We unpack the complexity of teachers’ work — the relentless decision-making, trade-offs and problem-solving that happen every day in classrooms — and ask why this complexity is so often underestimated by people outside schools.

We also take on the idea that teachers are “resistant to change”. What if resistance is sometimes reasonable scepticism, professional judgement, or an important signal that leaders should pay attention to?

Along the way, we talk about the surprisingly solitary nature of teaching, why building deep professional knowledge matters more than searching for quick fixes, and why we need to better value the wisdom and experience of teachers who have been in the profession for decades.

Plus, we introduce our regular segment “One Good Woman”, celebrating a woman in education whose work we think you should know.

• Why teaching is such complex and relentless work
• The constant decisions and trade-offs teachers make in real classrooms
• The surprisingly solitary nature of classroom teaching
• Why teachers receive so little positive feedback on their practice
• The value of video models and opportunities to observe other teachers
• Rethinking the idea that teachers are resistant to change
• Listening for the “signal” when teachers push back
• Valuing the knowledge and wisdom of our most experienced teachers

Tasmania's Lifting Literacy work Emina talks about her work supporting the implementation of Tasmania's Lifting Literacy reforms. Lifting Literacy — Tasmania DECYP

Effective teacher professional development — Sam Sims and colleagues We refer to the work of Sam Sims and colleagues on the mechanisms of effective professional development, including developing insight, building motivation, developing techniques and embedding practice. Effective Teacher Professional Development: New Theory and a Meta-Analytic Test

Victorian Education Excellence Awards Bron talks about judging the Victorian Education Excellence Awards, and our One Good Woman, Alice Jury, was the 2025 Outstanding Primary Teacher. Victorian Education Excellence Awards

Heavy is the English Head Emina's podcast about the nitty-gritty of leadership in English and literacy. Alice Jury features in Episode 2. Heavy is the English Head — Emina McLean

Realising Responsive Teaching — 12 February 2027 Bron is hosting an in-person conference in Melbourne, focused on the nitty-gritty of classroom practice and implementation. The event is currently sold out, with a waitlist open while we explore releasing additional tickets. Realising Responsive Teaching — Event information

Have an observation, question or issue in education you'd like us to explore?

We'd love to hear from you at jonesmcleanpod@gmail.com