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 daysAdelaide
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

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
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 daysSydney
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 daysSydney
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 daySydney
The roofline of the ICC Sydney at dusk

Schools Summit 2025

The Sydney Mroning Herald

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

3 April 2025

2 daysSunshine Coast
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.

Latest articles

  1. an in - n - out store lit up at night

    Be careful what you wish for

  2. white and brown elephant figurine

    On how to extend in secondary English

    Wednesday 27 November 2024

    The experiences of one teacher FWIW

  3. photo of pink chair with pink background

    On the slippery slope in education

    Wednesday 6 November 2024

    Or the ‘N’ word (Neoliberalism)

  4. assorted wood stamps

    On how to start writing on education

    Wednesday 30 October 2024

    It's both harder and easier than you think!

  5. black and silver claw hammer beside red and black hand tool

    Or how explicit direct instruction can hit a wall

  6. A ball filled with lots of different types of beads

    The hidden costs of whole-school programs

Photo of Rebecca Birch

About Rebecca

Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top independent school in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a learning support officer in diverse settings while she undertook her teacher training after a successful career in advertising and fashion.

Rebecca has provided consultation and content services for Ochre Education and Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn, and has appeared on panels for ResearchED and the Gonski Institute for Education. Her current research interest is the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing. She writes for publications and through her newsletter.

Publications and media

  1. OpinionTransactional teaching: When paid on the clock our professional status isat 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