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, which balance explicit instruction with intentional play, and the importance of leadership and consistency in driving educational success.

With a deep commitment to student and staff well-being, Will provides valuable advice for aspiring educators, emphasizing the dedication and passion needed to thrive in the profession. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and practical strategies for shaping a vibrant and effective learning community.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/m30MEPzYRqY

Click here to take the free 2-minute Mental Fitness Quiz

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 consistency, routine, and collaborative professional development in building a positive learning environment, as well as the impact of mindfulness practices on student and staff well-being.

This inspiring conversation highlights the passion and dedication of educators committed to making a real difference in students’ lives. Tune in to hear Julie’s leadership insights and practical strategies for school improvement, culture change, and long-term success.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/fmnP091K_Bc

Click here to take the free 2-minute Mental Fitness Quiz

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 the Year, and the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career. The conversation dives into effective teaching strategies, redefining success in education support, and the critical need for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Join us for this heartfelt and insightful discussion with Maggie Bott, where her dedication to her students and belief in the power of inclusive education shine through. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to better support all learners and build more compassionate classrooms.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/k-A_ZewZMy4

Click here to take the free 2-minute Mental Fitness Quiz

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, fostering community pride, and leading from the middle. He discusses strategies for improving staff retention, building trust through individual conversations, and creating a supportive school environment where both students and educators thrive.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Mike Mount-Bryson as he offers practical advice for aspiring educators and highlights the impact of positive role models in shaping the future of education. This episode is essential listening for those passionate about well-being, leadership, and creating lasting change in schools.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cTP_eaqnnRQ

Click here to take the free 2-minute Mental Fitness Quiz

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, identifying barriers to success, and inspiring students to pursue their dreams. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders, stressing the importance of openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous learning.

Join us for an uplifting conversation with Gemma Roberts, where you’ll discover how joy, reflection, and empowerment can transform both teaching and leadership. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking inspiration and practical tips for cultivating positivity in the classroom and beyond.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cCJdMSbEsJI

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 approach to minimizing meetings, instead prioritising effective communication through emails. Jake believes success is an ongoing process and encourages seeking mentorship and learning from experienced educators.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jake Petterwood as he provides practical strategies for cultivating a thriving school environment. This episode is a must-listen for leaders dedicated to fostering a strong, collaborative school culture.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/sqiMYSKF28M

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, being present in the moment, and prioritising self-care. She also shares how her father's mantra, "If you want it bad enough, you can make it work," has guided her through life's toughest moments.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Natasha Upcott, and learn how resilience, self-awareness, and determination can empower you to lead with confidence, no matter the challenges you face. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/Qu9iYe7Ls1E

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 responsibility for teacher wellbeing—whether it’s the individual teacher, the principal, or the system as a whole. We explore the factors causing stress in education and what can be done to address them.

Daniela introduces the three M's of resilience—mindset, mood, and momentum—as crucial elements for boosting wellbeing. Her book, "Thrive: Practical Strategies to Nourish Teacher Well-Being," offers practical advice for educators to prioritise their own wellbeing. Daniela shares her experience of writing the book, her passion for teaching, and her love for developing resources.

We also discuss the two parts of her book: the 'what and why' of teacher wellbeing and her 'thrive' model. Daniela emphasises the importance of time management, building relationships, connecting with values, and understanding and regulating emotions for teacher wellbeing. She explains that staff wellbeing is essential for creating a high-performance school and shares her own strategies for self-care and finding her happy place.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Daniela Falecki, and gain valuable insights into prioritising wellbeing in the teaching profession. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking practical strategies to thrive in their careers and create a supportive and high-performance school environment.

To find out more about Daniela Falecki's work, check out her website here- Home - Teacher Wellbeing (teacher-wellbeing.com.au)

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/jokTYwq2JY0