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Conversations on Leadership, AI, and the Arts

Michael
Michael

Over the years, I have taken part in several podcast conversations, and also hosted a series during lockdown. These were valuable chances to share ideas about leadership, teaching, technology, and the performing arts, and to stay connected with our communities.

If you are interested in getting to know me a little more, or hearing some of my thoughts across these areas, the following episodes may be of interest.

The Art of Teaching – Lessons from the Arts: Leading with Creativity
A conversation about how my background in the arts has shaped my approach to educational leadership.

EdLeaders – Practical AI Strategies in Education
A discussion on the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools, and what it means for teachers and assessment.

The Aside Podcast (Drama Victoria) – Putting on a High School Musical
Part of a seven-episode series exploring each stage of producing a high school musical, covering practical steps, common challenges, and the joy of school productions.

Loyola College Podcast Series
A series I hosted during lockdown, sharing stories and perspectives from across our school community.

Each conversation offered a different lens on what matters most in education. From creativity and connection, to emerging technologies and community engagement, these episodes capture ideas that continue to shape my work as a school leader.

You might also enjoy
Book Review: The Connection Conundrum

In my earlier review of The Connection Curriculum, I noted Matt Pitman’s call for educators to prioritise genuine human connection as the foundation of thriving schools. His follow-up book, The Connection Conundrum, takes that message further. Pitman places teachers at the centre of change, reminding us that connection is not a program or policy, but a practice built through daily, deliberate actions in the classroom. For me, his strongest challenge is around professional courage. He urges teachers to take risks, experiment, and lead from where they are, without waiting for permission. As a school leader, this resonates deeply. I value nothing more than when teachers bring forward new ideas and learn through action. Pitman’s book is a timely reminder that teachers are cultural leaders, and that schools flourish when we trust and empower them to act.
Making Teaching Cool Again: How to Fix Education’s Biggest Crisis

The world is running out of teachers, and the impact is already being felt. Even in schools that appear fully staffed, the experience levels are often unbalanced, with too many new teachers and not enough experienced mentors. This leaves early-career teachers unsupported and increases burnout, with one in five leaving the profession within the first five years.

In my talk, I asked the audience to imagine a world without teachers. At first, it might seem like a student’s dream come true with no essays or homework, but in reality, it would be a disaster. Parents would be forced into homeschooling, workplaces would suffer staff shortages, and everyday life would grind to a halt. Who would teach young people to read a road sign or understand a payslip?
This Is Just a Warm-Up Act: The Biggest Transformation to Education Is About to Take Centre Stage

I am excited to share that I have contributed to the latest issue of the Teacher Learning Network Journal, where I explore the transformative impact of generative AI on education. In the article, I argue that this is not just another technological trend. It is the beginning of a significant shift in how we approach learning, teaching, and assessment.

Drawing on my experience as an educator and leader, I challenge teachers, leaders, and policymakers to move beyond the quick fixes and start thinking about how we can harness AI in a way that enhances rather than replaces great teaching. From rethinking homework to reassessing our approaches to assessment, AI offers both opportunities and challenges that we cannot afford to ignore.

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