Resources

Learn how to embed First Nations perspectives, challenge bias and support self-determination in schools with insights from Dr Anita Heiss and Lucy Amon.

Dr Ange Rogers, numeracy leader and coach, discusses the important role parents can play in their children’s mathematics education with Academy Principal in Residence, Phillip Coloca.

A passionate and energised leader, Amanda Williams is deeply driven by the belief that getting learning right from the outset is life-changing for young people.

Balwyn High School Assistant Principal, Tegan Knuckey, used strategic professional development and career pathways for teachers to grow her leadership skills, expand her network, and make a wider impact on education.

Academy Alumni, Matt Cook, used professional learning programs to build confidence, grow his leadership skills, and progress from classroom teacher to aspiring principal.

Academy alumni, Danielle Heatley, has built a career of impact by combining her love of lifelong learning with Academy leadership programs, from VAPA to Leading Quality Conversations.

Conversations with some of the world’s biggest thought leaders in education. Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Featuring some of the biggest names in education, our Thought Leadership Series delves into the latest research, big ideas and innovations that affect educators and students.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition among young Australians, profoundly impacting learning, engagement, memory, behaviour, attendance, relationships with peers and teachers – and, too often, it impacts future opportunities in ways that go unseen in the classroom.

This webinar explores how school leaders can respond effectively to incidents of racial and cultural discrimination while fostering inclusive and equitable school environments.

Watch the Academy's online conversations on teaching and pedagogy. Hear from subject matter experts including comedian Sammy J on their experiences.

In this episode, Academy Expert Teacher in Residence Michael Kollaras is joined by Gail McHardy, CEO of Parents Victoria, representing the voice of parents and carers of young people in Victorian schools.

A guide for Victorian parents to understand VTLM 2.0. Learn how to support your child's learning with new teaching practices and expert tips.

A thought-provoking discussion on the knowledge, skills and dispositions that students need to acquire for their learning future.

Access resources from the 2025 Victorian Principals Conference, including keynotes, presentations, and school stories on leadership, wellbeing, and VTLM 2.0.

Explore professional learning programs, teaching resources, and guides to support the implementation of the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM 2.0). Discover evidence-informed strategies for literacy, numeracy, and school improvement, with resources for teachers, leaders, and families.

Working together to create a more inclusive future for women and girls in leadership.

Mathematics education is not just solving equations, giving a correct answer, or memorising Pythagoras’ Theorem, it's about fostering resilient problem solvers who can thrive in an ever-evolving mathematics rich world.

Tools and materials to support the teaching of reading and phonics in Victorian schools.

A simple guide for parents in Victoria, Australia, on what phonics is and why it's crucial for reading. Learn how to support your child's phonics learning at home with fun activities.

Zahra Harvey is a mathematics learning specialist at Lysterfield Primary School, where most recently she has led the implementation of individual learning goals.

In this webinar, Dr. Ron Beghetto delves into the future of education, and supporting students' creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

Access resources from the 2024 Victorian Government Schools Principals Conference. Find keynote videos, presentations, and school improvement stories.

2022 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) alumni Jay Chew (Al-Taqwa College), Ben Jones (Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary College) and Kendall Aglinskas (Assumption College) dive deep into their teaching journeys.

By Mark Donnelly-Layfield – French teacher and Deputy Head of Middle School (boys) at Haileybury College, Brighton

A video of a panel discussion delving into the complexities of dysregulated behaviour and exploring effective strategies to manage it.

Leadership Excellence Division 2023 Principal in Residence Greg Lacey is joined by principal Andrew Schneider and paediatrician Vanessa Gabriel to discuss the barriers disadvantaged communities face in accessing quality healthcare.

Anna Miller, Director of Junior School Music at Strathcona Girls Grammar School, shares her experience using the Design Thinking model, and gives some tips for teachers and how to get students engaged.

In this episode Carol Hodgson (Department of Education, regional) and 2022 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) alumni Melissa Pavey from South Street Primary School in Moe and Cathy Buchanan-Hagen from Hamlyn Banks Primary School in Geelong discuss all things literacy, education and mentor texts.

Principals in Residence Samantha Jeacle and Justine Mackey are joined by Chris Varney and Rachael Hamilton of the I CAN Network. In this episode, they discuss practical ways educators can support students with autism in the classroom.

Written by Leah Myers, a leading teacher and instructional coach with the Victorian Department of Education, this article discusses how to maximise student learning through understanding the basics of human cognitive architecture and its implications for classroom design.

In this webinar, Mark and Ollie provide insights into common classroom scenarios and provide strategies for best practice teaching.

In this webinar, Kirra Pendergast delves into the implications of cyber security with emerging technologies in the classroom.

In this episode, Academy Principal in Residence Justine Smyth is joined by executive class principals Gail Hardman and Prue Pisani who currently work in Differentiated Support School Improvement (DSSI) in the Northwest Victorian Region.

Hosted by Academy Principal in Residence Simone Eirth, this episode delves into all things instructional coaching with internationally recognised thought leader Dr Jim Knight.

Written by Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Master Teacher Anam Javed, this article focusses on design thinking and how teachers can promote strategic and innovative thinking in their students.  

Polya's problem-solving process, developed by mathematician George Polya, provides a structured approach to problem-solving that can be applied across various domains.

Get practical strategies for addressing maths anxiety in Australian classrooms. Featuring Dr. Sarah Buckley (ACER) and Rachael Gore (TEP Alumni).

Learn how valuing maths can boost student outcomes and engagement. Features Emma Moore and Dr. Sarah Buckley from ACER.

Valuing maths positively impacts student learning outcomes and determines whether a student will continue to engage with maths at school and beyond. This episode discusses a particular type of maths – utility value – and the research backed way to improve it. Hosted by Teaching Excellence Program Master Teacher Ben Allen with guest Dr Sarah Buckley.

Master teacher Adam Brodie-Mackenzie reflects with colleagues on the rich history of educational practice of Australia's First Nations people and what this means for students of the Humanities.

Adam knows the power of building Indigenous perspectives into teaching and learning and believes it is paramount for all educators to make these connections in their discipline and classroom.

Hosted by 2023 Academy Principal in Residence Greg Lacey, this episode features EC by Go1 CEO Dave Faulkner and learning designer and facilitator Glenn Solomons. In this episode Greg, Dave and Glenn cover all things middle leadership and the impact they can have as “the engine room of change in schools”. 

A broad range of professional learning and resources to support positive student behaviour. 

This blog provides 2 evidence-informed practices to improve teacher-student relationships and discusses referent power.

Technologies Expert Teacher in Residence until 2024; current Learning Manager in TEP, Anam Javed, explores artificial intelligence and how educators and schools can work with AI not against it.

Join Principal in Residence Kendra Parker and international thought leader Professor Yong Zhao to better understand and support student engagement.

Access resources from Dr. Judy Willis on the neuroscience of learning. Find videos and articles with practical strategies for teachers and parents.

In this webinar, Dr Peter DeWitt provides an insightful session on empowering leadership and fostering a sense of efficacy among educators.

Check out the graphic illustrations that capture the inspiring messages from our Government Schools Principals’ Conference 2023.

Access essential resources for the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework (ALEF). Download fact sheets, playbooks, and guides for school leaders.

This episode discusses the mathematical limitations and possibilities of AI in the classroom and the presence of programs such as ChatGPT. Also up for discussion is ‘symbolic programming’, data analysis and how teachers can use technology to reengage students and bring back their wonder, amazement and curiosity for mathematics.   

Renowned positive psychology expert Professor Lea Waters has partnered with the Academy to develop bite-size professional learning sessions for school leaders to help replenish staff wellbeing without depleting leader energy, and the recharging power of micro moments.

In this webinar, Dr Helen Street provides an opportunity to broaden understanding of student behaviour by considering context and how it relates to student motivation and actions.

In this Academy podcast, 2023 Teaching Excellence Program (TEP) Master Teacher, Christopher Hudson, is joined by educational thought leader, Professor Amanda Berry, from RMIT University. Chris and Amanda delve into the power of teachers engaging in practitioner inquiry, both individually and collectively, and they unpack self-study and consider the dispositions and traits that teachers need to successfully critique and improve their practice. 

Learn specific skills to influence school change with Professor Andy Hargreaves, world-renowned speaker, author and researcher focused on school improvement. 

Aimed at middle leaders, this webinar recording will enhance your ability to influence school wide change and help children become engaged in problem solving.

Leading school improvement is a challenging and rewarding role for educational leaders. It means disrupting aspects of business as usual, and learning more effective ways of working with students and colleagues to achieve positive results.

What does it mean to advance the quality and status of the teaching profession?

In this vodcast, Professor Eric Mazur, Dr Claire Brown, and Gail Bray discuss what it will take and why now more than ever it is so critical to raise the profile of teachers.

How can educators best meet the needs of students in a changing world?

Michael Fullan explores what it means for educators to be dynamic and responsive, and build trust within their school community, to advance student outcomes and wellbeing.

Student voice is having a long overdue renaissance in education. As teachers, we have a growing expectation that we embed opportunities for students to speak about and have a genuine impact upon the teaching and learning occurring in our classrooms.

Look beyond the idea of ‘learner engagement’ and explore what is learning for?

Valerie Hanon introduces research findings and insights around the future-focused design principles for schools and how they are being brought to life around the world.

Changes over the past decade have allowed our world to be more ‘iConnected’ than ever before.

Aasha Murthy defines the key dimensions of the ‘iConnected’ world and how you can identify the emerging patterns in your sector by analysing its driving forces and critical uncertainties.

As the inaugural Master Teacher for the Arts, Teaching Excellence Program, Toby Wilkins has a depth of knowledge and insight into what it takes to successfully apply for a competitive process.

In this blog, Toby shares with you his top tips for completing a high-quality and impactful application that will resonate with others and help you put your best foot forward.

Inaugural Master Teacher for the Humanities, Teaching Excellence Program, Adam Brodie-Mackenzie reflects on the benefits of discipline-focused professional learning opportunities through the Teaching Excellence Program.

In this blog, Adam provides his expert guidance to support you in considering which discipline to apply for and how to link it to your passion in teaching.

Explore 41 St Andrews Place, the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership's East Melbourne centre. Learn about its rich history and state-of-the-art facilities.

Professor John Hattie and Samantha Rodgers speak about what engagement and curiosity looks like in the secondary classroom

This recording explores the models and approaches that move their students from disruption to engagement.

As a system, we need to grow a strong, sustainable pipeline of great leaders.

Explore how the Talent Management Framework can be adapted and used in a range of school and network contexts.

Explore the Victorian Academy's "Improving Wellbeing" resource, offering social strategies and a facilitator guide for school leaders to support wellbeing.

What does it mean to have good wellbeing? 

The recording explores the science of wellbeing and the variable that contribute to individual wellbeing and the wellbeing of students. 

Thinking strategies are one way to enhance your wellbeing.

In this recording, you will deep-dive into 3 thinking strategies - creating boundaries, using perspective and generating new ideas - that support and enhance wellbeing.  

How often are you checking in on and taking meaningful action to support your psychological wellbeing?

This recording is an opportunity to reflect and revisit strategies that best support psychological wellbeing, and stretch yourself to take action to enhance it and positively impact those around you.

Part of our Numeracy Webinar Series, this recording deepens understanding of the 4 proficiencies for mathematics learning: fluency, reasoning, problem-solving and understanding.

Every one of us is having an influence on others in everything we do. So how do we make sure these interactions are positive and constructive?

In this recording, you will be guided through techniques to enhance relationships and your own capacity to be a positive influence on the way others think, feel, and respond to events in their lives.

What does it take - and what does it mean - to be the best version of yourself?

Being your Best Self explores how you can boost your self-awareness and ability to manage emotions to engage your considered response more readily and frequently.

Dr Ryan Dunn believes that by using adaptive approaches as a response to uncertainty we build school resilience in the face of continual change.

In this recording, Ryan explores how to cultivate cohesive, empowered teams ready for change and innovation.

Maintaining confidence and calm while navigating challenges and seizing opportunities during complex times can be difficult.

This recording provides practical tools and techniques to help you enhance your capacity to demonstrate empathy and positively influence the way people are thinking and feeling.

How do we deepen those attributes that are most effective and leave the others behind to progress and strengthen your leadership?

In this recording, explore an appreciative inquiry process to help you reflect on how you lead others and identify how you can move forward in your career.

Part of our Numeracy Webinar Series, this recording provides practical steps to develop a growth mindset style of teaching and resources for effective numeracy teaching, including the Birth to Level 10 Numeracy Guide.

Explore how a small school adapted the Talent Management Framework to ensure unexpected talent was identified and developed.

Student disengagement and dropout from school are major challenges for education jurisdictions
internationally.

This article explores the factors that contribute to disengagement, the predictive strength of these factors, and best-practice examples of interventions to prevent disengagement.

Student disengagement and dropout from school are major challenges for education jurisdictions
internationally.

This report presents case studies of how school leaders and teachers from a sample of 10 Victorian schools use data to identify students at risk of disengagement.

Explore how the Talent Management Framework supports a systematic, transparent and equitable approach to talent management.

Explore how the Talent Management Framework was used alongside a distributed leadership approach to identify talent.

Explore how schools are embedding the Talent Management Framework into their existing development processes.

Emotions influence the quality of the decisions we make, behaviours that we demonstrate and our productivity.

This recording explores practical tools and techniques for leading a remote team and positively influencing their wellbeing and productivity in a crisis environment.

How can being emotionally intelligent support you to overcome the challenges of working remotely? 

This recording explores practical tools and techniques for being productive while working from home.

What are the fundamental skills for successful leadership in education?

In this podcast, Neil Barker discusses the value of leaders continuing their own learning journeys, the meaning of true collaboration, and the importance of a clear leadership vision.

Part of our Numeracy Webinar Series, this recording provides an in-depth look at the assessment tools, opportunities to reflect on your mathematics assessment practices and elements of effective formative assessment.

How can we change our education systems to give young people the skills they need to become global citizens? 

In this podcast, Joanne Quinn talks about the key drivers for transforming learning to prepare students for the future.

How do school leaders get the most out of technology for their teachers and students? In this podcast, Baroness Susan Greenfield describes her journey to becoming neuroscientist and explains how the brain evolves with every experience.

Rigour involves raising expectations and teaching and learning to the highest level.

In this podcast, Dr Barbara Blackburn explores the building blocks of motivation and how teachers can implement them in their classroom to create a rigorous learning environment.

Listen to Dr. Debbie Pushor on the power of family stories in education. Learn strategies for authentic parent engagement and building family-centric schools.

An inside look at how McKinnon Secondary College implemented the Talent Management Framework in their school.

What does effective system leadership look like for schools in an increasingly collaborative world?

In this podcast, Viviane talks about her strong interest in researching problems of practice that help teachers improve student outcomes.

It’s not paint-by-numbers, and there’s no rule book – so how do we lead ourselves and others to make the biggest difference in our schools?

In this podcast, Steve talks about how he got into educational leadership – from the challenges to the importance of modelling leadership, mentoring and understanding that change takes time.

How do we harness the power of data to increase equity in education? Kathy Parker Boudett talks about Data Wise, and helping people to work together to seek the truth through evidence.

In this podcast, Kathy explores the role data plays in learning and teaching, particularly the opportunity to ask important questions about our practice.

We live in a time of unprecedented change. Valerie Hannon believes our education systems are lagging behind.

In this podcast, Valerie shares what it is about education that drives and inspires her – from her early schooling, doing her masters with David Hargreaves and, most importantly, working with students in different capacities to help change their lives.

Wellbeing is not just a state of feeling good, it is also a lifelong resource students can draw on to stay healthy, build good relationships, deal with stress and learn effectively, writes Professor Lea Waters.

The strongest school leaders are driven by an intense moral purpose. They strive to provide quality learning and equitable outcomes for all students, write academics Linda Kaser and Judy Halbert.

The benefits of supporting students to work within their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) are well known, but so are the challenges. The Sunshine College Maths Program provides teachers with a practical model for effective differentiation, write educators Yvonne Reilly and Jodie Parsons.

Computational Thinking is a process that applies a 4-step problem-solving cycle to real-world challenges, and it should feature in every subject, writes mathematician and entrepreneur Conrad Wolfram.

In the new work order, it is predicted young people will have 17 jobs over 5 careers. Instead of focusing on a ‘dream job’, we should advise students to consider skills and capabilities that translate across a range of jobs, writes social entrepreneur Jan Owen.

What should students learn in the 21st century? Specific content does not matter. It is what students do with the content, how they respond to it, shape it and apply it, that matters, write educators Rob Riordan and Larry Rosenstock.

Mathematics’ fundamental role in school curricula across the globe makes mathematics classrooms important sites from which to investigate the social nature of learning, write education academics David Clarke, Man Ching Esther Chan and Carmel Mesiti.

Effective instructional leadership has a positive snowball effect. It impacts the development of teacher collaboration for instructional improvement, which leads to collective efficacy, which, in turn, impacts student outcomes, write Yvonne L. Goddard, Roger D. Goddard and Greg Cameron.

Common approaches to learning assessment can send adverse messages and confuse students’ understanding of the relationship between effort and success. Reform is needed but it requires a shift towards a growth mindset, writes Professor Geoff Masters.

System leaders are principals who take on responsibility to improve other schools as well as their own. And system leadership practice could be a key driver for system reform, writes Professor David Hopkins.

Education systems need a radical redesign in order to offer learning relevant to our current conditions, writes global thought leader Valerie Hannon.

School leaders need to be catalysts for change. To do this, they must also become digital leaders, writes thought leader, educator and author, Eric Sheninger.

Resources to support the implementation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools in government, Catholic and independent schools.

The Talent Management Framework (TMF) is a dynamic approach to identify, develop and support individuals with high potential for leadership – from teachers to experienced system leaders – in an intentional and systematic way.

Find out how the Academy supports the work and contribution that system leaders make to the Victorian education system.

Elevate school leadership with the Academy Leadership Excellence Framework (ALEF). Discover the key domains, capabilities, and dispositions for excellence in education.