Knowledge for Teachers Podcast

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:

Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify

S03E08 – Craig Barton on Becoming a Better Maths Teacher

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by the legendary Craig Barton—maths educator, best-selling author and one of the original voices in education podcasting. In this conversation, Craig opens up about the highs and lows of teaching, the lessons he’s learned from observing thousands of classrooms, and…

S03E05 – The ABCs of Effective Behaviour Management: A Practical Guide for Teachers with Dr. Brandi Simonsen

In this episode, we’re focusing on a key element of successful schools: understanding and supporting positive student behaviour. Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brandi Simonsen, a professor of special education at the University of Connecticut and co-director of the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Brandi shares her practical…

S03E03 – Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee speaks with Liana McCurry, a passionate advocate for primary school maths education. Fresh from her Churchill Fellowship, Liana shares findings from her research into mathematical practices across six countries. Listeners will gain insights into the systemic issues contributing to Australia’s declining maths performance…

S02E22 – Dr. Leslie Laud – Implementation Science Meets Writing Instruction: ThinkSRSD’s Journey to Scalability and Impact

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Leslie Laud. She is the founding Director of ThinkSRSD, a writing program built upon Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). The discussion covers ThinkSRSD’s key strategies, including mnemonics and how to apply them across different grade levels and writing genres. Furthermore, Dr. Laud addresses implementation challenges…

S02E16 – Charlotte Peverett on the importance of having high expectations for all students including diverse learners

In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Charlotte Peverett, an experienced learning specialist and inclusion outreach coach, who shares her journey into teaching and special education. Charlotte discusses the significance of structures and routines in creating a safe and consistent learning environment. Charlotte also emphasises the importance of high expectations for all…

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…

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…

S01E25 – 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…

S01E21 – 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…

S01E13 – 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…