Wil Massara

Also the fact of the matter is you probably don’t have time for another workshop! Just simply make a virtual library of resources where you share them digitally as they pop up. They could be: - podcasts - classroom resources - websites - books Etc Or even just share them on here to your entire LinkedIn network. No more gate keeping!

I think this is honestly the biggest one. If we look during COVID when the gov. would let a list celebs into the country but not your average Jeff. We seen what that did to the trust and relationship of us with the government. No matter who we communicate with, if it’s with consistency we will build trust. Some of the greatest moments come from when you treat everyone equal and your students see this.

We know trust in the classrooms leads to increases engagement, retention and results. The 4 C theory. is what I found most relevant to trust in the classroom. 1. Compassion - having understanding for one another through asking meaningful questions. 2. Consistency - How you talk to one student has to be the way you talk to all students. 3. Character - Be authentic and share real stories to show who you are. 4. Competence - Be prepared, be ready and be engaged.

Infusing creativity into the curriculum starts with real-world problems. Students engage deeply when they relate to the material. Instead of abstract math problems, use scenarios like "Barry has 14 watermelons and sells 2." This creates an instant connection and makes learning tangible. Real-life scenarios eliminate the “When am I going to use this?” question. In Year 7, we wrote persuasive texts about a fake abattoir application near our school. It felt real, and we were passionate about it, teaching us the power of persuasive writing. When lessons are relevant, creativity flourishes. Students apply knowledge to real challenges, sparking innovative solutions. Let’s make learning a preparation for life.

Boosting your confidence in public speaking as an educator starts with being authentic. Forget the pressure to be overly professional—be real, be authentic, be you. Share your personal stories and take your students on a journey with you. When I talk about hiking an active volcano, for example, I connect the experience to valuable lessons. This approach makes the content relatable and memorable. If you’re having fun, your students will too. They'll relate your story to their own lives, making the learning stick. Storytelling engages our brains in a way that pure facts can’t, helping students grasp and retain the lessons better.

Encouraging collaboration among students starts with modeling it ourselves. When students see teachers and staff working together effectively, they understand its value. At YLAA, we emphasise the importance of collaboration through real-time demonstrations and open communication. After group tasks, I always have students debrief, reflecting on their teamwork and discussing improvements. This reflection fosters awareness and helps them appreciate the power of collaboration. By showing and guiding them, we build a culture where teamwork becomes second nature, enhancing both their learning and personal growth.