On the evening of March 30th, FASS and industry colleagues came together to launch Talking Teachers, a new podcast offering solutions to the issues facing Australian schools.
Talking Teachers is hosted by Dr Don Carter and Associate Professor Jane Hunter, both of whom have spent decades in education as teachers, head teachers, policy advisors, and curriculum experts.
They have both witnessed first-hand the growth of serious issues which impact teachers' careers and wellbeing, and ultimately the education they are able to provide to students in schools. As members of the Life-wide Learning and Education Research Group their studies and projects directly relate to the discussions and topics within the podcast series.
The podcast centres on the premise that education has reached a crisis point, and issues raised with guests might prompt serious re-consideration of education’s current path. The hosts interrogate what can and should be changed to ensure that teaching is restored as the core business for teachers and school leavers continue to believe the profession has value now and in future generations.
In attendance at the launch were podcast guests Professor Adrian Piccoli (featured in episode 1), Julie Moon (from episode 2), and Chris Bonnor (in episode 4). Each shared their thoughts on the necessity for funding education well, as well as the ongoing impacts the lack of resources has on teachers, students, and communities. There is hope but it won’t be a quick fix.
Sarah Macdonald of ABC Sydney’s Morning program officially launched the series, sharing her education experience as a parent of school-aged children, and the myriad of ways that great teachers had improved their education and positively impacted their lives.
Overall the attendees – both in the room and those who joined remotely via Zoom – gave a resounding endorsement for the podcast series and its mandate that teachers and schools need more support.