In the latest edition of the TeachNet podcast, Dr. Michael Hallissy is joined by Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, founder of Consult for Ed Group and host of the Edu Café Podcast, to explore teacher learning, wellbeing, and system change in education.
Drawing on her experience in digital learning and research, Kathryn offers a clear and practical view of the challenges schools are facing today. Rather than focusing on individual issues, the conversation looks at how workload, funding pressures, and post‑COVID impacts are all connected at a system level.
The discussion also looks at teacher professional learning, with a focus on moving beyond one‑size‑fits‑all approaches. Kathryn highlights more flexible and personalised models where teachers can choose what learning suits their needs and context.
The conversation also challenges the idea that wellbeing is an individual responsibility, and instead points to the need for system-level changes that reduce workload and support teachers more effectively.
Ultimately, the episode highlights that real change depends on trusting teachers, giving them time, and creating supportive school cultures where they can do their best work.
Notable takeaways
- Personalised professional learning is more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches
- Teacher wellbeing is a system issue, not an individual one
- Workload and initiative overload are key drivers of teacher burnout
- Professional trust and teacher agency are essential
- AI can support efficiency but cannot replace human relationships
- Sustainable change depends on culture, community, and connection
Additional resources