey, why he became a teacher and his teacher role model/s. - Greatest challenge and proudest moment as a teacher - Teaching in a Pupil Referral Unit.  - How having various roles helped him develop as a teacher.  - How he realised he was burnt-out. - Was it hard decision to take a break from teaching.  - Why did he become a personal trainer.  - What is Andy Connick Coaching.  - What does Andy Connick Coaching offer teachers.  - Importance of teachers being physically and mentally healthy.  - Top tips for teachers to stay physically and mentally healthy. I hope you enjoy this episode. - Todd’s Stock Exchange (Game).   You can get in contact with Andy (Andy Connick Teaching) below:   Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/andyconnickcoaching  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084718088167    Discount Code – Use the following code - TODDCAST when you sign up, and get 20% off the first month of Andy Connick Coaching.