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While an immensely rewarding role, the work of a school principal can be a lonely one, made up of brief encounters and regular interruptions, steep in responsibilities and accountabilities and free from accolades. Research shows that principals often feel there is nothing that really prepares them for assuming full and ongoing responsibility for a school. The I’m the Principal project utilised the Australian Professional Standard for Principals as a framework to consider key aspects and contributors to principal learning, action, influence and identity through interviews with 50 practising principals drawn from the various sectors and levels of Australian school education. I’m the Principal is a record of the study of the work of the principal today, containing personal, first-hand comments, experiences, values, beliefs and concerns. It speaks to the successes and the challenges of the role. I’m the Principal is a timely and thoughtful must-read for anyone wanting to explore and understand the value and worth of a school.

Igniting STEM Learning: A Guide to Designing an Authentic Primary School STEM Program is a groundbreaking resource for teachers and leaders ready to take on the challenge of bringing robust and sustainable STEM learning to their primary schools. Having kicked STEM programs into gear around Australia, experienced educator, coach and consultant Dr Adrian Bertolini distils decades of practice into a book that has the capacity to empower and transform. In Igniting STEM Learning, you’ll find the support you need to establish the ways of thinking, structures and ongoing practices that develop students and teachers alike as learners and problem solvers. From delivering learning experiences to meeting curriculum requirements, designing authentic assessment and more, this comprehensive resource lights the way to a primary school STEM program that ignites curiosity and prepares students to thrive in a changing world. Access the resources and templates from the book here  

Providing effective feedback to teachers is critical in improving teaching standards and student performance – but how can we deliver this feedback in a way that does not lead to misunderstanding, animosity or the undermining of teachers’ professionalism? To assist schools in ensuring that any feedback provided to teachers is both accurate and constructive, Implementing an Effective Teacher Feedback Program presents the Pirozzo Process: a step-by-step method for building a sustainable, low-cost teacher feedback program that can be implemented in any school. Each chapter of the book is dedicated to one of the seven steps of the Pirozzo Process: Find your philosophy of leadership Create a Time Allocation Inventory Build knowledge of unit planning Learn to use a variety of thinking tools Develop conflict-resolution skills Launch an effective teacher feedback program Apply four strategies for providing effective feedback

Improving thinking in the classroom does not have to be difficult. This book, Improving Thinking in the Classroom, provides teachers with useful and practical strategies that will enable them to provide all their children with the most engaging, exciting and challenging learning environment. Teachers can achieve this most noble goal by: building depth and rigour using Bloom’s taxonomy engaging students with multiple intelligences transferring the knowledge to the real world. Engagement, depth and rigour are essential characteristics of a curriculum that will motivate and interest students. This means challenging, meaningful and relevant activities that make the classroom an active centre of learning. 

The Starwheel is an immersive experience for teachers and students, combining the authenticity of First Peoples’ voice with non-indigenous science. The Starwheel brings an ancient perspective of the night sky to modern observers, shining a light on the complexity and depth of Indigenous observation, science and creativity. Observers measure distances between stars using the Indigenous measurement of hand spans. Features include glow-in-the-dark Sky Figures, to aid with night-time observation, and water-resistant card. The Starwheel is sized to fit in a small backpack.

Leadership isn't about authority – it's about influence. In Influence, Dr Judi Newman reveals how understanding the brain through a neuroscience lens can transform your ability to inspire, unite and deliver results. Drawing from her PhD research shadowing high-performing school principals, Newman demonstrates that without neuroplastic changes in the brain over time, there is limited learning and behaviour change. This groundbreaking book explores twelve essential leadership attributes and practical influence strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're a seasoned executive, emerging leader or someone seeking to amplify their impact, Influence offers a unique blend of scientific insights and real-world application. Newman's research shows that the most effective leaders understand how to appeal to our inner motivations through biological processes in the brain. With compelling stories, evidence-based research and actionable tools, this book will help you master the art of influence and become the kind of leader who inspires others to bring out their best performance.

In Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools: A Training Manual for Teachers and Counsellors, renowned bullying expert Dr Ken Rigby OAM draws on five decades of practice and research to help schools tackle the seemingly intractable problem of bullying. Designed to be deployed alongside policy development and preventive programs, this essential training manual sets out nine evidence-based methods of intervention. Using a series of role-plays and prompts for discussion, Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools supports practitioners in selecting and applying the most appropriate method for each unique case of bullying. It also features a practical framework for recording and evaluating the application of interventions in your unique context, as well as suggestions of dozens of resources that will further develop your understanding of bullying. Practical, easy to use and focused firmly on solutions, Dr Rigby’s Interventions in Cases of Bullying in Schools is your indispensable guide to addressing one of the most vexed issues facing educators today.   Download Appendix B: Recording Form reproducible here. 

Scripts allow hesitant students to be able to assume the protection of a character and play a role or explore issues which may concern them in real life. Issues contains a collection of scripts, discussion prompts and activities for use in the classroom, as a way of opening up students to understand and process topical and sensitive issues in their world, from a range of perspectives. The art of performing harnesses the students’ engagement in the subject and offers a chance to immerse themselves within the protection of a character or role. This book gives middle school and secondary school students a chance to discuss contemporary topics or problems during the classroom rehearsal and performance of these scripts. There are enough parts for the whole class to participate, and conversation prompts and activities are provided to extend and deepen classroom discussion. Extensively workshopped and already used in classrooms nationally, this large collection of student performance scripts allows students and teachers to improve their ability to understand, navigate and discuss sensitive issues in the classroom.

Ever wondered what makes a girl tick? What's really going on inside the head of a girl? What can neuroscience teach us about educating and raising girls?This engaging book takes a close look at the female brain—how it develops, and how it is different—and the crucial role it plays in how a girl thinks, learns and engages with the world.Using the latest neuroscientific research, Dr Michael C. Nagel explores the neurological differences that exist between boys and girls, and how this shapes their behaviour, learning, growth and development. Exploring female aggression, self-esteem, relationships, emotional problems, peer-contagion and the challenges of technology, Nagel offers solutions and ideas for parents and teachers.Drawing on the latest research, Nagel applies neuroscientific insight to the common problems girls face, and argues that by understanding why girls do what they do, we can better work with them to increase their wellbeing and educational outcomes.  

A user-friendly resource book for teachers, Kaleidoscope of Ideas contains numerous classroom activities that are designed to help middle primary to junior secondary students develop creative thinking skills. These practical and enjoyable activities require very little preparation and may be used in the classroom immediately. Covering topics that range from the everyday to larger global and more serious issues, each activity can be used as a sound tool to help the development of systematic creative thinking. Many of the activities in Kaleidoscope of Ideas require group work, encouraging students to learn cooperative social skills, and most of the activities can be adapted to suit different content. Download the Tournament of Minds sampler here.

Billy Kool was an ordinary boy until he was thrust into the life of an extreme sports TV celebrity. Billy’s grandfather is coming to stay, although not for the usual reasons. He wants to give Billy his car, his most loved possession since he believes he's too old to drive. Thinking about this, Billy talks to Shey, the show's producer. and they decide to include his grandfather in the most extreme sport yet; kart racing! At the end of the book, there is an extreme information section detailing the origins of kart racing, a glossary and a description of the equipment used when kart racing.  Part of an 8-book series, the Billy Kool books are informative, empathetic and exciting; targeted to readers and reluctant readers alike ages 8-11 years.   Teacher Notes here. 

Keeping Our Kids Hopeful delves into the essence of what drives us to face each new day: hope and confidence in the future. It explores how this sense of hope can be fostered in children, even amid uncertainties and challenges. By questioning the traditional pursuit of happiness as the ultimate goal for children, the book underscores the importance of equipping them with emotional literacy and resilience. It stresses that a rich and fulfilling life naturally encompasses a range of emotional experiences, from joy to discomfort, all of which contribute to personal growth and self-understanding. Drawing from experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, the book highlights the profound impact of social and environmental changes on children's mental health. It sheds light on how the lockdowns intensified the need for mental health awareness and support in early childhood settings and schools. The author, a seasoned psychologist, advocates for a balanced approach that not only addresses mental health issues but also promotes positive mental health. Emphasising authoritative parenting, the book provides practical guidance for parents to help their children feel heard, supported and capable, thereby instilling a lasting sense of hope and confidence in them.

Step into the enriching world of teaching with Keeping Up with Teaching, a vital resource designed for preservice and initial graduate teachers seeking strength-based strategies aligned with wellbeing. Delve into each chapter, beginning with poignant lived experiences shared by educators, as they navigate challenges and uncover valuable insights. From these narratives, the educator and author illuminate pathways for survival and progress, empowering readers to prioritise their wellbeing and create positive environments for both educators and students alike. With a focus on holistic growth and resilience, Keeping Up with Teaching inspires new teachers to thrive in their profession while fostering wellbeing at every step of the journey.

Kit goes to school with her friends Harley and Vanya, and always tries her best at everything she does. Arlo is too loud, too close, just too... much. But when a moving van pulls up next to Kit’s house one weekend, Kit and Arlo find out they have a lot more in common than they thought. Join Kit, Arlo and their friends as they navigate school, home life and friendships, and learn more than a few things about how to get along. Kit and Arlo Find a Way: Stories about consent for 8–12 year olds is a much-needed consent teaching resource for Grades 3 to 6. An action-packed and relatable fictional chapter book, Kit and Arlo is a page-turning journey of upper primary school kids – Kit, Arlo, Harley and Vanya – developing and exploring friendships with plenty of ups and downs. Entertaining and compelling as a standalone narrative, Kit and Arlo’s secret weapon is that it contains all of the complex components of consent and includes respectful relationships education in an age-appropriate format. Teachers and parents can read the story, chapter by chapter, and then use the discussion points and ‘read and respond’ notes to facilitate conversations around consent in child-friendly ways. For schools and families needing a more in-depth consent and respectful relationships curriculum, a dedicated Kit and Arlo resources platform houses evidence-based teaching activities, videos, webinars, podcasts, resource links and lesson plans designed to tie in with the story. Kit and Arlo Find a Way is a vital resource for schools and families doing the essential work of empowering kids with decision-making skills that will carry through to their interactions and relationships later on in life. The Educational Publishing Awards Australia (EPAA) also recognised the importance and quality of this resource, awarding Kit and Arlo Find a Way wins for both the Educational Chapter Book and Outstanding Primary Resource categories.  NSW government schools should navigate to the NSW Department of Education’s Student Wellbeing external programs catalogue here to learn more about accessing this resource.  Key topics include: body boundaries and safety verbal and non-verbal cues developing a sense of self, personal strength and self-determination understanding that the responsibly of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ should be shared understanding that shared activities should have enthusiastic, affirmative and ongoing consent having the courage to withdraw consent understanding gendered stereotypes, coercion and power imbalances learning to have empathy for others managing disappointment when someone changes their mind how to be an upstander when someone is being harmed the keys to respectful relationships and better friendships. Teaching consent to children For schools and families needing a more in-depth consent and respectful relationships curriculum, a dedicated Kit and Arlo resources platform houses evidence-based teaching activities, videos, webinars, podcasts, resource links and lesson plans designed to tie in with the story. Consent is integral to human relationships throughout our whole lives. It is complex and also surprisingly simple. The basic principles of consent must always apply to all of our connections, including with family, friends, work and play.  However, people are complex. In different situations, we can experience a range of different feelings, thoughts and emotions. In order to be sure that someone wants to share an experience with us equally, and that they are giving affirmative permission. We need to make important choices and decisions to ensure we always have and give consent.  Download the resources here.

Data are everywhere. Countries are compared based on how their students perform in international testing. Schools are compared using standardised testing and school-leaver data. Students are tracked using their individual data and that of their peers. But while there is much already written about leadership styles, leading change and the benefits of being data informed, transferring an understanding of educational research and change leadership literature to a data-informed context is not always easy or seamless. Selena Fisk, EdD, author of Using and analysing data in Australian schools, believes that data should be used to support learning in a way that develops thriving learning communities where students are engaged and motivated. This invaluable resource introduces a 10-step process for leading data-informed change comprising measurable steps for action supported by connections to relevant literature and practical examples showing what the process looks like in schools. Fisk also introduces the 12 key elements required for a leader to prime the environment or build a culture that will enable them to lead data-informed change. Leading data-informed change in schools offers teacher team leaders, principals and administrators a practical guide on how to collect, analyse and use data to help school communities and the students they serve flourish.   Download the Appendix with all the templates here. 

This four-book series, built on over three decades of global research and conversations with students, families and educators, provides a comprehensive roadmap for living a meaningful life. The books form a progressive journey: from discovering purpose, through developing excellence, into leadership, and finally creating actionable plans for impact. Drawing on research by Dr Phil Cummins from CIRCLE Education, a School for tomorrow, and the Game Changers podcast, each volume offers students practical guidance for personal growth and societal contribution. Leading for Tomorrow's World bridges personal purpose with leadership impact. It explores the essential connection between service and leadership, teaching students how to influence and inspire others while maintaining a servant-leader mindset to create shared visions for the future.

School leaders are tasked with assisting students to make the next steps in their learning journeys, regardless of the students’ starting points. For students who are struggling, the next steps are often clear, but for students who are achieving beyond the expected level it can be difficult to know how best to challenge them. Leading improvement for gifted and talented students provides a framework for a set of high-impact strategies that individually and together can be the focus of improving high-level outcomes for gifted and talented students across the school. Professor John Munro brings his considerable experience to this complex problem, addressing the theoretical understandings of how high-ability students flourish and the practical requirements of meeting the needs of these students in today’s classrooms. Key chapters discuss what high ability looks like, what high-level outcomes are, how to identify students who display high-level outcomes in fields beyond literacy and numeracy and how school leaders can equip their educators with the ability to differentiate both the curriculum and their teaching. Topics such as twice-exceptional students, classroom culture, students from diverse backgrounds and social and emotional wellbeing are also addressed as part of a whole-school strategy for enhancing educational provision for high-ability students. Leading improvement for gifted and talented students is an essential evidence-based resource for all school leaders who wish to ensure that every child achieves their full potential.

School leaders have ready access to assessment data, motivating efforts to improve literacy outcomes of their students, but it can be difficult for principals to decide how to achieve these goals within their school’s existing strategic plans and policies.Associate Professor Robyn Cox brings her decades of experience in language and literacy education to this handbook for school leaders. The book supports principals’ understandings of the intricacies of teaching literacy and the best ways to improve practices and subsequent outcomes in each school’s unique context.With an opening chapter focusing on using and interpreting evidence, Associate Professor Cox outlines strategies for addressing the key areas of oral language, grammar and writing, vocabulary and early reading as well as providing advice around diagnostics and tailored intervention for students who require further support. She includes reflections from school leaders on each topic and pays particular attention to the needs of students from non-English speaking backgrounds.Leading improvement in literacy teaching and learning provides a framework for a set of high-impact strategies that individually and together can be the focus of teacher professional learning, school improvement and student literacy achievement.

School leaders have ready access to assessment data, motivating efforts to improve the numeracy outcomes of their students, but it can be difficult for principals to decide how to achieve these goals within their school’s existing strategic plans and policies. Emeritus Professor Peter Sullivan brings his decades of experience and research in mathematics teaching and education to a carefully curated selection of proven practices and effective approaches that will help primary and secondary school leaders empower teachers and achieve improved numeracy outcomes for their students. With links to high-impact teaching strategies and the OECD’s Future of Education and Skills 2030 framework, the book gives school leaders insights into professional learning opportunities and practices that can align improvement visions and goals with effective classroom approaches. Quality learning experiences, lesson structure, learning sequences, classroom culture, collaborative planning and effective teaching are addressed in ways that will help school leaders improve not only students’ numeracy and mathematics outcomes, but also their critical and creative thinking skills, enabling classroom learning to be transferred to real-life contexts. Leading improvement in mathematics teaching and learning provides a framework for a set of high-impact strategies that individually and together can be the focus of teacher professional learning, school improvement and student numeracy achievement.

More than ever before, the wellbeing of students, staff and the school community must be a priority for principals and school leaders.Leading Improvement in School Community Wellbeing provides a framework for a set of high-impact strategies that individually and together can be the focus of improving wellbeing across the school. The book provides school leaders with key research-based school improvement practices, authentic case studies in the form of principals’ reflections, and, crucially, practical explanations outlining how to choose a particular practice and how to successfully embed or implement that strategy within the school. Asking ‘What’s happening?’, ‘What’s working’? and ‘What’s next?’, the three parts of the book provide tools to assess the school community’s wellbeing strengths and needs; to determine actions required to improve student and staff wellbeing; and to effectively implement wellbeing strategies across the school for the benefit of the entire school community.

A follow-up to the best-selling How to Get Your School Moving and Improving, author Stephen Dinham's new title brings together essential research and understandings of how educators can lead teaching and learning. Leading Learning and Teaching is a thorough, comprehensive sourcebook on school improvement and best-practice leadership, including extensive references, case studies and evidence to back up arguments. Written by a recognised and influential expert in the field of education leadership, all school leaders should have access to this vital resource.

I commend this book for both beginning teachers and those well into their teaching journey. – Dr Bill Rogers In a time where Australian classrooms are grappling with a rising tide of student misbehaviour exacerbated by a looming teacher shortage, this book emerges as a beacon of change. Dr Christopher Hudson challenges the archaic disciplinarian approach, urging educators to evolve with the times and view behaviour as a skill to be taught, modelled and practised. Leading Positive Classrooms makes a compelling case for adopting an educative approach to behaviour management with a focus on relationships. It offers practical insights and tools for change including exemplar conversational scripts, real-world strategies and reflection activities. This powerful resource offers a roadmap to shift the focus from managing behaviour to leading behaviour, ultimately creating a positive and transformative learning environment.

School leaders face complex challenges, that typically have multiple causes and often persist despite everyone’s best attempts to address them. Addressing complex challenges requires juggling both the big picture, and the specific parts of the challenge. Without a roadmap, this process is fraught and unlikely to succeed in improving outcomes. In order to make a difference, schools need adaptive expertise; a skill which can be learnt through professional conversations and inquiry. In Leading professional conversations, Emeritus Professor Helen Timperley deftly outlines the key enablers for effective professional conversations – relationships, resources, processes, knowledge and culture – which support teachers to be independent learners and result in positive impact on educational, social and emotional outcomes for students. Featuring examples from real conversations between school leaders and educators, and practical templates which can be adapted to suit the contexts of your school, Leading professional conversations is the school leader’s guide to thinking and acting evaluatively, knowledgeably, metacognitively, collaboratively, responsively and systematically, to engage in deep professional learning and genuine improvements in practice.

Today’s school leaders are faced with the increasingly daunting task of leading their schools to improve, to innovate and to become ever more responsive to change. There are many resources to help schools to engage with improvement frameworks, but few that directly address the complexity of the challenges that inevitably arise along the way. Based on extensive research in the field, including the outcomes of a five-year project on school improvement and professional learning in Australia and New Zealand, Leading Professional Learning: Practical strategies for impact in schools identifies the challenges that school leaders face when leading professional learning and development in their schools as part of an improvement agenda. Renowned professional development expert, Helen Timperley, has collaborated with a team of prominent authors, including Fiona Ell, Deidre Le Fevre and Kaye Twyford, to uncover the reasons underpinning these challenges and to provide practical strategies on how to address them. Case studies, excerpts from real teachers’ experiences and step-by-step examples of useful strategies, including the spiral of inquiry, give school leaders the tools they need to tackle complex challenges in teaching, learning, curriculum delivery and pedagogical practice in both primary and secondary settings. Leading Professional Learning: Practical strategies for impact in schools is a hands-on resource for school leaders to identify specific professional learning and development issues that accompany the learning and change process and to overcome them in their schools.