Real Schools of Thought with Adam Voigt

Teaching Is Still Great Work | A conversation with Adam Voigt and Vicky Minton

Adam Voigt — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 05:28:42 GMT

What happens when a school stops operating as individual classrooms, teams and campuses – and starts working as one? Baden-Powell College Principal Vicky Minton joins Adam Voigt to talk about building collective ownership of culture, creating genuine collaboration between teachers and giving students the skills to manage relationships and resolve conflict. And amid all the noise about workload, burnout and behaviour, Vicky makes a compelling case for something we probably don’t say loudly enough: teaching is brilliant, important and deeply rewarding work.

Don’t Smile Till Easter (And Other Things Jacqui Unlearned)

Adam Voigt — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:44:22 GMT

Adam sits down with Jacqui Fimister, a classroom teacher at Kananook Primary School, for a conversation that spans thirteen years of partnership between Jacqui and Real Schools. It's an easy, honest chat between two people who know each other well, Jacqui is candid about the "performative" teacher she used to be (pegs going up and down, "don't smile till Easter") and how a single piece of sharp, sensitively delivered feedback from Adam reshaped her entire approach to behaviour and relationships in the classroom. Along the way, they cover reflective practice, restorative language, trauma-informed teaching, and what it looks like when a whole school, leadership included, genuinely trusts its staff.

Leadership and Trust: A New Era in Schools with Liz Foster

Adam Voigt — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:12:56 GMT

In this engaging conversation, Liz Foster and Adam discuss the profound impact of great teachers, the importance of building trust in educational leadership, and the need for a culture of courage and experimentation in schools. They explore the role of professional associations in supporting educators and the significance of collaboration and connection in fostering a positive school environment. Liz emphasizes the need to elevate the teaching profession and encourages school leaders to take actionable steps towards creating a more trusting and innovative educational landscape.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Teacher, Leader and AFL Legend Simon Madden: Lessons on Resilience and Culture

Adam Voigt — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Overview

Adam Voigt sits down with AFL legend and Hall of Famer Simon Madden for a conversation that covers a lot more than football. Simon is also a former teacher and assistant principal, and in this episode, he brings those two worlds together in the best way. From the teachers who shaped him as a kid to the high-performance habits he developed across decades in elite sport, Simon shares a refreshingly grounded take on what it means to lead, learn, and build a culture worth showing up for.

About Simon Madden

Simon Madden played 378 games for Essendon Football Club and is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame. Before and during his football career he worked as a teacher, and later as a vice principal. Since retiring from football he has built a career as a speaker, mentor and leadership consultant, working with leaders, executives and teams across a range of industries. His wife is still a practicing teacher.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

What Surviving Loss Teaches You About Kids: A Courageous Conversation with Anita Olegario

Adam Voigt — Tue, 12 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Anita Olegario is a teacher at Berrima Public School in NSW. She joined Adam for one of the most honest conversations Real Schools of Thought has hosted.

Anita lost her son Brodie to suicide as a teenager. She carries that loss into her classroom every day, not as a burden, but as a quiet kind of purpose. In this episode, she talks about who Brodie was, what she wishes she had known, and how learning about restorative practice changed the way she sees and teaches the young people in her care.

This is not a heavy episode to endure. It is a generous one to receive. Anita speaks with warmth, honesty and remarkable clarity about what schools can do differently, and what it means to truly see the kids who are quietly struggling.

If you need support

This episode touches on youth suicide and grief. If anything you heard has brought up difficult feelings for you, please reach out.

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 (24/7) | lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7) | beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7, for young people 5–25) | kidshelpline.com.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au

The Koonawarra Way: Changing School from the Inside Out

Adam Voigt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

When Amanda Kowalczyk arrived at Koonawarra Public School in Wollongong, something felt heavy. Kids shuffled through the gates with their heads down. The school was surrounded by barbed wire. Staff were pitying their students. And the culture was one of low expectations dressed up as compassion.

Today? Kids skip in. Staff greet families by name from every gate. And the New South Wales Department of Education has changed its policies because of what Amanda built there.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Koonawarra's principal - and one of his favourite school leaders in the country - to talk about what it actually takes to transform a complex, low-socioeconomic school from the inside out.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Modelling Curiosity in Education: A Conversation with Tracey Ezard

Adam Voigt — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Tracey Ezard is one of Australia's most respected voices on school culture, leadership and the conditions that help adults do their best work. She is the author of Ferocious Warmth and has worked with over 600 schools and 16,000 educators across Australia.

She is also, as Adam makes clear from the outset, his mate. This is one of those conversations that only happens between two people who have been watching each other work for over a decade, cheering each other along and occasionally wondering what the other one is up to.

What emerges is a rich, honest discussion about what school culture actually looks like when it is struggling, what it looks like when it is thriving, and the uncomfortable gap between the two that too many schools are sitting in right now.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Reclaiming the Profession: A Conversation with Lisa Newland

Adam Voigt — Mon, 25 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Lisa Newland is the incoming CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). She is a former English teacher and school leader who has spent decades in and around Australian schools, and she has arrived in this role with a clear sense of what she wants to change.

This is a conversation about compliance culture, teacher autonomy, the pressure of public data, and what happens to innovation and joy when schools spend too much time playing it safe. Lisa is direct, warm and refreshingly honest about the profession she loves, including the parts that frustrate her most.

If you have ever felt the gap between the idealistic reason you got into education and the reality of what consumes your days, this episode is for you.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

The Importance of Joy In Schools - A Conversation with Lee Crockett

Adam Voigt — Mon, 18 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In this engaging conversation, Lee Crockett shares his insights on the importance of agency in education, the role of leadership in shaping school culture, and the necessity of trust and joy in the learning environment. He emphasises the need for professional wellness among educators and discusses the dimensions that contribute to a healthy school culture. The discussion also touches on the myths surrounding excellence in education and the significance of being present and authentic as a leader.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

The Story and Influence of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People on Real Schools

Adam Voigt — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:30:00 GMT

In this solo episode Adam opens up the real story behind RP2.0 and the deep influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had on his teaching, leadership and restorative approach. He traces the three knowledge bases that shape the model affect theory, social and organisational psychology and the wisdom gifted to him through First Nations educators, elders and families.

Adam shares personal stories from his early teaching in Alikarung and from his time learning alongside leaders like Yalmay and Mandawuy Yunupingu including the powerful metaphor of “tilting the earth” and the reminder that some kids will still walk uphill. He explores why language is the first domain of school culture how shame works as a reintegrating force in Aboriginal communities and why these ideas align so strongly with restorative practice in modern schools.

This is a grounded generous conversation about culture, belonging and the responsibility educators hold in shaping the environments young people grow within. Adam offers a rare look behind the curtain at where RP2.0 really comes from why it works and what it asks of us as teachers and leaders today.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online. Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

If We Funded Schools Properly...Here’s What Would Actually Change - with Tina King

Adam Voigt — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Tina King shares her journey from a classroom teacher to a leader in education, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the education system. She emphasises the importance of leadership, collegiality, and the need for systemic support to meet complex student needs.

Rita Pearson TED Talk that Tina referred to - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw

Interested in our work?

1. Learn more about Real Schools here.

2. Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.

3. Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.

4. Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.

5. Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

How'd We End Up At Real Schools?

Adam Voigt — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In this solo episode of Real Schools of Thought, Adam Voigt shares the deeply personal story behind the creation of Real Schools. For the first time, Adam traces the formative experiences, pivotal moments, and hard leadership lessons that shaped his philosophy on education, culture, and 'RP2.0'.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online. Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia).

The Power of a Smile - Matt Kenny's Secret to School Success

Adam Voigt — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Adam Voigt is joined by Matt Kenny, Principal of Dodges Ferry Primary School, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, culture, and what helps schools thrive. Together, they explore the power of relationships, the importance of staff wellbeing, and why consistency and unity in leadership matter more than ever. The episode reflects on how educators grow over time, how behaviour can be better understood, and how schools can stay focused on what truly matters despite growing pressures. It’s a grounded, hopeful discussion about leading with clarity, care, and purpose.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Teaching Through Heart and Purpose: Nick Dodd's Story

Adam Voigt — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Real Schools of Thought, we sit down with Nick Dodd, the principal of Clarence High School, to explore his impactful leadership journey. Under Nick's guidance, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student engagement, attendance, and performance. Notably, suspension rates have dropped by 50% in just the first year, and the school achieved its best NAPLAN results ever. Nick shares his insights on the importance of community involvement and innovative teaching methods. He also discusses the role of technology in modern education and the impact of personalised learning on student success. Looking ahead, Nick outlines his future goals for further academic excellence at Clarence High.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Professor John Hattie: The Hopeful Horizon of Education in Australia

Adam Voigt — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:30:00 GMT

In this engaging conversation, Professor John Hattie discusses the profound impact of great teachers, the challenges faced by school leaders, and the importance of fostering a positive school culture. He emphasises the need for teachers to recognise their own expertise and the significance of balancing instructional strategies in the classroom. Hattie also explores the implications of AI in education and the necessity for educators to adapt to future challenges while maintaining a focus on student engagement and learning outcomes.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Leading with Kindness: Claire & Jade's Story at Nepean School

Adam Voigt — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:53:31 GMT

In this conversation, Adam speaks with Claire Toohey and Jade Leggett from Nepean School about their experiences as educators and the unique culture of their school, which caters to children with physical disabilities. They discuss the importance of restorative practices, effective communication, and the supportive environment that fosters student empowerment and staff collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of kindness, the role of parents, and the continuous journey of improvement within the school community.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

From Challenges to Change: Darren Brailey's Educational Impact

Adam Voigt — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:36:57 GMT

In this conversation, Darren Brailey, principal of Morisset High School, shares his journey of transforming the school culture through restorative practices. He reflects on the influence of a great teacher in his life, the challenges he faced in student engagement, and the importance of consistency and fairness in creating a supportive environment. Brailey emphasises the need for building relationships with parents and the shift from punitive measures to restorative approaches. He discusses the commitment to developing responsible citizens and the ongoing journey of improving school culture.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Navigating the Future of Education with Zoe McKenzie

Adam Voigt — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:19:38 GMT

In this conversation, Zoe McKenzie reflects on the profound impact of teachers and education on her life, emphasising the importance of values, responsibility, and the role of family. She discusses her journey into politics, driven by a desire to improve education and mental health systems. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and education, the challenges posed by AI, and the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world. Zoe advocates for a balanced approach to education that prepares young people for the future while preserving essential human attributes.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Restorative Practices in Action: A Conversation with Bern Warburton

Adam Voigt — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 02:53:21 GMT

In this conversation, Bern Warburton shares her journey as a principal at Lake Primary School, detailing the transformation of the school's culture through restorative practices. She reflects on the impact of caring teachers, the challenges faced during her leadership, and the importance of engaging staff, parents, and students in the process.

Bern emphasises the significance of building relationships and fostering a positive school environment, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for students and a sense of pride in the school community.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)

Empowering Change: Martine Gill's Journey of Leadership and Community

Adam Voigt — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 23:38:10 GMT

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Martine Gill, the principal of Clover Hill State School. Martine shares her journey from aspiring teacher to visionary leader, emphasising the importance of community, connection, and personal growth. Discover how her personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and learn valuable insights on fostering a sense of belonging in educational environments.

Interested in our work?

Learn more about Real Schools here.
Attend one of our upcoming workshops in-person or online? Register here.
Check out our Student Behaviour PhD.
Enquire about Adam Voigt's speaking engagements here.
Get your copy of Adam's book Restoring Teaching here (It's FREE for all teachers in Australia)