
Knowledge for Teachers
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 26, 2025 • 1h 46min
S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools
In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanette Breen — Learning Specialist at Templestowe Heights Primary School and Head of Global Partnerships at No More Marking — to unpack insights from her recent tour of some of the highest-performing schools across the UK. From standalone primaries to schools within trusts like Ark Academy, and even the renowned Michaela Community School, where she met Katharine Birbalsingh, Jeanette explored what’s making a real impact in classrooms and leadership teams.
What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from:
Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham
Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team
Matt Burnage - Ark Soane
Claire Stoneman - 4 Dwellings Academy, Birmingham
Michael Eggleton - Charles Dickens Primary
Stuart Houghton - Ribbon Academy, Murton
Dr Haili Hughes - Professor of teacher coaching & mentoring, Academica University oas, Director of Education, IRIS Connect. ECF & NPQ facilitator
Bruno Reddy - CEO Times Tables Rock Stars and former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy
If you're looking to sharpen your teaching, rethink your curriculum, or get inspired by what’s working in leading schools abroad, this episode is packed with gold.
Resources mentioned:
Daisy Christodoulou - Seven myths in education and Making good progress
The Rose report
StepLab
Teach Like A Champion
New wave maths books
The Writing Revolution
TimesTable Rockstars
Grattan report on multi-school organisations
Think Forward Educators
Core knowledge units
Numeracy screener being trialed by the Center for Independent Studies (CIS)
White Rose Maths
What Works Series
ResearchED
No More Marking
You can connect with Jeanette:
X/Twitter: @jettybe3
Linkedin
e-mail: jeanette.breen@education.vic.gov.au or jeanette@nomoremarking.com
You can connect with Brendan:
X/Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website learnwithlee.net
Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
About Jeanette Breen
Jeanette is an experienced teacher, presenter, and liaison for the creation of partnerships and professional learning opportunities. In addition to her school-based role at Templestowe Heights PS Victoria, Jeanette works with UK company No More Marking as the bridge for schools using innovative writing assessment. She leads a Writing Network with Think Forward Educators and is a founding member of Sharing Best Practice. Jeanette holds a
Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Masters in Instructional Leadership.
Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell
For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities:
Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025
Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025
Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025
Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!

19 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 33min
S03E06 - Dr. Carl Hendrick on Five Things Every Teacher Should Do
Dr. Carl Hendrick, a prominent education expert and co-author of influential books, joins the discussion to share five essential strategies every teacher should embrace. He emphasizes the necessity of being open to evidence and highlights the power of retrieval practice. The conversation covers the importance of checking for understanding and aligning curriculum with assessment. Hendrick also challenges traditional beliefs, advocating for a more flexible approach to instruction that enhances student engagement and retention. This insightful chat is filled with actionable tips for educators!

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 26min
S03E05 - The ABCs of Effective Behaviour Management: A Practical Guide for Teachers with Dr. Brandi Simonsen
In this episode, we're focusing on a key element of successful schools: understanding and supporting positive student behaviour. Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Brandi Simonsen, a professor of special education at the University of Connecticut and co-director of the National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Brandi shares her practical insights into PBIS, exploring the crucial links between behaviour, attendance, and academic success. We delve into the ABCs of behavior and uncover effective, evidence-based strategies for creating positive classroom environments, from setting clear expectations to the power of specific praise.
Whether you're new to teaching or looking to enhance your practice, this episode offers valuable knowledge and actionable takeaways on implementing Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports.
Resources mentioned:
Brandi Simonsen and Diane Myers: Classwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A Guide to Proactive Classroom Management
Diane Myers, Brandi Simonsen and Jennifer Freeman: Implementing Classwide PBIS: A Guide to Supporting Teachers, which I highly recommend.
National Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
You can connect with Brandi:
Linkedin
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

7 snips
Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 16min
S03E04 - Dr. Matthew Burns on Effective Assessment: Using Data to Drive Reading & Maths Intervention
Dr. Matthew Burns, a researcher at the University of Florida Literacy Institute, brings his expertise on effective assessment data in education. He discusses the importance of understanding various assessment types and their purposes in driving instruction. Dr. Burns emphasizes aligning data with educational goals and offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening. He also covers effective interventions in reading and math, including strategies to enhance fluency and comprehension. His insights are valuable for educators seeking to improve student learning outcomes.

Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
S03E03 - Liana McCurry on Mathematical Practices in High Performing Countries
In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, Brendan Lee speaks with Liana McCurry, a passionate advocate for primary school maths education. Fresh from her Churchill Fellowship, Liana shares findings from her research into mathematical practices across six countries.
Listeners will gain insights into the systemic issues contributing to Australia's declining maths performance and discover how to bridge the research-to-practice gap. Liana delves into key topics, including:
Mathematical modelling and its surprisingly misunderstood place in the curriculum.
The power of multisensory approaches to unlock conceptual understanding.
Why fluency in maths is a foundational skill that needs renewed focus.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that equips educators with practical knowledge and strategies to transform maths education in their classrooms.
Resources mentioned:
Books:
Explicit Direct Instruction by Hollingsworth and Ybarra.
Explicit Instruction by Anita Archer and Charles Hughes
Harnessing the Science of Learning by Nathaniel Swain.
Direct Instruction Mathematics by Stein et al
Websites:
Ochre
Science of Math website.
Thinking Forward Educators,
Brian Poncy's MIND
Steve Wyborney's Esti Mysteries
Podcasts:
Knowledge for Teachers.
Dyscastia, hosted by Bill Hansberry and Michael Shanahan.
Craig Barton podcast.
Progressively Incorrect, hosted by Zach Groshell
Chalk and Talk, hosted by Anna Stokke
Training and Conferences:
Sharing Best Practice conferences.
What Works series in Geelong.
Orton Gillingham Math, Multisensory Maths training
You can connect with Liana:
Linkedin
Email: liana@sol-education.net
Website: sol-education.net
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course
While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths?
In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond.
REGISTER HERE

Jan 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
S03E02 - Shaping the Future: Murat Dizdar on His Vision for NSW Public Education
This episode features a compelling conversation with Murat Dizdar, the head of the New South Wales Department of Education. Murat shares his inspiring journey from being the son of Turkish immigrants to leading Australia’s largest education system. He discusses the experiences that shaped his vision for public education, his deep passion for the teaching profession, and the key initiatives he’s championing to drive meaningful change. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in education and leadership.
Resources mentioned:
NSW Department of Education Resource Hub
Explicit Teaching Statement
High Potential and Gifted Education Policy
AERO (Australian Education Research Organisation)
Grattan Institute: Ending the lesson lottery
You can connect with Murat:
Twitter/X: @dizdarm
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course
While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths?
In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond.
More info
https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/
10% off Discount code: MATESRATES

Jan 11, 2025 • 1h 25min
S03E01 - Nick Hart on Leading with Responsiveness: A School Leader's Journey
In this episode of the Knowledge for Teachers podcast, Nick Hart takes us on an inspiring journey from his beginnings in sports science to becoming a school leader in Dubai. A respected voice in educational leadership, Nick shares insights from his blog and books, delving into the evolution of his leadership style. He discusses the critical role of context in decision-making, introduces the concept of the school year’s rhythm for structured improvement and highlights the importance of trust in fostering strong school communities. Tune in for practical advice and thought-provoking ideas on navigating the complexities of educational leadership.
Resources mentioned:
Nick Hart’s books:
Creating a strong culture and a positive climate in schools
Impact: a five part framework for making a difference in schools
Nick Hart’s blog posts discussed in this episode:
Leadership handbook 5.0
School improvement: Rhythm of the year
Culture setting | More than words
A model for school improvement
Vivianne Robinson
Mary Kennedy
Dr. Neil Gilbride
Bryk and Schneider
Ambition Institute - The persistent problems of school leadership
AERO
You can connect with Nick:
Twitter: @MrNickHart
Linkedin
Website: mrnickhart.wordpress.com
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course
While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths?
In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond.
More info
https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/
10% off Discount code: MATESRATES

Dec 14, 2024 • 56min
S02E23 - Dr. Zach Groshell and Brendan Lee on Effective School Leadership
In this episode, Brendan Lee speaks with Dr. Zach Groshell for the third of their trilogy of conversations together. In their first episode, they unpacked the nuances of teaching effectively. In the second one, they spoke about coaching, culture and change. In today’s podcast, you will hear them discuss the complex world of school leadership! They explore the key elements that contribute to a positive and productive school culture. From going beyond superficial evaluation methods to building a diverse team that leverages everyone's strengths, they cover a range of important topics that will help school leaders create a thriving learning environment for both students and teachers.
Zach’s four points were:
Leaders need to start minimizing evaluations and start maximizing teacher performance
Leaders should view behavior as a system that involves everyone, including them
Leaders don’t have to be the best teachers on earth, but they do have to know something about instruction
Leaders should move away from one-off PD as the primary means of teacher training.
Brendan’s 4 points were:
Leaders need to have their fingers on the pulse
Clear Communication is key
Leaders need to build a diverse team
Good leaders don't care about who is right or wrong
Resources mentioned:
Zach’s newly released book: Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanations and Explicit Teaching
Viviane Robinson - Reduce change to increase improvement
Daniel Kahnemann - Thinking, Fast and Slow
Progressively Incorrect S4E10: Nathaniel Swain, Steven Capp, and Katie Roberts-Hull on Harnessing the Science of Learning
You can connect with Zach:
Twitter: @mrzachg
Podcast: Progressively Incorrect
Website: educationrickshaw.com
You can connect with Brendan:
Twitter: @learnwithmrlee
Facebook: @learningwithmrlee
Website: learnwithlee.net
Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:
https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast
A Systematic and Structured Approach to Teaching Primary Mathematics - 10 hr Online (Live) Course
While there’s been strong momentum for the science of reading, what about maths?
In this course, I will explore what the research reveals about effective maths instruction, highlighting the importance of aligning teaching with how learning happens. Across these sessions, I will go beyond summarising research and delve into practical implications, showing teachers how to bring these concepts to life in the classroom. Highly interactive, the sessions will offer plenty of opportunities for teachers to engage, practice, and respond.
More info
https://www.learnwithlee.net/a-systematic-and-structured-approach-to-teaching-primary-mathematics/
10% off Discount code: MATESRATES

Nov 30, 2024 • 1h 13min
S02E22 - Dr. Leslie Laud - Implementation Science Meets Writing Instruction: ThinkSRSD's Journey to Scalability and Impact
Dr. Leslie Laud, Founding Director of ThinkSRSD, brings nearly two decades of experience in writing education. In this engaging conversation, she delves into the transformative Self-Regulated Strategy Development framework, emphasizing effective mnemonics and structured routines. Dr. Laud discusses the pressing need for professional development tailored to teachers' unique contexts and shares strategies for smoothly implementing writing instruction. She also highlights how self-assessment and genre understanding can empower students, paving the way for innovative writing practices across grade levels.

Nov 16, 2024 • 1h 33min
S02E21 - Dr. Nathaniel Swain On Prioritising What Matters: A Deep Dive into the Science of Learning
Dr. Nathaniel Swain, author of 'Harnessing the Science of Learning', returns to discuss how to prioritize effective teaching in schools. He advocates for reclaiming instructional time lost to distractions and emphasizes a knowledge-rich curriculum essential for literacy and numeracy. The conversation delves into making learning engaging and fun while maintaining structure. Swain also highlights challenges in implementing change and shares insights on effective math and literacy instruction, urging educators to balance explicit teaching with student engagement.
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