The Art of Teaching

Why I Call It The Art of Teaching

I didn’t call it the science of teaching for a reason. Science matters deeply. Research, evidence, and what we know about learning shape our work. But teaching itself happens in the space between people. It lives in relationships, moments, and interactions that can’t be fully captured by a formula or reduced to a set of steps.

Some of the most powerful moments in classrooms are never planned. A quiet conversation beside a desk. A look that says, I see you. A pause in a lesson because a student’s question opens something bigger. These moments don’t appear in programs or pacing guides, yet they are often the moments students remember long after the content fades.

Teaching is not prescriptive. It isn’t one size fits all. Two teachers can teach the same lesson and create entirely different experiences because the students, relationships, and context are different. What works beautifully in one classroom might miss the mark in another. That doesn’t make it wrong. It makes it human.

Art is complex, contradictory, and nuanced. Teaching asks us to hold high expectations and deep care at the same time. To be consistent, yet flexible. To lead with clarity, while staying open to what unfolds in front of us. It requires judgement, empathy, and the ability to respond in the moment.

Calling teaching an art doesn’t dismiss science. Artists study technique. Teachers study learning. But the art lies in how we bring that knowledge to life through human connection. Through trust, warmth, and belief.

I call it The Art of Teaching because teaching is shaped by relationships. It is built in moments of connection. It is crafted every day through the quiet, powerful work of being fully present with young people.

www.theartofteaching.org/

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

The Art of Teaching

Your busyness does not impress me.

I’m not sure about you, but this term is a very, very busy term for me. Upon reflection, I wonder if it is currently a term that I am spending well. Was it crazily busy, or just unproductive?

Tiredness and stress are not badges of pride they rob you of job satisfaction and they prevent your students of getting the best from their teacher.

Teachers are busy. We rush, photocopy, staple, make tea, eat lunch in a frenzy, photocopy, talk, hypothesise, talk, photocopy and make (more) tea. We rise early, work late, work through lunch, work through recess and take on numerous extracurricular activities. We seem very busy but could it be that we feel busy because we are unproductive with our time?

Could it be that we are tired because we don’t take breaks, switch off or because we don’t each our lunch?

I am a work in progress, but I truly believe that you can have meaningful connections with your family, have a healthy body, and a robust mind, engage in a fulfilling and meaningful career and get a good night's sleep. I'm not sure how to have all of these things, but I am on a journey to try and figure it out.

I am not saying that are we being wasteful with our time. I am suggesting that now and again we need to stop, think about and plan our commitments. Every year or so I reread two books, Insanely Simple by Ken Segall and Getting Things Done by David Allen (I interviewed him here). These two books help me to gain perspective and help me to make sure that I manage my time and energy effectively so that I can teach my students to the best of my ability. I am also quite obsessed with trying new productivity tools, tricks and apps.

Just because we are busy, doesn’t mean that we are being productive. Being tired, looking dead and staying back at work isn’t a badge of honour it is a poor example for our students and our family.

So how can we structure our term in a way that reduces busyness and increases productivity?

Move slowly and consciously. So often we rush from one thing to the next. This has been one of the biggest things I have had to work through. If we are rushing, multitasking and juggling too much we end up doing lots of things badly.

Pause before you say yes. We all get caught in saying yes to too many things. Before we know it we are sitting in on that meeting or we are running the Oz-Tag competition. Next time someone asks you to do that thing, notice your desire to commit and then politely say, ‘Can I get back to you?’

Have a few clear goals for the day. I try and have only two or three significant goals for the day. They may be to return that email, to send that letter out to parents or it may be to finish my students’ assessments. Everything else gets put in the non-urgent section of my diary.

Revisit your goals throughout the day. Despite all your intentions, the school day never quite goes to plan. That teacher is away and you have to cover a duty (that was your maths planning time!) or your class is having an off day and your wonderful lesson in tessellations doesn’t quite get off the ground. It is precisely for these reasons that you need to revisit and adjust your goals throughout the day.

Remember, just because we are busy doesn’t mean we are being productive. Busyness is quite often a nice disguise for our inability to prioritise tasks or organise ourselves.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

The Art of Teaching

Finishing the year strong.

As we approach the end of the year, whether in teaching or other professions, the transition between one chapter and the next can be exciting and overwhelming. It’s tempting to coast through the final months, but the way you finish this year can influence how you start the next. To ensure you wrap things up with purpose and set yourself up for a strong beginning in the new year, here are six tips to help you finish the year strong.

1. Declutter Your Space

A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Take some time to clear out your workspace—whether it's your desk, classroom, home office, or even the boot of your car. Let go of items you no longer need. If you haven’t used something in the last three months, it’s time to either recycle, donate, or toss it. A decluttered space can do wonders for your productivity and mental clarity. This simple act can provide an immediate sense of accomplishment and leave you feeling lighter and more focused.

2. Dump the Emotional Baggage

As the year winds down, it's easy to carry emotional weight. Perhaps there’s a colleague you’ve clashed with, a difficult student, or an unresolved issue that’s been eating at you. Take a moment to reflect and assess whether it’s time to let go of any lingering negativity. Forgiveness doesn’t mean condoning wrongs—it means freeing yourself from the burden of carrying that weight. By mentally and emotionally "cleaning house," you’ll feel lighter and better equipped to embrace the new year with a fresh perspective.

3. Revisit Your Goals

Think back to the goals you set at the start of the year. Whether it was to improve your health, establish a new routine, or work on a skill, now is a good time to check in. It’s easy to lose momentum as the months pass, but you still have time to take action. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t made as much progress as you’d hoped—this is your chance to recalibrate and make a final push toward one or two key goals. Finishing strong in any area will give you the confidence to continue your journey into the next year.

4. Plan Your Professional Development

Your career growth should never be left to chance. As the year draws to a close, think about where you want to go next in your professional life. Whether it’s upgrading your skills, seeking a promotion, or getting a mentor, now is the time to plan for your growth. Consider courses you’d like to take, areas for improvement, or certifications that could help you advance. By taking initiative now, you’ll be positioned for success when the new year starts, instead of scrambling to make decisions under pressure.

5. Be Kind

The end of the year is a wonderful time to reflect on the relationships you’ve built and the impact you’ve had on others. Make it a goal to perform acts of kindness—whether big or small. It could be as simple as sending a heartfelt thank-you note, helping a colleague, or showing appreciation to someone who’s made your work easier. Not only will you brighten someone else’s day, but you’ll also feel more connected and energised in the process. Kindness has a ripple effect, and by spreading it, you create an environment of positivity and gratitude.

6. Make Time for Fun

Fun is a crucial but often overlooked part of finishing the year strong. The end of the year can be a grind, but it’s also an opportunity to recharge. Schedule time for activities that make you laugh, relax, and reconnect with what brings you joy. Whether it's a family outing, a day of pampering, or an impromptu trip with friends, the key is to make space for enjoyment and recharge your batteries. Having something fun to look forward to will energise you for the months ahead and ensure you start the new year on a high note.

No matter how the year has unfolded, the way you finish matters. By decluttering your space, letting go of emotional baggage, revisiting your goals, planning for professional growth, spreading kindness, and making time for fun, you set the stage for a strong, positive start to the next chapter. Transitioning well is about more than just ending the year—it’s about preparing yourself to begin the next one with renewed energy, focus, and a sense of purpose.

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

The Art of Teaching

My life has been, and continues to be, changed by great teaching. We all have that teacher that made a difference in our lives. The one that saw us, the one that valued us and the one that believed in us. For me, my was Mrs Taylor-Jones. I remember walking into her classroom and feeling heard and cared for. During my time in her class, I cannot recall the lessons or the content of what she actually taught me - but I do remember how she made me feel. In truth, she did this for all of her students, and she will never truly know the impact of her time in the classroom.

Fast forward many years, I find myself in front of a classroom and having the privilege of shaping the wonderful students who sit before me. Teaching is more than a career; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life – for some, it’s a chance to change their future trajectory.

I hope that you find the podcast, ideas and resources useful as you journey with me to be the best educators we can be.

1 year ago | [YT] | 0