About Luke George's Conversations with Courageous Educators
Welcome to " Conversations with Courageous Educators” the podcast that understands the challenges and rewards of being an educator. Host Luke George, a passionate advocate for student growth and success, invites you to join him as he explores the strategies and stories as told by courageous educators who thrive in their roles.
S2:E7: Sally Mills – Growth, Grit and Great Teaching in the Early Years
Luke George interviews Sally Mills, who describes her journey from overwhelmed graduate to thriving teacher, highlighting the impact of mentorship and explicit instruction.
18 May 2025
S2:E6: Stacie Skehan – Listening, Leading, and Learning in Remote Communities
In this episode of Conversations with Courageous Educators, Luke George speaks with Stacie Skehan—a leader whose superpower is curiosity, and whose strength lies in listening deeply to understand, not just to respond. Stacie takes us on a powerful journey from her first teaching role in the tiny outback community of Warnkurna to leading as principal at Wananami Remote Community School. Her story is one of humility, cultural integration, and co-creating education with community at the centre....
4 May 2025
S2:E5 Eliza Dadson - Rethinking ADHD in the Classroom and Beyond
In this episode of Conversations with Courageous Educators, Luke George sits down with Eliza Dadson, founder of ADHD With Me—an educator whose personal and professional journey has given her a deep, science-backed understanding of ADHD. With decades of teaching experience and a passion rooted in family and formal study, Eliza shares what every educator and parent needs to know about teaching children with ADHD. From the importance of building social skills to the power of positive reinforcem...
30 Mar 2025
S2:E4 Will Davis - Leading with Joy and Purpose
In this episode of Conversations with Courageous Educators, host Luke George speaks with Will Davis, the founding Principal of Oakwood Primary School, about his journey from the UK to Australia and the creation of a school that prioritizes joy in learning. Will shares his insights on building a positive school culture, recruiting passionate educators, and implementing the Fish Philosophy to create a supportive and engaging environment. He also discusses Oakwood’s unique classroom setups, whi...
16 Mar 2025
S:2E:3 A Conversation with Julie Bolingbroke – Transforming Schools Through Leadership and Community
In this episode of Conversations with Courageous Educators, host Luke George speaks with Julie Bolingbroke, principal of Gwynn Park Primary School, about the extraordinary transformation of her school—from one of the lowest-achieving in Western Australia to a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award. Julie shares how community support, strong behaviour management, and high expectations have played a pivotal role in the school's success. She discusses the power of consistenc...
2 Mar 2025
S:2E:2 Maggie Bott – The Heart of Education Support
In this episode of Conversations with Courageous Educators, host Luke George sits down with Maggie Bott, an inspiring education support teacher whose passion for inclusive education has made a profound impact. They explore the key differences between education support and mainstream teaching, the challenges of emotional regulation in students, and the importance of creating classrooms where every child can thrive. Maggie shares her journey into education, the honour of being named Teacher of ...
13 Feb 2025
S2:E1: Mike Mount-Bryson: Leading with Well-Being and Community
In this episode, Luke George speaks with Mike Mount-Bryson, principal of Lockridge Primary School, about his journey in education and his unwavering commitment to student and staff well-being. They explore the challenges and rewards of teaching in low socio-economic areas, the critical role of education assistants, and the school culture that led Lockridge Primary to win the 2024 Excellence in Well-Being and Learning Award. Mike shares insights on the importance of stability in schools, foste...
27 Oct 2024
S1:E11: Gemma Roberts: Leading with Joy
In this episode, we speak to Gemma Roberts, a passionate teacher and leader, whose approach to education can be summed up in one word—joy. Gemma shares her experiences in teaching and leadership, highlighting the power of maintaining a positive mindset and the joy that comes with being an educator.We discuss the importance of creating safe spaces for students, empowering others through leadership, and navigating the dynamics of multicultural classrooms. Gemma emphasizes celebrating small wins...
13 Oct 2024
S1:E10: Jake Petterwood: Building a Positive School Culture
In this episode, Jake Petterwood, principal of Settlers Primary School, discusses the crucial role that school culture plays in student performance. He shares his experience in fostering a positive culture at Settlers Primary by focusing on communication, consistency, credibility, and reducing staff workload.Jake emphasizes the importance of creating trust and transparency within the school community, building strong relationships, and actively engaging parents. He also shares his unique appr...
15 Sept 2024
S1:E9: Natasha Upcott: Overcoming Adversity & Leading with Confidence
In this episode, we hear from Natasha Upcott, the principal of Mandurah Primary School, as she shares her powerful journey of overcoming adversity and leading with confidence. From growing up in a hotel in Hong Kong to facing domestic violence as an adult, Natasha has encountered significant challenges. Through self-reflection and personal growth, she has emerged as a stronger leader, making a positive impact on her school and community.Natasha discusses the importance of setting boundaries, ...
2 Sept 2024
S1:E8: Daniela Falecki: Thriving in Teaching
Meet Daniela Falecki, the human dynamo and passionate advocate for teacher wellbeing. In this episode, we delve into Daniela's new book, "Thrive," and explore strategies to help teachers navigate the highs and celebrations of teaching, as well as the lows and stressful times.Daniela Falecki, a dedicated educator and wellbeing consultant, shares her journey in teaching and the challenges she faced. She emphasises the high demands and pressures of the profession and discusses who bears the resp...
18 Aug 2024
S1:E7: Katrina Bourke: Leading from Sacred Ground
In this episode, we sit down with Katrina Bourke, a leadership and wellbeing expert, who shares her inspiring journey from being a teacher to becoming a passionate leader. Katrina emphasizes the importance of autonomy and self-awareness in leadership and delves into the challenges and vulnerabilities that leaders face.Katrina introduces the concept of sacred ground, a space where leaders align their vision and values to create a positive impact. She highlights the significance of having a sup...
4 Aug 2024
S1:E6: Lesley Barrett: Striving to Achieve
Lesley Barrett, the Principal of Neerigen Brook Primary School, leads a marginalized school where 36 different languages are spoken and 25% of the population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Over the past eight years, Lesley has made incredible strides in transforming the school, its staff, the community, and the students.
In this episode, Lesley shares the courageous steps she took to implement changes that made a significant impact. She emphasizes the power of conversations and relationship-building, highlighting the need for constant and consistent dialogue among all members of the school community. Lesley also discusses building capacity within students, staff, and administration to support and enhance children's educational journeys.
Lesley stands by the school's motto, "Strive to Achieve," and talks about the importance of embracing and helping the community to overcome barriers to student learning. She shares her wealth of knowledge and the efforts that have led to the creation of a yarning circle—a symbol of inclusivity and community spirit that has grown into something much bigger than she initially envisioned.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Principal Lesley Barrett and learn how her dedication and vision have brought about transformative change. This episode is a must-listen for courageous educators seeking inspiration and practical insights into fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
22 Jul 2024
S1:E5: Dr Selena Fisk: The Data Storyteller
Dr. Selena Fisk, renowned as the data storyteller, joins us to reveal the transformative power of data analysis in education. With a unique approach, Selena demonstrates how measuring student disposition and behaviours directly impacts achievement.
In this episode, Selena shares her three-prong approach: data literacy, data visualisation, and data storytelling. She transforms numbers and scores into compelling human journeys, showing how effective written and verbal feedback drives student progress. Along the way, we explore numerous stories that illustrate the profound impact of data on education.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Selena Fisk and gain invaluable tips on improving your data storytelling in the classroom or your school. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of data to enhance educational outcomes.
To find out more about Dr Selena Fisk's work, check out her website here- https://www.selenafisk.com/
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/ctJb7RpN-mU
24 Jun 2024
S1.E4: David Wanstall: Cultivating School Culture
David Wanstall began his teaching career at Halls Creek District High School in a remote town in the Kimberleys. Now, with 38 years of experience, he serves as a Director of Education, having worked in diverse schools and contexts.
In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of school culture, setting behaviour expectations for students and staff, and making courageous decisions that drive student learning and staff growth. David also shares the inspiring story of how he and two other principals formed the Coalition of Schools to define and implement explicit instruction effectively.
Join us as David shares his passion for creating a positive and engaging learning environment, not just for his staff and students, but for the entire community. This episode offers valuable insights into the role of leadership in fostering an enriching educational atmosphere.
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/RhhOfH1n1YY
10 Jun 2024
S1.E3: Dr. Ray Boyd: Leading with Excellence
With 34 years of experience in education, Dr. Ray Boyd is not just a seasoned educator but also a marathon runner and an inspirational leader. Named Principal of the Year in 2014, Dr. Boyd has even honed his leadership skills at Harvard Business School. Recently, he opened Dayton Primary School and co-founded the Centre of Excellence with two other principals.
In this episode, we explore Dr. Boyd's journey in education, his approach to building a new school from the ground up, and his insights into creating a culture of excellence. Dr. Boyd shares the challenges and triumphs of his career, offering valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and perseverance. Join us for an inspiring conversation with one of education's most dynamic leaders.
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/526tUuQXmZI
27 May 2024
S1.E2 Dr Lillian Fawcett- Cracking the ABC Code
With over 20 years of experience in education, Dr. Lillian Fawcett is an accredited Dyslexia-SPELD specialist teacher and has additional qualifications in psychology. She developed Cracking the ABC Code, a program grounded in well-researched memory and literacy learning principles, and constantly updates it with new research. Dr. Fawcett has successfully helped hundreds of students improve their literacy skills.
In this episode, we discuss multisensory activities, the importance of sequence in learning, and the power of repetition. Dr. Fawcett shares her insights on how these elements enhance literacy instruction and help students overcome challenges. Join us for a deep dive into effective strategies for literacy success.
To find out more about Lillian Fawcett's work, check out her website here - Cracking the ABC Code (https://crackingtheabccode.com/)
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/u2UkTUP6HAQ
1 May 2024
S1.E1 Louise O'Donovan - Moral Purpose and Science of Learning
In this inaugural episode of Conversations with Courageous Leaders, we sit down with Louise O'Donovan, the Principal of Jilbup Primary School, which opened its doors in 2024. Louise is a distinguished educator whose commitment to excellence in education has garnered her recognition, including the prestigious West Australian Primary Principal of the Year award in 2021.
Join us as we delve into Louise's journey as an educational leader, from her transformative tenure at Beeliar Primary School to her current role at Jilbup Primary School. With a focus on student success and a passion for effective teaching methodologies, Louise shares her insights into building a culture of excellence and implementing evidence-based practices, such as the Science of Learning and Reading.
Key Discussion Points:
Moral Purpose and Shared Vision: Louise reflects on her moral purpose as an educator and how she instills a sense of purpose among her staff. Whether walking into an established school or opening a brand-new one, Louise emphasizes the importance of creating a shared vision to drive positive change.
Building a Culture of Excellence: Drawing from her experience at Beeliar Primary School, Louise discusses the essential elements of fostering a culture of excellence. She highlights the significance of teacher capacity building and shares strategies for empowering educators to excel in their craft.
Getting Reading Right: Louise's passion for literacy shines through as she emphasizes the critical role of reading in shaping students' futures. She shares her insights into the Science of Reading and the importance of evidence-based instructional approaches, such as Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI), in ensuring that all students have access to quality education.
The Science of Learning: Delving deeper into educational theory and practice, Louise discusses the Science of Learning and its implications for teaching and learning. She explores how understanding the science behind how students learn can inform instructional strategies and lead to improved outcomes.
In this episode Louise discusses and recommends Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong which is a powerful 10-episode podcast, here is a link for your reference- Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong | Podcast (apmreports.org) (https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/)
To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/LtTbcgDug4U (https://youtu.be/LtTbcgDug4U)
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
Host of Luke George's Conversations with Courageous Educators?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
