Past events

Upcoming events

24 March 2024

3 daysHobart
Stylised image of a brain

Teaching Matters

Catholic Education Tasmania

This conference, tailored for teaching professionals, leaders and educators, showcases innovative pedagogical approaches founded in the Science of Learning.

5 June 2024

1 daySydney
Chairs in a classroom

The Science of Learning in English - Blended Learning Experience

AIS NSW

This course is aimed at English teachers wanting to upskill so that they can deliver the new English syllabus in a way that maximises student learning.

Delivered in three sessions, online and in-person.

10 July 2024

4 daysAdelaidefrom $775
Conference logo super-imposed on a photo of the Adelaide Convention Centre

AATE/ALEA National Conference 2024

Australian Association for the Teaching of English / Australian Literacy Educators’ Association

Your next chapter awaits with possibility, aplenty.

Inspired by Kirli Saunders' poem, our National Conference theme looks towards the future with hope and optimism.

24 August 2024

1 dayNewcastle
Aerial photo of Newcastle

researchED Newcastle

researchED

Connect with leading researchers, academics, classroom practitioners and school leaders in Newcastle, Australia’s best kept secret.

30 August 2024

1 dayBrisbane
A photo of Churchie’s Centenary Library

A Matter of Translation Conference 2024

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)

A Matter of Translation allows teachers to share their practice with their colleagues. The goal is to assist teachers in connecting key advancements in current learning and behaviour research with their daily classroom practices.

6 September 2024

1 dayAuckland
The International Coalition of Girls Schools logo super-impoed over a photo of Westlake Girls High School

Educating Girls Symposium 2024

International Coalition of Girls Schools

Join colleagues from girls’ schools from around the globe at Westlake Girls High School in Auckland, NZ to network and share best practices.

21 September 2024

1 daySydney$80
The Sharing Best Practice logo super-imposed over a photo of Marsden Road Public School

Sharing Best Practice Sydney 2024

Sharing Best Practice

A full day of premium evidence-based professional development and an opportunity to share insights on explicit teaching.

24 October 2024

2 daysSydneyfrom $970
Photograph of ACU North Sydney Campus buildings

AIS NSW Education Research Symposium 2024

AIS NSW

A must-attend event for educators looking to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and enhance their school's evidence-enriched culture.

25 November 2024

3 daysSydneyfrom $330
Photograph of The University of Sydney quadrangle

16th International Cognitive Load Theory Conference 2024

The University of Sydney, School of Education and Social Work

As researchers increasingly combine coginitive load theory with other theories of learning and instruction, it has evolved into an interdisciplinary theory. The conference will reflect this growing diversity of topics and research directions.

5 March 2025

1 daySydneyfrom $887
The roofline of the ICC Sydney at dusk

Schools Summit 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald

A premier gathering of Australia’s foremost educators, thought leaders, and policymakers for insightful conversations.

22 March 2025

1 daySydney$75
The Sharing Best Practice logo super-imposed over a photo of Marsden Road Public School

Sharing Best Practice Sydney 2025

Sharing Best Practice

A full day of premium evidence-based professional development and an opportunity to share insights on explicit teaching.

3 April 2025

2 daysSunshine Coast$550
Aerial photo of Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Science of Learning Conference 2025

Matthew Flinders Anglican College

This exclusive conference is crafted for educators who are passionate about leveraging the latest research to enhance their teaching practices.

28 April 2025

1 daySydneyfrom USD $325
The International Coalition of Girls Schools logo super-imposed over a photo of the shoreline of Sydney Harbour, near Queenwood School at Balmoral Beach

Educating Girls Symposium 2025

International Coalition of Girls Schools

Join colleagues from girls’ schools from around the globe to network and share best practices. The program includes engaging keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops.

30 May 2025

2 daysSydneyfrom $225
The MultiLit logo super-imposed over a photo of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel

Advancing Effective Education 2025

MultiLit

Join a host of national and international speakers over this two-day conference focusing on research, leadership and theory to practice in delivering effective instruction.

Latest articles

  1. Image for post: On things that are better together

    The amplifying power of autonomy and structure

  2. Image for post: On building moats

    On building moats

    Sunday 9 March 2025

    How progressive education defends its ivory tower

  3. Image for post: On three ways that AI won't democratise education

    It's the Matthew effect all over again

  4. Image for post: On the General Capabilities

    On the General Capabilities

    Sunday 16 February 2025

    Is it time for them to go?

  5. flat lay photography of paintings

    On the Sir Ken Fallacy

    Saturday 1 February 2025

    Or a book review of Johann Hari's 'Stolen Focus'

  6. black and white chess piece

    On shadow education

    Wednesday 8 January 2025

    A recent article raises more questions than answers

Photo of Rebecca Birch

About Rebecca

Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and Academic in Residence at a top 40 independent school in Sydney, Australia. After a successful career in advertising and fashion, she transitioned into education, working as a learning support officer in diverse settings while completing her teacher training.

She is a founding member of the Centre for Research in Schools at UNSW and a recipient of The Educator Magazine’s Most Influential Educator Award 2024. Rebecca has consulted for Ochre Education and presented on literacy nation-wide. She has presented at researchED and represented the profession at the Gonski Institute for Education.

Her research explores the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing. She publishes widely, including a newsletter read by 4,000 subscribers across 83 countries.

Publications and media

  1. OpinionTransactional teaching: When paid on the clock our professional status is at riskEducationHQ 4 December 2025
  2. OpinionPuppy patting and mindfulness: whole-school programs have hidden costsEducationHQ 3 December 2025
  3. CommentThis Sydney school ditched screens for a week. Here’s what happenedSydney Morning Herald 16 November 2024
  4. OpinionPISA puzzle: should we celebrate our achievement in a skill that can’t be taught?EducationHQ 18 July 2024
  5. OpinionOn mathematics anxietyNomanis 17 July 2024