Changing Conversations

Billy and Sarah reconnect with Michael Fullan, a leading voice globally in education and systems change. They discuss Michael's latest paper, which intends to provide a "comprehensive solution to what ails the current public school system and its place in societal development - a system that is failing badly in the face of ever complex fundamental challenges to our survival . . . as a species." This conversation is one of challenge but ultimately, of hope. Follow Michael on Twitter. 

Jim Thewliss is General Secretary of School Leaders Scotland and a former secondary head teacher. In this episode Jim chats with Billy and Sarah about the role professional associations continue to play in the Covid-19 recovery process, why the need for empowerment is stronger than ever, and what needs to change with the qualifications system. Follow SLS @LeadersScotland and https://www.sls-scotland.org.uk/

Kate Middleton is a teacher, author (as KJ Walton) and illustrator with 4 published books.  She started writing stories for her pupils to help them understand and explore mindset. She then went on to write a book for teachers and most recently for parents and carers.  Kate combines a deep theoretical understanding with practical insight and experience.  Kate's latest book 'Mindset Guardian' is available via her website - https://growthmindset.org/

We team up with the GTCS in this episode to continue the conversation with Professor Graham Donaldson following his lecture in January 2021 where he reflected on 10 years since his influential report on 'Teaching Scotland's Future.' The conversation is wide ranging and is a must-listen for educators everywhere.

During the lockdown of 2020 James Cook and Anita Le Tissier formed Scottish Educators Connect. This collaborative learning community now has over 50 members who meet regularly to read and explore the work of many leading educationalists. Their energy and enthusiasm for grass-roots professional learning and peer-to-peer support comes through in this episode, along with their humour! Connect with James and Anita on Twitter @ScotEdConnect

During the lockdown of 2020 James Cook and Anita Le Tissier formed Scottish Educators Connect. This collaborative learning community now has over 50 members who meet regularly to read and explore the work of many leading educationalists. Their energy and enthusiasm for grass-roots professional learning and peer-to-peer support comes through in this episode, along with their humour! Connect with James and Anita on Twitter @ScotEdConnect

Having held a variety of roles in education, Ollie is currently a Director with the Lego Foundation and will soon join Education Scotland. Here he discusses the importance of play in learning, the further potential for digital technology to transform education and his hopes for the future. Ollie tweets @olliebray.

New year, new beginnings - or groundhog day? Sarah and Billy reflect on the highs and lows of 2020 and hopes for the year to come. What will you keep hold of and what will you let go? Find out their 'word for the year' and advice on how to step up to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Dr Pauline Stephen is a Director at the General Teaching Council for Scotland. In this episode Pauline chats with Sarah and Billy about her reflections on 2020, key areas for teachers to consider for the future and the revision of Scotland's standards for teachers. Pauline tweets @GTCSPauline

Kate Wall is Professor of Education at University of Strathclyde and is passionate about how practitioner enquiry can be a bridge between theory and practice. In this episode Kate shares her views on what enquiry is, what it is not and how it can be an effective tool for all teachers and practitioners. Kate tweets @kate_wall98