Teacher Magazine

Teacher Staffroom Episode 78: Sharing inspiring school examples

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

A key focus of Teacher is providing a platform for educators to share with and learn from each other. In this episode of Teacher Staffroom, we share some recent school examples we’ve published from all over the country.

Supporting early literacy with story-based adaptive assessment

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +1000

We know that early literacy development is not uniform. Understanding students’ strengths and identifying gaps to plan for the next steps, including targeted support where needed – and doing this as early as possible – is a challenge for teachers. A new assessment program from ACER aims to spot literacy difficulties before children fall behind and these gaps widen.

Research news: Teachers’ role in quality outdoor play and experiential learning

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

Spending time outside supports student wellbeing and physical health. New research has examined teachers’ experiences of enabling outdoor play during the school day with the aim to understand how their autonomy, competence, and relatedness interact to shape decision making. We speak to researcher Dr Brendon Hyndman to find out more.

School leadership – developing an AI policy

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

‘How can schools help young people learn to use AI thoughtfully, ethically and effectively?’ In today’s article Kara Baxter – Deputy Principal, Learning and Teaching, at Strathcona Girls Grammar School in Melbourne, Victoria – shares the thinking and process behind the development of the school’s AI policy.

How to build a legacy that goes beyond your job – lessons for teachers and school leaders

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:15:00 +1000

If you’re a teacher, developing leadership skills through continued professional education can enhance your skills and build a legacy that goes beyond the classroom. Courses like Rockhurst University Ed.D. programs equip educators with the skills needed to influence educational practice, strengthen school communities, and leave a lasting mark.

How to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day in your classroom

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 +1000

Indigenous Literacy Day, founded by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, offers teachers the opportunity to help students discover the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, cultures and languages. Read on to find out how you and your students can get involved.

Researching education: 5 further readings on school leadership

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

As a school leader, how would you describe your leadership characteristics? How did your induction support you in your transition to a leadership role? In today’s article, we share 5 open-access resources on the topic of school leadership.

The Research Files Episode 111: Supporting student wellbeing needs through considered outdoor spaces

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +1000

How well is the outdoor space in your school serving students and staff? In this episode of The Research Files, Dominique Beech speaks with Dr Gweneth Leigh and Hannah Richardson from the University of Canberra about their 2-year study into outdoor spaces in secondary school settings, which resulted in plenty of practical tools for educators.

Unit planning – differentiating mathematics for gifted students

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

‘The practical challenge of designing units that genuinely extend gifted learners within a mixed-ability classroom, without simply adding more of the same work, remains one of the more complex tasks in primary teaching’. Wesley College’s Lanella Sweet shares a tiered unit of work built around real-world measurement tasks.

The impact of reading difficulties on children’s wellbeing

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

Earlier this year, our podcast with Mandy Nayton – Educational and Developmental Psychologist and CEO of the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation – explored ways to support students of all ages read successfully. In the first of 3 follow-up articles, ACU Professor Genevieve McArthur – Director of Research Translation at the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation – shares how reading difficulties can impact student wellbeing.

Infographic: Reasons for long-term student absence

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

As a school, understanding the reasons for student absenteeism in your context is key to providing targeted support. Drawing on data from PISA 2022, new OECD research shows school attendance problems are widespread and increasing. In this infographic, we share the reasons students missed 3 or more consecutive months of schooling.

The Research Files Episode 110: Student wellbeing and secondary school transition

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

In this episode of The Research Files, Teacher editor Jo Earp is joined by Mason Zhou and Professor Dot Dumuid to talk about a South Australian study into the impact of secondary school transition on student wellbeing. One of the key findings is it’s not a short-term dip – students may be struggling in their second year, too.

Real-world maths – A mathematical challenge to protect wildlife at scale

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

The International Mathematical Modeling Challenge (IM²C) invites students around the globe to gather in teams across a 5-day period to solve a real-world problem using mathematical modelling. This year students were asked to inform protection planning for Etosha National Park. In this article, we speak to some Australian schools who participated.

Leadership resources: Whole-school curriculum planning

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

Many Teacher readers have explicitly requested for us to publish content on curriculum implementation. New curriculum leadership resources have recently been released by ACARA – in this article, we explore the 8 key aspects covered and examples of how they can be used in various school settings.

Miss Chen’s blog: Understanding natural and processed materials

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

In this blog series, Little J & Big Cuz’s Miss Chen shares practical Foundation to Year 2 classroom ideas. In today's activity, her students learn more about natural and processed materials in Foundation Science.

School Improvement Episode 69: Larrakeyah Primary School’s custom-built AI writing platform

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

Recently the winner of the Global Schools Prize was announced – chosen from over 3,000 nominations. Excitingly, Australia’s Larrakeyah Primary School in Darwin were named as a finalist for the prize. In this episode, Dominique Beech is joined by Fathma Mauger to hear all about the custom-built AI writing platform they were recognised for.

Teacher resources for NAIDOC Week 2026

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration that honours the cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In today’s article, we explore the 2026 theme 50 Years of Deadly, share links to the free resources that have been developed for teachers, and highlight 3 schools around the country who are celebrating NAIDOC Week in their own unique way.

Infographic: Fostering respectful debate in classrooms

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

A survey of teachers in Australia has examined teacher perspectives on the role of teachers and schools in fostering respectful debate and discussion of contemporary issues. Survey topics include teacher confidence in facilitating discussions, and the barriers they face.

School pride and belonging – designing a new school uniform

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

Earlier this year, Mosman Park School for Deaf Children (MPSDC) unveiled their new school uniform. Based on the colours of the Deaf Flag, it was designed to promote pride, visibility and connection for the school community. We speak to Principal Monique Smith to find out more about the design process and the impact on student belonging.

Teacher Staffroom Episode 77: AI in schools – what does it mean for teaching and learning?

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:30:00 +1000

AI tools are becoming more embedded in students’ lives. At Teacher, we know this is an area where educators are seeking practical support and so this month, we’ve published a range of articles to help. In today’s Teacher Staffroom episode, I’ll take you through the key highlights, along with a few extra pieces you won’t want to miss.