Pushing The Edge With Greg Curran

  Now normally I'm (Greg Curran) the host of this Podcast but over the next two episodes we're turning the tables. I'll be in the hot-seat answering questions posed by former Pushing The Edge guests (Sam Bates and Rusul Alrubail in this episode), with Rachael Lehr taking on the hosting role. Rachael's a classroom teacher and science specialist at West Beechboro Primary School in Western Australia. She was my guest in Episode 4 of Pushing The Edge. Together, we explore my journey towards Finding My Voice and Pushing The Edges in Education. There's also The Lightning Round, where we're Pushing The Edges of Activism, Innovation, Self-Talk and Down-Time. Plus my advice to my 13 year old self and a big search for lost keys. SHOW-NOTES For complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 16. LISTEN TO RELATED EPISODES OF PUSHING THE EDGE Click the links below to start listening to each episode: Pust Past Your Comfort Zone with Rachael Lehr - Show Host for this Episode. Pushing The Edge

They're at the top of all the wrong lists and bottom of all the right lists. Or so our guest thought until she actually started teaching Maori students in a total immersion Maori School in New Zealand. This episode we're challenging the deficit or victim mindsets that often prevail about Indigenous Students. We're painting quite a different picture instead. Our guest, Surin McGrory, Teacher, and Co-Moderator (with Kerri Thompson) of the Twitter Chat - #BFC630NZ. SHOW-NOTES For Complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 15 There you'll find links to: Surin McGrory, Maori Immersion, and Tips on How to get others onboard with your Social Justice initiatives. LISTEN TO MORE DIVERSITY-RELATED EPISODES OF PUSHING THE EDGE Click the links below to start listening to each episode. How to Navigate Social Justice Issues in the Classroom with Rusul Alrubail Find Your Voice and Really Connect with Jenny Moes Shake Up Your Beliefs & Values with Erin Stevenson SUBSCRIBE TO PUSHIN

In this episode, transforming the opportunities and outcomes for our students - through Whole School Change How do you get staff, students and the wider community onboard with change - especially when it requires significant shifts in thinking and practice? What role does mindset play? What are the tipping points, and how d'you navigate the resistance or opposition? Plus - your favourite segment - The Lightning Round returns as we Push The Edges of risk, comfort zones, and opposition. Our Guest, Ray Boyd, Principal of West Beechboro Primary School in Western Australia. SHOW-NOTES For Complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 14 There you'll find links to the Educators that supported the Whole School Change in Ray's School. Also check-out my Leadership Resources Page with Tips and Insights about Making Change Happen, Taking Care of You, Thriving, and Disrupting Comfort Zones. MORE GOOD LISTENING WITH PUSHING THE EDGE Rachael Lehr is one of the teaching staff at West Beec

  If you’re passionate about social justice and ‘making a difference’ in students’ lives -you’re probably familiar with a few choice accusations that can cause educators to withdraw, self-censor, tone it down, or shut-up. The accusations? That they’re not objective or neutral, that they’re pushing an agenda, or pushing their bandwagon. In This Episode: Navigating social justice issues in the classroom. How do you encourage open discussion when you’re worried about accusations of pushing a bandwagon? What do you do if there’s conflict between students – about the issues? There’s also the Lightning Round where courage, fear, and vulnerability are up for scrutiny. And to take us out: Standing up for your agenda. I’ve got a few questions for you. SHOW-NOTES For Complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 13. You'll find links to Rusul's Blog and Social Networks, as well as top tips and insights relating to teaching about social justice. While you're there, let us know what you t

You’ve got something to say but you’re nervous. Your stomach’s in knots and your head’s filled with endless chatter Why would anyone want to hear what I’ve got to say? What if they don’t like my ideas? Even worse what if no-one reads or listens – and my ideas just disappear into the vortex? In This Episode: How do we navigate the fears and self-doubt relating to sharing our ideas online? How do we overcome the procrastination, take that step and just ship it – letting our ideas out into the world? Plus – We’re thinking on our feet with the Lightning Round with Risk, Passion and Curiosity up for scrutiny.   And to bring us home – A Not To Be Missed Book about How to Think Creatively.   SHOW-NOTES   For Complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 12.   You'll find links to Ashley's Blog and Social Networks, as well as top tips and insights relating to navigating self-doubt.   While you're there, let us know what you thought of the Show.   MORE GOOD LISTENING WITH PUSHING THE EDGE Fi

It's a phrase that's often met with groans and rolls of the eyes - Professional Development. But what if you could tailor that Professional Development or PD to your circumstances - making it relevant to you and your class? And what if you had access to ongoing support and advice at any time of the day? Well that's the situation for many educators today - as they reach out and connect with others like them across the globe. In this Episode: What is WhatisSchool? What are the benefits of connecting globally? How do you overcome your self doubts, or lack of time and connect? What are Mystery Skypes and how do you get them going? How do you stay true to yourself? But that's not all. We also have the Lightning Round where quick answers are the name of the game. Here we're scrutinising Thriving, Ignition, Voice and Connection.And to bring us home, Education, a Bucket and Fire. SHOW-NOTES For Complete Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 11. You'll find links to Craig Kemp's Blog and Social N

So you've been teaching for a while now. You'd describe yourself as student centred but you're seeing the landscape change all around you, and you're starting to question the way you've always done things. In this episode of Pushing The Edge, how do you get the gumption to take a risk and step outside what's comfy and familiar to you? AND What mindsets help disrupt this business-as-usual thinking and practices? These questions along with the themes of opportunity, collaboration and relationships are central to this episode. There's also the Lightning Round where we're Pushing The Edge of voice, connection and passion. And to bring us home, we're building on a strong foundation and challenging complacency. Our guest, Tom Snyder, a Middle-School Educator, 20 years in and still going strong. SHOW-NOTES For Show-Links and Resources go to PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 10. You'll find links to Tom's Blog as well as Resource Pages focused on Disrupting Your Comfort Zone and Making Change Happen. Also, lea

It's quite a journey - as you step into a classroom for the first time, or take on a new role in a different school. You look and listen, paying close attention to your colleagues, to how they engage, to how they do their job. And you wonder, Should I teach like them? Show I lead like them? Or should I reveal much more of me, showing what I've got to offer? This episode we're focusing on: Finding Our Way AND Our Place in Education. AND Finding Our Communities - where we're recognised, validated and challenged. That's Not All Though. We've also got the Lightning Round, where we're Pushing for quick insights on Risk, Boundaries, Disruption and Messiness. And to bring us home, a Not to Be Missed Quote from Maya Angelou. Our Guest, Ashley Zatt (nee Gravelle), an early career Elementary or Primary School Teacher. SHOW-NOTES Show-Links available at PUSHING THE EDGE - EPISODE 9Also, leave a Comment - let us know what you thought of the Show. SUBSCRIBE TO PUSHING THE EDGE Stay Up to Date & Get Episodes a

They're moments that catch you unaware. Moments that surprise and delight you.  When students stretch themselves in ways that you'd never have imagined, going far beyond what you thought possible.   In this episode: Challenging our views about young people.   We're letting go of the reins and pushing beyond the 'we know best', 'we'll show you' approaches with author, broadcaster and speaker Laura Hill.     Laura has two children, Ava and Kayla, who managed to confound her time and time again. So much so that they're partners with Laura in the Family Business, and have contributed to a significant shift in how she works with young people.   That's not all though, we're also talking #WhatisSchool, a Twitter Chat that Laura co-founded with Craig Kemp.    Plus we have the Lightning Round - where we're talking Risk, Courage and Edge.    And to bring us home, a young John Lennon goes one up on his teachers in a Not to Be Missed Quote about Life, School and Happiness.  Episode Highlights  1:37 - What makes La

Ever found yourself confronted by the realisation that you're prejudiced in some way?   Our guest in this episode certainly has. Jenny Moes will share a journey that brings her face to face with a prejudice relating to her students.    That's not the only journey though.    Jenny's also on a journey to find her voice online. A voice that not only resonates with others but also herself.    It's an incredibly rich and moving tale - as Jenny navigates the complexities of her many identities - learning significant life lessons - and building relationships where she can truly be herself.      For Further Information and Show-Links: PushingTheEdge.org/7   Follow Me on Twitter: @GregBCurran

Do an internet search and one word dominates relating to teaching - SURVIVAL. In this episode, we turn the tables, we're all about helping you THRIVE. What is thriving? Four quite diverse Educators will give us their perspective:  Jenny Moes, Craig Kemp, Ashley Hurley and Tom Snyder.  Then we'll zero in on Tips and Strategies for Thriving - with Samantha Bates, Doug Robertson, Erin Stevenson and Jenny Moes. How do you thrive if you're totally at odds with your colleagues, or your school? What about if you're feeling disenchanted, lacking energy, and enthusiasm?  We've got lots of Thrive takeaways for you in this episode. So dig in and have a listen.   For Further Information and Show-Links: PushingTheEdge.org/6   Follow Me: @GregBCurran

It started as a comment whispered in the hallway,"He's the Weird Teacher."  From there, it became a book, and later a highly unpredictable and outside the box Twitter chat, simply called Weirded.    In this episode, embracing what makes you different with Doug Robertson, an Elementary School Teacher and author of He's the Weird Teacher.   Showing those parts of ourselves that others deem to be weird can be challenging. You can feel a little vulnerable, and it doesn't always go to plan. There's some top insights in this episode from Doug Robertson.    Then it's the Lightning Round, where we're fuelled by Risk, Boundaries, Passion, Voice, and something that Doug's particularly well known for - Intensity and Humor.   And for the Pop Culture Fans, there's Henry Rollins, Steven Tyler, Cloud Atlas, Hunter S Thompson, The Myth Busters, and a Not to Be Missed Quote from The Lorax.    In the spirit of Doug,  Be Yourself, Be Weirdly Weird.    Check out the Show-links: PushingTheEdge.org/5   Follow me (Greg Curran) on

Rachael Lehr is an educator with much insight into Pushing Past Comfort Zones - often pushing past the 'Why Me?' and 'What have I got to offer?' feelings, and saying 'Yes' to the unknown and unfamiliar.   Connectedness is also a key theme in this episode. In particular, how Twitter has been 'life-changing' for Rachael. Here we share practical tips for those who are wary of reaching out to connect. And if you're feeling a bit isolated, there's tips here for you as well. In turn, hear how Rachael has fired up her Year 2 class along with their parents and guardians via a Class Twitter account. Yes that's right - Twitter with Year 2 children.   There's also the Lightning Round - where Courage, Connection, Making a Difference, Overachieving, and Nature - are all under the spotlight. To round out an insightful and inspiring episode we have Rachael's Not To Be Missed Book, which offers practical tips for everyday thriving as a teacher. More specifically, how to take care of Number 1 - You. For Further Informa

It inspires questions. It leads to wondering? It compels action. It fuels a desire to learn more about the Other.  Social Justice, that's the thread that weaves throughout this podcast episode. Erin Stevenson takes us on her journey, as she confronts her privilege, and steps outside what's comfortable to her. She's forced to re-assess her taken for granted beliefs and values, and assumptions. Not just once, but over and over.     In so doing Erin learns some pretty significant life lessons that fuel her teaching today.     As someone who is passionate about Social Justice, chatting with Erin really fired me up. There's so many nuggets here.    For Show-Notes, Go to PushingTheEdge.org (Episode 3)

In this episode of Pushing the Edge: What resources are crucial to us thriving today as teachers and students?  Why must we reach out and connect? How do we work with those fears and self-doubts that stop us from reaching out?  Learn about the power of Edcamps and Twitter and some awesome educators.  Plus there's the Meteor Shower (also known as The Lightning Round) and some Gung-ho thrown in. For full Show-Notes go to: PushingTheEdge.org (Episode 2) 

In this episode, we hear from Jason Borton, an Australian principal who questions everyday, taken for granted practices, within education.    Among the topics Jason and I canvas: How to really Thrive; Key Ways to Connect with awesome educators; Taking Care of You. Jason has some pretty compelling suggestions for our well-being. They're suggestions that you don't hear too often.  Plus there's the Lightning Round, where speed and agility are key. And stand-by for a few pointed questions from Jason. I'm sure you're going to be inspired.  For full Show-Notes go to: PushingTheEdge.org  (Episode 1)