2025 Professional Learning

Activating Student Voice and Agency in the Classroom

2-Day Workshop (Paced Across the Year)

​

This workshop explores the critical role of student voice and agency in promoting deeper learning and engagement. Drawing on the principles of the science of learning, we will focus on how educators can foster environments that empower students to take ownership of their learning through authentic decision-making, self-regulation, and active participation. Learners will explore evidence-based strategies for scaffolding student agency, encouraging metacognitive skills, and enhancing motivation through autonomy-supportive teaching (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The workshop will provide teachers with practical tools to develop students as active participants in the learning process.

 

Student and School Leadership Voice and Agency Project

3 Full Days, 1 Half Day in Schools, 1 Half Day Wrap-up and Celebration

​

This professional learning program brings together students and leadership teams to analyse school-based data, undertake action research, and activate annual school improvement plan goals. Rooted in student voice and the science of school improvement, this project empowers students and staff to co-create action plans based on authentic school needs. Leaders, teachers and students will engage in collaborative inquiry and data analysis to drive meaningful school transformation. By centring student input in the process, this program models the principles of agency and collective efficacy, which have been shown to improve outcomes for both students and schools (Hattie, 2017). The action research component fosters reflective practices and growth mindset, supporting continuous improvement.

 

Growing Middle Leadership Capabilities

1-Day Workshop for New Middle Leaders

​

This workshop focuses on developing essential skills for those stepping into middle leadership roles. Based on current research in leadership development and teacher efficacy, the session will emphasise the importance of self-awareness, relationship-building, and cultivating a supportive school culture (Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004). By exploring the roles and responsibilities of middle leaders, learners will gain insight into how to build leadership practices that positively impact learning and wellbeing outcomes. The workshop will incorporate evidence on the role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in leadership, supporting leaders in creating environments that foster both staff and student wellbeing (Durlak et al., 2011).

 

Growing Middle Leadership Capabilities

2-Day Workshop (Paced Across the Year)

​

This workshop is designed for current middle leaders who are looking to enhance their leadership skills in the context of school improvement. Using the science of learning as a foundation, we will explore strategies for influencing teacher practices, leading collaborative teams, and promoting high-impact instructional practices. This workshop will also focus on the integration of student voice and agency in leadership practices, encouraging leaders to create learning environments that foster empowerment and student-centred teaching. We will explore how middle leaders can engage teachers in reflective practices and create systems that promote continuous improvement.

 

Intentional Teaching through Collaborative Planning: Embracing Collaborative Collaborativism

2-Day Workshop for Teaching Teams

​

This workshop provides a powerful opportunity for teaching teams to come together and intentionally plan for impactful classroom learning, using the principles of Collaborative Collaborativism (Hargreaves) and the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model (DuFour, DuFour, & Eaker). The focus is on developing a shared vision of effective teaching and learning, and strengthening the structures that allow teams to collaboratively design lessons that are evidence-informed and student-centred.

 

Through this workshop, teachers will explore how intentional teaching can be achieved through strategic collaboration, ensuring that every decision made in planning aligns with student needs, school goals, and the best available research. Key concepts include:

 

• Building professional learning communities where collective expertise drives instructional improvement

• Using collaborative planning to refine teaching practices, identify learning gaps, and create inclusive, high-impact learning environments

• Developing processes that promote ongoing feedback, reflection, and improvement

• Aligning teaching strategies with the science of learning and science of reading to maximise student engagement and achievement

• Teachers will leave this workshop equipped with practical tools to foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within their teams, driving enhanced student outcomes through intentional, collective planning.

 

Leading Intentional Teaching through Collaborative Planning: A Middle Leadership Approach

3-Day Workshop (Paced Across the Year)

Designed specifically for middle leaders, this workshop explores the leadership of collaborative teams in designing intentional, research-informed classroom learning. Drawing on Collaborative Collaborativism (Hargreaves) and the PLC framework (DuFour, DuFour, & Eaker), participants will learn how to lead their teams with a focus on shared responsibility for student success, collective efficacy, and continuous professional growth.

 

Middle leaders will engage in practical exercises that build their capacity to lead others in collaborative planning processes that are both purposeful and aligned with school improvement goals. Participants will explore how to:

 

• Foster a culture of collaboration and shared accountability across teaching teams

• Support teachers in developing high-quality, evidence-based learning experiences that reflect the latest insights from the science of learning (e.g., cognitive load theory, retrieval practice) and the science of reading

• Lead teams in using formative assessment data to inform planning and identify areas for student growth

• Create a reflective, data-driven approach to planning that drives instructional improvement and increases teacher efficacy

​

This workshop will be paced across the year to allow for action-based learning, with opportunities for middle leaders to return to their schools, implement strategies, and receive feedback as they refine their leadership and collaborative planning practices. The goal is for middle leaders to leave with enhanced skills in leading high-performing teams, designing intentional learning, and empowering teachers to achieve collective success.

 

Exploring Evidence-based Teaching Practices and Strategies to Support Impactful Classroom Learning

2-Day Workshop (Paced Across the Year)

​

Targeted at all classroom teachers, this workshop explores key evidenced-based teaching practices and strategies that have been shown to improve learning outcomes. Topics include the metacognition, cognitive load theory (Sweller, 2011), evidence-based literacy strategies (Shanahan & Shanahan, 2008), and active learning approaches that promote long-term retention (Roediger & Butler, 2011). Teachers will learn how to design lessons that foster deep understanding, enhance student engagement, and maximise learning efficiency through well-structured teaching techniques. The session also covers formative assessment strategies to guide instruction, support student agency, and provide feedback that drives growth