Knowledge for Teachers

Brendan Lee

In the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, host Brendan Lee will be chatting to researchers, teachers and experts about what evidence-informed education is and the nuances involved with actually implementing effective and sustainable school based education.

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#84
October 31 · 1 hr 17 min
S04E14 - 5 Myths About Dyslexia That Every Educator Needs to Know with Veronica Alexander
In this episode, Veronica Alexander, CEO of SPELD NSW, joins Brendan Lee to cut through the persistent myths surrounding dyslexia and unpack the instructional architecture of SPELD NSW's systematic spelling curriculum, the SPELL program. Veronica explores the research behind reading difficulties, explaining why perceived student "laziness" is almost always cognitive fatigue caused by a drained working-memory battery. Listeners will discover why schools must abandon the "wait-and-see" approach in favour of an early "keep-up" model, how assistive technology bridges curriculum access without replacing remediation and why scripted lessons actually reduce teacher cognitive load to enable more responsive teaching. Grounded in practical classroom realities, this conversation delivers an essential, evidence-informed roadmap for educators committed to lifting reading and spelling outcomes for every learner. Resources mentioned: SPELL Program Brochure The Reading Intervention Course - SPELD NSW SPELL @ SPELD NSW Launch - SPELD NSW You can connect with Veronica and SPELD NSW: Twitter/X: @veronalexand Linkedin: @veronicaalexander Facebook: @SPELDNSW Email: enquiries@speldnsw.org.au Website: speldnsw.org.au Phone: (02) 9739 6277 You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#83
October 10 · 1 hr 12 min
S04E13 - Paul Kirschner and Nidhi Sachdeva on The Hidden Difference Between Good Teaching and Expert Teaching
In this episode, Brendan Lee is joined by renowned educational psychologist Professor Paul Kirschner and teacher educator Dr Nidhi Sachdeva to discuss their new book, Becoming an Expert Teacher. Together they dismantle the myth that great teaching is an innate talent and explore why simply racking up years in the classroom often leads to a performance plateau rather than true expertise. Listeners will discover why the teaching profession has a completely inverted practice to performance ratio compared to elite athletes and how to realistically implement genuine deliberate practice during a busy school week. The episode also highlights the critical difference between surface-level brooding and the structured reflection required to build rich mental models. You will also hear the fascinating backstory behind Paul's famous 2006 paper Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work. Whether you are a new graduate or an experienced educator, this conversation provides a practical and research-backed roadmap to continuously refine your craft and master the unexpected moments in the classroom. * Use the code 26AEV2 to receive a 20% discount on Becoming an Expert Teacher Resources mentioned: Becoming an Expert Teacher (Book by Paul Kirschner and Nidhi Sachdeva) Science of Learning (Substack by Nidhi Sachdeva) How Learning Happens (Book by Paul Kirschner and Carl Hendrick) 10 Steps to Complex Learning (Book by Jeroen van Merriënboer) "Why Minimal Guidance During Instruction Does Not Work" (2006 Paper by Paul Kirschner, John Sweller, and Richard Clark) "Should There Be a Three-Strikes Rule Against Pure Discovery Learning?" (2004 Paper by Richard Mayer, referred to as his "three strikes" paper) How Teaching Happens (Book by Paul Kirschner, Carl Hendrick, and Jim Heal) Donald Schön's 1982 work on teachers as "reflective practitioners" (A reference to his book The Reflective Practitioner) Paul Kirschner: Twitter/X: @P_A_Kirschner Linkedin: @paulkirschner Website: kirschnered.nl Substack: paulkirschner173727.substack.com Nidhi Sachdeva: Twitter/X: @nsachdeva Linkedin: @nidhi-sachdeva-toronto Substack: scienceoflearning.substack.com Brendan Lee: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#82
September 19 · 1 hr 1 min
S04E12 - Zero Staff Turnover: The "Secret Sauce" of a High-Performing School
How does a large, busy school move from "islands of excellence" to a coherent, low-variance instructional model? In this episode, Brendan Lee sits down with staff from the Junior School of Trinity Anglican College, Albury— Simon Fairall (Deputy Principal - Junior School), Lauren Naldrett (Dean of Studies - Junior School) and Kirby McDonald (Classroom teacher and Practice and Pedagogy lead)—to unpack their multi-year journey into the Science of Learning. We dive deep into how to manage teacher cognitive load by strategically sharing curriculum planning and resource development. The practical reality of navigating change management, moving from individual teacher flair to system-wide instructional coherence and how applying the instructional hierarchy and deliberate practice routines can fundamentally shift classroom engagement. This conversation is a masterclass in building a culture where research-grounded practice and a deep sense of professional belonging go hand-in-hand. Resources mentioned: Facts on Fire (by Dr Brian Poncy) La Trobe University AIS NSW Literacy Project You can connect with Trinity Anglican College: Instagram: @trinityanglicancollege/ Facebook: @TrinityAnglicanCollegeAlburyWodonga Website: https://www.trinityac.nsw.edu.au/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#81
August 22 · 1 hr 14 min
S04E11 - Dr. Haili Hughes on How Teachers Really Get Better
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee is joined by Dr Haili Hughes. Haili is an Associate Professor at La Trobe University with over twenty years of experience leading secondary schools in England. They explore the realities of implementing evidence-informed instruction and how school leaders can avoid the lethal mutations that turn sound cognitive science into rigid compliance checklists. Listeners will discover why the rise of AI actually makes a teacher's deep subject knowledge more critical than ever. Haili also breaks down the stark difference between awkward roleplay and highly effective instructional rehearsal. Finally, she explains why true teacher wellbeing is never about cake in the staffroom, but rather sensible systems and genuine professionalism. This is a must-listen for educators seeking practical and research-grounded strategies to drive real improvement. Resources mentioned: Teaching WalkThrus Tant, Maddox & Phillipsi - The Science of Learning and Generative AI: A Guide for Secondary Teachers Jamie Clark's one-pager on problems and principles Direct Instruction videos Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction Coaching for Adaptive Expertise (Upcoming book) Doug Lemov - Teach Like a Champion Oak National shared resources Ochre Education shared resources EEF (Education Endowment Foundation) research on implementation and professional development AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation) classroom resources Resources from subject associations (such as the English Association, Historical Association, Royal Society of Physics and Royal Society of Chemistry) You can connect with Haili: Substack: @hailihughes X / Twitter: @HughesHaili Bluesky: @hugheshaili.bsky.social LinkedIn: Haili Hughes You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#80
August 1 · 1 hr 4 min
S04E10 - 6 Common Mistakes Schools Make When Implementing MTSS with Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar
If your school's intervention system feels like an endless treadmill, this episode is a must-listen. Dr Sarah Brown (President of System Impact Consulting) and Dr Stephanie Stollar (Creator of the Reading Science Academy) join the podcast to dismantle the most common mistakes schools make with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). In this episode, you will learn why the MTSS pyramid is actually a map of school resources rather than a tool for sorting students. Stephanie reveals the dangers of the "screen to intervene" trap, explaining why we must evaluate core Tier 1 instruction before pulling kids into intervention groups. We also discuss why expecting teachers to overhaul their practice without structural support ignores the reality that adults go through an acquisition stage of learning too. Get ready to shift your focus from admiring the problem to taking definitive instructional action. Resources mentioned: MTSS for Reading Improvement by Dr Sarah Brown and Dr Stephanie Stollar MTSS for Reading Improvement - Free Reproducibles Routines for Reading Results (upcoming second edition of Teaching Struggling and At-Risk Readers) Effective Universal Instruction book by Bradley C. Niebling, Kimberly Gibbons and Sarah Brown StephanieStollarConsulting.com System Impact Consulting You can connect with Sarah: Linkedin: @sarah-brown-ph-d-9177b516 Website: systemimpactconsulting.com You can connect with Stephanie: Twitter/X: @SStollar6 Facebook: @StephanieStollarConsulting Linkedin: @stephanie-stollar Website: stephaniestollarconsulting.com You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ About Sarah Dr. Sarah Brown is a consultant and co-author of the books, Effective Universal Instruction, MTSS for Reading Improvement, and Routines for Reading Results. She empowers schools through her MTSS Data Academy. She’s served in a variety of educational roles, including Bureau Chief leading Special Education and MTSS implementation for Iowa, Special Education Director, Professional Learning Administrator, and School Psychologist. Dr. Brown is passionate about empowering systems to improve outcomes for every learner. She splits her time between the midwest and the southwest and her greatest accomplishment to date is toilet-training her cat, Oliver. About Stephanie Stephanie is passionate about using MTSS as the framework for helping all students become skilled readers. She is the co-author of the books MTSS for Reading Improvement, Promoting Effective MTSS Implementation, Reading Assessment Done Right and Routines for Reading Results. Stephanie is creator of the Reading Science Academy, co-creator of MTSS CollecAve, and serves on the boards of the Evidence Advocacy Center and the International MTSS Association. Her past roles include Assistant Professor, Vice President of Professional Learning at Acadience Learning, and School Psychologist. Stephanie believes that supporting all educators to have deep knowledge about reading is foundational to high achievement for every student. Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#79
July 11 · 1 hr 21 min
S04E09 - Bridging the Knowing Doing Gap with Professor Stuart Kime
In this episode Brendan Lee is joined by Professor Stuart Kime, a leading voice in evidence-informed school improvement and co-founder of Evidence-Based Education. We dive into the Great Teaching Toolkit and explore how to bridge the knowing-doing gap in professional learning. Knowing the research is important, but it does not automatically translate into changing your teaching habits. Stuart explains how to hold a mirror up to our practice using objective tools. You will discover why video feedback is critical for bypassing our expert blind spots and how student surveys can reveal the true reality of your classroom environment. They also discuss why schools need to move away from standalone courses and build a supportive culture of continuous improvement. If you want to turn evidence into concrete action this conversation is essential listening. Resources mentioned: Evidence-Based Education (EBE) The Great Teaching Toolkit The Great Teaching Toolkit: Evidence Review (2020) The Great Teacher Toolkit: School Environment and Leadership Evidence Review (2022) EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit (Steve Higgins) You can connect with Stuart: Twitter: @profkime Linkedin: @stuart-kime-ebe Website: evidencebased.education You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#78
June 20 · 1 hr 9 min
S04E08 - Karen Robertson on Why Health Literacy Is the Shocking Missing Link in Student Success
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee sits down with Karen Robertson, national CEO of Life Ed Australia, to explore the escalating youth health crisis and the critical role of health literacy. Far from just kicking a ball around, modern preventative health requires a robust, evidence-backed approach. Listeners will discover surprising data from the frontlines of education, including why 81 per cent of children aged two to five are already using the internet. Karen unpacks how to transition from traditional, fear-based warnings to a strength-based curriculum that builds critical thinking. Crucially, you will learn how Life Ed carries the load for time-poor educators, with research revealing that 89 per cent of teachers report significantly improved confidence in embedding wellbeing strategies post-visit. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion packed with practical, research-grounded insights to help your students truly thrive. You can connect with Karen: Linkedin: @karen-robertson-mtc Website: lifeed.org.au You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#77
May 23 · 1 hr 57 min
S04E07 - Unpacking The Morningside Model & Beyond with Karina Stocker and Dr. Russ Fox
In this special follow-up to the popular episode with Dr. Kent Johnson and Andrew Kieta on the Morningside Model that Guarantees Two Years of Growth in One, host Brendan Lee draws out the practical learning science expertise of university lecturer Dr Russ Fox and MTSS leader Karina Stocker. This conversation bridges the macro principles of the Morningside model directly with the reality of the classroom through the lens of the Instructional Hierarchy. Listeners will hear Karina and Russ break down how to spot the hidden "tool skills" that frequently block student progress in reading and mathematics. They challenge common misconceptions about explicit instruction, detailing why the "We Do" phase must be a dynamic, data-driven interaction to build accurate acquisition. Plus, they share how to transition students into fluency building by measuring the rate of correct responses rather than simple percentages. If you’re keen to delve deeper into the key mechanisms behind the Morningside Model of Generative Instruction and more, then this conversation is essential listening. Resources mentioned: MorningsideAcademy.org Ryan O’Donnell’s documentary about Morningside Academy: The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction Thomas Gilbert’s Mathetics S01E01 – Dr. Russ Fox on building relationships, routines and using reinforcers Trina Spencer: Learning How Learning Works Helps Teachers Teach Mastery Schools Australia Brendan Lee: "Engineering the Aha! When Discovery Learning Actually Works" Stocker, K. L., Fox, R. A., Swain, N. R., & Leif, E. S. (2024). Between the lines: Integrating the science of reading and the science of behavior to improve reading outcomes for Australian children. Behavior and Social Issues, 33(1), 504-531. You can connect with Karina: Linkedin You can connect with Russ: Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#76
May 2 · 2 hr 4 min
S04E06 - Dr. Kent Johnson and Andrew Kieta on the Morningside Model that Guarantees Two Years of Growth in One
As teachers, we’ve all felt the frustration of watching a student fall through the cracks because the curriculum is moving faster than they are. We’ve all wondered: how do we actually catch them up without just ‘watering down’ the work? In this episode, Brendan Lee is joined by Dr. Kent Johnson and Andrew Kieta from Morningside Academy. What makes this conversation so special is that it’s not just theory. Morningside has spent over 40 years in their Seattle lab school proving that these challenges have answers. They have essentially "cracked the code" on the most persistent problems we face in schools. They dive into their world-renowned model of Generative Instruction, exploring how they use "Precision Teaching" to build effortless fluency and why they group students by achievement rather than age. You’ll learn why a student who is 100% accurate can still be struggling and how a "Money Back Guarantee" on student growth is actually possible when you engineer instruction with this much precision. This is a deep look at how we can stop "praying and spraying" our teaching and start giving every student the success they deserve. Resources mentioned: MorningsideAcademy.org Morningside Summer Institute John Dewey: How We Think Lev Vygotsky Michael Maloney Israel Goldiamond Tom Gilbert - Mathetics Ogden Lindsley Carl Binder Owen White Norris Haring B.F. Skinner Jerome Bruner Fred Keller Brendan Lee: "Engineering the Aha! When Discovery Learning Actually Works" Ryan O’Donnell’s documentary about Morningside Academy: The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction You can connect with Kent: Linkedin You can connect with Andrew: Linkedin You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#75
March 28 · 1 hr 17 min
S04E05 - Dr. Kimberly Nix Berens on Applying the Science of Behaviour and Precision Teaching to Accelerate Learning
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast we explore how to transform classroom outcomes using the science of behaviour. Brendan Lee chats with Dr. Kimberley Nix Berens, a scientist-practitioner and the founder of Fit Learning. Together, they unpack the role of behaviour science in education and why observable, measurable learning matters. You’ll hear why fluency—not just accuracy—is the true indicator of mastery, how precision teaching can transform the way we assess and respond to students, and why many common approaches to instruction fall short of producing lasting outcomes. Kim also challenges some widely held assumptions, including the limits of discovery learning and the over-reliance on grades as meaningful measures of progress. If you’re looking for practical, research-informed ways to sharpen your teaching and better support every learner, this episode offers a powerful new lens. Resources mentioned: https://fitlearning.com/ Blindspots by Kimberly Berens The Technology of Teaching by B.F. Skinner Theory of Instruction by Sigfried Engelman and Doug Carnine The Standard Celeration Chart The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction (Johnson, Street, Kieta and Robbins) Program of International Student Assessment (PISA) National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) FitLite (and the FitLite Literacy model) Scientist Educator Training Series You can connect with Kimberly: Twitter: @KimberlyBerens5 Instagram: @drkberens Linkedin Website: https://www.drkimberlyberens.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Kimberly Kimberly Nix Berens, Ph.D., is the Founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online. She co-created a powerful system of instruction based in behavior science and the Technology of Teaching, which has transformed the learning abilities of thousands of children worldwide. For more than 20 years, her system of instruction has produced at least one year’s worth of academic growth in only 40 hours of training. Her learning programs effectively target such essential areas as early learning skills, basic classroom readiness, phonemic awareness, reading fluency, comprehension, inferential language, basic and advanced mathematics, logical problem solving, grammar, and expressive writing. From her early beginnings in a broom closet at the University of Nevada – Reno, Dr. Berens has helped grow Fit Learning to an organization with centers located throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In her current role as CEO of Fit Learning Online, she focuses on increasing access for learners living in regions without a Fit Learning center. Dr. Berens is a frequent invited speaker and a contributor to many popular press publications such as Thrive Global, 74 Million, and Medium. Her first book, Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them, was released in October of 2020.
#74
March 14 · 1 hr 41 min
S04E04 - Dr Trina Spencer: The Literacy Priority Most Classrooms Are Missing
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by Dr. Trina Spencer, a leading researcher in language and literacy and the co-developer of Story Champs. They dive deep into why oral language is the true, widely misunderstood foundation of reading comprehension. Dr. Spencer challenges the status quo of literacy instruction by unpacking why we absolutely shouldn't wait for skilled decoding before teaching comprehension. Tune in as they explore: Why the idea that academic language develops naturally is a damaging myth. Why some students struggle despite strong phonics teaching How just 30 minutes of explicit spoken language instruction daily can close the achievement gap. Why expecting teachers to act as instructional designers is an unfair burden. If you are looking for practical, evidence-based ways to boost your students' language skills without adding impossible workloads, this conversation is a must-listen. Resources mentioned: Story Champs trinaspencer.com/ CUBED DYMOND MAP (Measuring Academic Progress) Spencer, T. D. (2021). Ten instructional design efforts to help behavior analysts take up the torch of direct instruction. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 14(3), 816-830. Pamela Snow, Why the Big Six should actually be the Big Five. Doug Peterson You can connect with: Twitter/X: @TrinaDSpencer2 Facebook Instagram: @trinastoolbox/ Linkedin Website: https://trinaspencer.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
#73
February 21 · 1 hr 34 min
S04E03 - Dr. Brian Poncy on Facts on Fire: Why Fluency Is the Foundation of Mathematical Thinking
Fluency is often treated as a small piece of mathematics learning, but in reality, it may be one of the most important and overlooked foundations for long term success. In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brian Poncy, Professor at Oklahoma State University and the creator of Facts on Fire, a highly regarded program designed to build maths fact fluency through short, structured, and evidence informed daily practice. Brian challenges the common resistance to timed practice, arguing that fluency—defined strictly as accuracy plus speed—is the bridge that frees up working memory for higher-order problem solving. Listeners will discover why timed practice only works when students are placed at the right starting point, how small sets and careful sequencing can dramatically improve motivation and success, and what schools can do to implement fluency routines effectively in just a few minutes a day. The episode also explores the powerful concept of contingency adduction, where mastering component skills can lead students to solve complex problems they have never been explicitly taught. A practical and thought provoking conversation for any educator serious about improving mathematics outcomes. Catch Dr. Brian Poncy in Australia: Tickets can be purchased here: Perth: https://www.trybooking.com/DHYZM Adelaide: https://www.trybooking.com/DHZSU Melbourne: https://www.trybooking.com/DIABM Sydney: https://www.trybooking.com/DHYZG Resources mentioned: M.I.N.D. 2.0 - FACTS ON FIRE Chalk and Talk podcast (Anna Stokke) Morningside Academy PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports) Rocket Math Times Tables Rock Stars Engineering the “Aha!”: When Discovery Learning Actually Works You can connect with Brian: Twitter/X: @brian_poncy Website: M.I.N.D. 2.0 - FACTS ON FIRE You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast Implementing Effective Primary Maths Instruction For School Leaders This is a two day online course for school and middle leaders and it is all about implementation. We look closely at curriculum and lesson design, assessment, coaching and the systems that help teachers change practice in a sustainable way. Register here
#72
February 7 · 1 hr 34 min
S04E02 - David Didau on Five Things Teachers Should Stop Doing
Have you ever taught a "perfect" lesson where every student got the answer right, only to find they remembered absolutely nothing the next day? In this episode, education author David Didau joins me to reveal why what looks like learning is often just a "performance"—and how our best intentions might be fueling the illusion. We dig into five common teaching habits you need to stop immediately, including why "Sat Nav teaching" is creating dependency rather than independence and why the popular idea of "productive struggle" might actually be setting your students up to fail. David challenges deep-seated beliefs about practice, compliance, and memory, offering a provocative look at what it really takes to make learning stick. Resources mentioned: Books David Didau – What If Everything You Knew About Education Was Wrong? David Didau – Intelligent Accountability Websites & Tools Carousel Learning People Robert Bjork Adam Boxer Carl Hendrick Christina Milos You can connect with David: Twitter/X: @DavidDidau Linkedin Substack: https://daviddidau.substack.com/ Website: https://learningspy.co.uk/ David Didau Events: Canberra - Thursday 12th March - https://events.humanitix.com/david-didau-full-day-event Melbourne - Thursday 19th March - https://events.humanitix.com/coach-to-5k-writing-workshop-with-david-didau About David Didau David Didau is an educator, author, and professional learning leader known for his evidence-informed work on teaching, writing, and curriculum. He is the author of several highly regarded books including What If Everything You Knew About Education Was Wrong? and The Secret of Literacy. David writes in his blog The Learning Spy, a widely read platform supporting educators to translate research into classroom practice. You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast The Primary Maths Instruction Framework For teachers This is a three day online course for teachers where we focus on how learning happens and how to design maths lessons that support acquisition, build fluency and help students generalise what they know. Register here Implementing Effective Primary Maths Instruction For School Leaders This is a two day online course for school and middle leaders and it is all about implementation. We look closely at curriculum and lesson design, assessment, coaching and the systems that help teachers change practice in a sustainable way. Register here
#71
January 24 · 59 min
S04E01 - From Burnout to Breakthrough with Brad Gaynor
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Brendan Lee is joined by Brad Gaynor, an Australian educator, leadership coach and former principal with decades of experience across schools and systems. Brad is also the author of the new book From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Leadership Reset. The conversation centres on burnout in education and what sustainable teaching and leadership actually look like beyond surface level wellbeing advice. Drawing on Brad’s lived experience and research informed work, this episode explores why burnout is more than just feeling tired, how hidden emotional labour shapes the work of teachers and leaders, and why framing burnout as a resilience issue can miss the real problem. Listeners will hear a practical framework for resetting habits and expectations, learn why boundaries are essential rather than optional, and gain insight into how clarity, systems, and culture can reduce cognitive and emotional load. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation for educators who want to keep doing this work well, without burning themselves out in the process. You can connect with Brad: Twitter/X: @brad_coaching Linkedin Website: bradgaynor.com.au You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net The Primary Maths Instruction Framework For teachers This is a three day online course for teachers where we focus on how learning happens and how to design maths lessons that support acquisition, build fluency and help students generalise what they know. Register here Implementing Effective Primary Maths Instruction For School Leaders This is a two day online course for school and middle leaders and it is all about implementation. We look closely at curriculum and lesson design, assessment, coaching and the systems that help teachers change practice in a sustainable way. Register here
#70
Dec 6, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
S03E19 - Natalie Wexler on the Knowledge Gap and What Lies Beyond the Science of Reading
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee speaks with Natalie Wexler, education writer and author of The Knowledge Gap, The Writing Revolution, and Beyond the Science of Reading. Together they explore what truly drives reading comprehension and why knowledge rich instruction is essential for every learner. Natalie unpacks the surprising limits of treating comprehension as a set of isolated skills, explains how background knowledge shapes understanding in powerful ways, and shows why writing can be one of the most effective tools for securing learning. Listeners will also hear how cognitive load theory connects to literacy and what strong knowledge building lessons look like in real classrooms. A practical and thought provoking conversation for teachers and leaders who want to strengthen literacy through the lens of research. Resources mentioned: The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler Beyond the Science of Reading by Natalie Wexler Why Don’t Students Like School by Daniel Willingham You can connect with Natalie: Twitter/X: @natwexler Linkedin Website: nataliewexler.com Substack: http://nataliewexler.substack.com You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast The Primary Maths Instruction Framework For teachers This is a three day online course for teachers where we focus on how learning happens and how to design maths lessons that support acquisition, build fluency and help students generalise what they know. Register here Implementing Effective Primary Maths Instruction For School Leaders This is a two day online course for school and middle leaders and it is all about implementation. We look closely at curriculum and lesson design, assessment, coaching and the systems that help teachers change practice in a sustainable way. Register here
#69
Nov 14, 2025 · 1 hr 31 min
S03E18 - Ingrid Sealey on The Hidden Nuance of Great Teaching
In this episode, Brendan sits down with Ingrid Sealey, founder of Teach Well, to explore the hidden nuance behind great teaching. Drawing on her work with thousands of teachers across Australia, Ingrid shares what she has learned about the small deliberate practices that make a real difference for students. They unpack why clarity matters more than complexity, how spaced practice can shift long-term learning, and why full participation is not about getting every student to join in but about getting every student to think. Ingrid also explains why explicit instruction is not a script but a way to support better decision making in the classroom. The conversation also dives into her new bookTeach Well’s Instruction & Coaching Companion, which captures the core practices and insights that have shaped Teach Well’s approach. Ingrid reflects on how the book came together and how teachers can use it to make practical confident changes in their everyday work. They also discuss how professional learning can move beyond one off workshops and become something that genuinely changes practice. Ingrid offers insights from Teach Well’s long-term partnerships and shares examples of what happens when teachers work on small tweaks over time. This is a thoughtful and practical episode for anyone who wants to refine their craft and understand what really drives effective teaching. If you are looking for ideas you can take straight back to your classroom or leadership team, this one is full of them. Resources mentioned: Teach Well’s Instruction & Coaching Companion Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction – Barak Rosenshine Why Don’t Students Like School – Daniel Willingham Dylan Wiliam – formative assessment and full participation strategies Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) – John Hollingsworth and Silvia Ybarra You can connect with Ingrid: Linkedin Twiiter/X: @TeachWellAus Teach Well Website: teach-well.au You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast Evidence in Action: The Primary Maths Partnership A long-term professional learning partnership built around what actually works. This 24 month program provides schools with 20+ hours of structured professional learning grounded in the science of learning spaced out over time — including explicit instruction, daily reviews, fluency-building, and problem-solving. We work together to create a practical, sustainable implementation plan — so what you learn becomes what you do. Optional Add-ons: ✓ Lesson modelling ✓ Leadership implementation sessions ✓ Coaching and feedback cycles ✓ Ongoing Q&A or online check-ins Learn more > brendan@learnwithlee.net
#68
Oct 25, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
S03E17 - From Intervention to Inclusion: Sarah Asome on Making Every Tier Count
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Sarah Asome, principal of Bentleigh West Primary School and award-winning educator known for her leadership in evidence-based practice. Together, they unpack what Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) really looks like in action beyond buzzwords and flowcharts. Sarah shares how her school aligns Tier 1 teaching, intervention and extension to ensure every student thrives, not just those who struggle. Listeners will hear how Bentleigh West’s team uses data to drive decisions, keeps variance low across classrooms, and extends students at the top through what Sarah calls a “diamond model” of support. This episode offers a practical, whole-school view of MTSS, one grounded in strong leadership, clear systems, and a belief that consistency creates equity. Resources mentioned: DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) Spelling Mastery The Writing Revolution (Judith Hochman & Natalie Wexler) Letters Course (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling – LETRS) Story Champs Reading Doctor Program (Flinders University) Times Tables Rock Stars New Wave Mental Maths Core Knowledge Curriculum Response to Intervention (RTI) Diamond model Anita Archer – Explicit Instruction Endowment Foundation research (Education Endowment Foundation, on education support and learned helplessness) Victorian Lesson Plans You can connect with Sarah: Twitter/X: @SarahAsome Linkedin: @sarah-asome You can connect with Brendan: Twitter: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Sarah Asome Sarah Asome is a highly experienced educator and the current Principal at Bentleigh West Primary School. She has also worked in the UK and Singapore. Sarah has been instrumental leading the change at BWPS but also been able to support many colleagues State, Nationwide and in New Zealand to implement evidence-based literacy instruction in their schools. This has led to a significant increase in literacy and numeracy levels which now places BWPS as a high performing school. Recently, Sarah was part of the team working on ten Victorian Lesson Plans for Primary English including text units, spelling and grammar and punctuation. In 2015, Sarah was awarded ‘Outstanding Primary Teacher’ in the Victorian Education Excellence Awards. She has appeared in “Outside the Square ‘a DVD resource for teachers and in 2017 was featured on SBS Insight – ‘A Teacher Who Changed My Life’. Sarah has completed numerous courses including Louisa Moat’s LETRS training, Dyslexia Action (UK) and is a Certified Dyslexia, Reading and Orton-Gillingham specialist and trainer for Australia (OGI international inc). Recently, Sarah completed her Masters in Instructional Leadership at Melbourne University. In 2023, Bentleigh West Primary School won the Victorian Education Excellence Award (VEEA) for ‘Outstanding Inclusion Education’. Evidence in Action: The Primary Maths Partnership A long-term professional learning partnership built around what actually works. This 24 month program provides schools with 20+ hours of structured professional learning grounded in the science of learning spaced out over time — including explicit instruction, daily reviews, fluency-building, and problem-solving. We work together to create a practical, sustainable implementation plan — so what you learn becomes what you do. Optional Add-ons: ✓ Lesson modelling ✓ Leadership implementation sessions ✓ Coaching and feedback cycles ✓ Ongoing Q&A or online check-ins Learn more > brendan@learnwithlee.net
#67
Oct 4, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
S03E16 - Kate Jones on Making Retrieval Practice Work in the Classroom
What if forgetting wasn’t failure, but actually part of the learning process? In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee sits down with bestselling author and educator Kate Jones to explore what retrieval practice really looks like in the classroom. Kate shares practical strategies for making retrieval a habit, clears up common misconceptions, and shows how small tweaks — from scaffolding questions to giving feedback that sticks — can transform learning. Along the way, you’ll hear stories from Kate’s own teaching journey, insights from research and creative ideas teachers can use right away. Whether you’re just starting out with retrieval or looking to deepen your practice, this episode will leave you with simple, sustainable ways to help knowledge stick and build your students’ confidence. Resources mentioned: Why Students Don’t Like School — Daniel Willingham Love to Teach — Kate Jones Retrieval Practice series (multiple books) — Kate Jones Retrieval Practice: Myths, Mutations and Mistakes (free ebook, Evidence Based Education) — Kate Jones Flashcards ebook (Evidence Based Education) — Kate Jones ResearchEd Guide to Cognitive Science (Kate wrote chapters on retrieval and spacing; Jonathan Firth on interleaving) Dunlosky (2013) - Strengthening the Student Toolbox Retrievalpractice.org (Pooja Agarwal’s meta-analysis of classroom studies) Carousel Learning (Adam Boxer) TES (retrieval templates) You can connect with: Twitter/X: @KateJones_teach Email: katesofiajones@gmail.com Website: https://www.katejoneseducation.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast enuine research from marketing spin, why fluency is about much more than speed, and the dangers of relying on “engagement” as a proxy for learning. Anna also highlights simple, practical strategies—like cover-copy-compare and spaced retrieval—that help students build the confidence they need to tackle more complex maths. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and focus on what truly improves student outcomes, this conversation is packed with insights you can take straight back to your classroom. Resources mentioned: Wise Math (advocacy group) Archimedes Math School JUMP Math (Canadian maths program) Singapore Primary Math Program ResearchEd (conference, where Anna presented) Chalk and Talk (Anna Stokke’s podcast) You can connect with Anna: Twitter/X: @rastokke Linkedin Website: https://www.annastokke.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Dr. Anna Stokke is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Winnipeg. She is a recipient of a 3M National Teaching Fellowship, which is Canada's most prestigious award for teaching excellence and educational leadership at the post-secondary level. She is co-founder and President of the non-profit organization Archimedes Math Schools, which delivers after-school math classes for children. She hosts the popular math education podcast Chalk & Talk, where she discusses evidence-informed math teaching with leading education experts. 2025 Australian School Improvement Summit The 2025 Australian School Improvement Summit is coming to Sydney on Wednesday 29 October — a one-day event bringing together system leaders, researchers, principals, and expert practitioners to focus on what works in schools, and how to make it happen at scale. Hear from leading voices like Natalie Wexler (The Knowledge Gap), curriculum expert Dr Ben Jensen, and school leaders Lisa Holt (Rosebud Secondary College), Manisha Gazula (Marsden Road Public School), and Dr Greg Ashman (Ballarat Clarendon College). If you’re a school leader or educator committed to improving outcomes for every student — and believe in doing fewer things, better — this is an event not to miss. Special offer for listeners: 20% off full-price tickets with code LearnWithLee. Check out the full program and register here: https://shorturl.at/Ku9v4
#66
Sep 13, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
S03E15 - Anna Stokke on Cutting Through the Noise in Maths Education
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, I sit down with Dr. Anna Stokke—mathematician, professor, and host of the Chalk and Talk podcast—to unpack what really works in maths education. Anna shares her journey from academic research to advocacy, and why she’s become such a strong voice for evidence-informed teaching. We explore how to separate genuine research from marketing spin, why fluency is about much more than speed, and the dangers of relying on “engagement” as a proxy for learning. Anna also highlights simple, practical strategies—like cover-copy-compare and spaced retrieval—that help students build the confidence they need to tackle more complex maths. If you’ve ever wondered how to cut through the noise and focus on what truly improves student outcomes, this conversation is packed with insights you can take straight back to your classroom. Resources mentioned: Wise Math (advocacy group) Archimedes Math School JUMP Math (Canadian maths program) Singapore Primary Math Program ResearchEd (conference, where Anna presented) Chalk and Talk (Anna Stokke’s podcast) You can connect with Anna: Twitter/X: @rastokke Linkedin Website: https://www.annastokke.com/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Dr. Anna Stokke is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Winnipeg. She is a recipient of a 3M National Teaching Fellowship, which is Canada's most prestigious award for teaching excellence and educational leadership at the post-secondary level. She is co-founder and President of the non-profit organization Archimedes Math Schools, which delivers after-school math classes for children. She hosts the popular math education podcast Chalk & Talk, where she discusses evidence-informed math teaching with leading education experts. 2025 Australian School Improvement Summit The 2025 Australian School Improvement Summit is coming to Sydney on Wednesday 29 October — a one-day event bringing together system leaders, researchers, principals, and expert practitioners to focus on what works in schools, and how to make it happen at scale. Hear from leading voices like Natalie Wexler (The Knowledge Gap), curriculum expert Dr Ben Jensen, and school leaders Lisa Holt (Rosebud Secondary College), Manisha Gazula (Marsden Road Public School), and Dr Greg Ashman (Ballarat Clarendon College). If you’re a school leader or educator committed to improving outcomes for every student — and believe in doing fewer things, better — this is an event not to miss. Special offer for listeners: 20% off full-price tickets with code LearnWithLee. Check out the full program and register here: https://shorturl.at/Ku9v4
#65
Aug 23, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
S03E14 - Close Reading Simplified with Christopher Such
In this episode, Brendan Lee is joined once again by Christopher Such—teacher, author, and one of the most practical voices in reading instruction. His new book, Primary Reading Simplified, takes the research on how children learn to read and shows us what it actually looks like in the classroom. This conversation zooms in on one of the trickiest areas for teachers: close reading. Chris explains why it doesn’t need to feel intimidating, how to plan lessons that spark genuine discussion, and the misconceptions that often trip schools up. He also shares three simple reading lesson structures that can bring clarity and balance to your literacy block, along with practical tips for asking purposeful questions that help students think more deeply about texts. If you’ve ever wondered how to make close reading purposeful, achievable, and enjoyable, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make it work. Resources mentioned: Primary Reading Simplified (Christopher Such’s latest book) The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading (Christopher Such’s earlier book) Bringing Words to Life by Beck, McKeown, and Kucan Scarborough’s Reading Rope The Reading Comprehension Blueprint by Nancy Hennessy The Writing Revolution by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler Reading Reconsidered by Doug Lemov, Colleen Driggs, and Erica Woolway The EEF (Education Endowment Foundation) Guidance Report on Improving Literacy Timothy Shanahan Timothy Rasinski Aidan Chambers You can connect with Chris: Twitter: @Suchmo83 Linkedin Website: https://primarycolour.home.blog/ You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website: learnwithlee.net Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast About Chris Christopher Such is a primary teacher, school leader, and author based in the UK, best known for his ability to make the science of reading accessible and practical for classroom teachers. His first book, The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading, has become a go-to resource for educators wanting to bridge research and practice. His latest book, Primary Reading Simplified, builds on that work—offering clear, classroom-ready structures for teaching reading beyond phonics, including fluency, extended reading, and close reading. Drawing on years of experience teaching across primary year levels and working with schools around the world, Chris is passionate about helping teachers cut through the noise and focus on what truly helps children become confident, capable readers.

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