Empowering Instructional Leadership

Evelyn Carter

In our last episode, we took a deep dive into what we called "Walking Together in Leadership."

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and that was all about unpacking how school leaders in Anangu communities, you know, engage with local cultural practices, right?

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. We explored how they carefully navigate these protocols, partnering with knowledge holders to make decisions, while also managing the demands of the education department.

Liam Warragul

And it became clear, like, really clear, that humility and collaboration aren’t just nice-to-haves. They're crucial.

Evelyn Carter

Absolutely. I remember the story we shared about a principal who worked with elders to redesign the school calendar around key cultural events. That, to me, showed real shared authority in action.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, it’s that balance, isn't it? Between respecting the local rhythm and meeting all those external expectations. It’s not an easy line to walk, but when Anangu coordinators and principals do it well, wow, the results can be transformative.

Evelyn Carter

It’s such an important reminder for all of us, that listening and adapting can open incredible possibilities for everyone—students, teachers, and the community.

Liam Warragul

And not to mention the practical tools we talked about. Having those real-world examples seemed like it really had an impact with listeners.

Evelyn Carter

It did. Tools like those communication frameworks or even the idea of co-creating school policies with community input. Simple, but so impactful when done with mutual respect.

Liam Warragul

And that brings us back to why this approach to leadership—sharing the space—is so essential. It’s not just about ticking boxes, you know?

Evelyn Carter

Right, it’s about fostering a genuine partnership where everyone feels invested, where everyone thrives. And that’s a leadership lesson we can all apply—wherever we are.

Liam Warragul

Building on that idea of shared authority and collaboration, let’s dive into something that has been pivotal in driving school improvement in Anangu Lands—the strategic planning frameworks that guide this work.

Evelyn Carter

Yes, in particular the South Australian Department for Education’s Strategic Plan and the P.Y.E.C. Strategic Plan. Both give us, well, roadmaps for creating impactful change. But you know what stands out the most to me?

Liam Warragul

Tell me.

Evelyn Carter

It’s the emphasis on addressing community-specific needs. I mean, the DfE Strategic Plan encourages site-based innovation, right? It’s almost like saying, “No one-size-fits-all strategy here.” Instead, leaders are expected to collaborate and actually meet communities where they are.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, exactly! And for schools in our setting, that’s critical. It’s not just about ticking off goals on paper. It’s about, you know, understanding the lived realities of both students and staff—teachers, Anangu Educators, all of 'em.

Evelyn Carter

Right. And that's where those clear expectations come in. When our co-leaders set the direction with things like professional development, it gives everyone a shared focus. I mean, think about the impact when all the teachers and Anangu educators are working in tandem with that clarity in mind.

Liam Warragul

Totally. Like, I’ve seen schools where, once those expectations are laid down—especially for training—it’s like this energy shift happens. Staff feel supported, like they're not just being thrown into the deep end, and suddenly there's this collective momentum.

Evelyn Carter

That’s such a good point. And professional learning isn’t just about improving performance—it’s a confidence builder too. When Anangu Educators and classroom teachers feel equipped, that ripples outward. Suddenly, you’re seeing improvements not just in teaching, but in how students respond in class, how they engage.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and that’s why both these plans don’t try to position the site leader as the sole problem-solver. Instead, they really emphasise the co-leadership model with collective decisions that reflect the community's voice. That’s empowering for everyone involved.

Evelyn Carter

It is. And the bottom line is simple: when our co-leaders take the time to integrate those community-driven priorities, the results, like, they really resonate. Students thrive, teachers thrive, and the school becomes more than just a school—it becomes a centrepiece of the community.

Liam Warragul

And speaking of integrating those priorities, there’s this piece around team dynamics that plays a huge role in taking school improvement to that next level...

Liam Warragul

Collaboration. As we consider those community-driven priorities, let’s delve into how collaboration really makes it all possible. Building instructional quality isn’t just about isolated efforts—it’s about how teams work together, plan together, and, importantly, learn together.

Evelyn Carter

Absolutely. One of the most powerful tools in any school leader’s arsenal is team planning. I mean, imagine a diverse group of educators sitting down together, sharing ideas, and building lessons that aren't just generic unit plans, but actually inspire engagement. That, to me, is where the magic happens.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and you know, one thing I’ve noticed in schools I’ve worked with—when those team planning sessions are structured well, they become this space for, like, real deep professional growth. You’re not just throwing out ideas; you’re reflecting, critiquing, sharpening the practice.

Evelyn Carter

Designing learning that actually meets the needs and interests of the students!

Liam Warragul

And working collaboratively as a team of educators, both Anangu and Pirimpa to reflect on these needs, listen to student voices and reflect on the needs of students.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. It’s all about reflective practice. And, of course, tying that to observations and feedback. I’ve seen, time and again, how powerful peer observations can be. There’s something so enriching about watching a colleague teach and then having an honest, kind discussion about what worked, what didn’t, and what could be reimagined.

Liam Warragul

Yeah. I I love that. And, honestly, it reminds me of some advice I got from a mentor early in my career. He always said, "Liam, you can’t grow in a vacuum." And, you know, he was right. Those collaborative conversations, that’s where leaders and teachers alike, you know, really flex those muscles.

Evelyn Carter

Such powerful advice! And it’s not just for teachers. It’s for leaders too. Instructional leadership has to be, uh, visible. Leaders need to be in classrooms, coaching, guiding, mentoring, and modeling what effective teaching looks like.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and what I find super exciting is how technology is opening doors in this space. Especially in remote or bilingual schools, tools like video coaching platforms are actually bridging the gap. Teachers can record their lessons, watch them back, and even get feedback from a mentor who might be halfway across the country.

Evelyn Carter

Right, and platforms like that aren’t just about convenience—they’re about connection too. It’s bringing expertise and support into classrooms that might otherwise feel isolated. And from what I’ve seen, when educators feel supported, they show up differently. They take risks, they innovate, and they bring that to their students.

Liam Warragul

Totally agree. And, it’s not just about the teachers either. When leaders prioritize these cycles of feedback and ongoing conversations, it’s like saying, "Hey, we’re invested in your growth." That helps build trust, and with trust comes transformation.

Evelyn Carter

Couldn’t have said it better myself. And that’s really what instructional leadership is about, isn’t it? Building that culture of trust, collaboration, and, most importantly, growth—not just for the staff, but for the students too.

Evelyn Carter

I think that’s a perfect note to lead us into something that’s closely tied with all this—how schools use data to make those key decisions and build leadership at every level...

Liam Warragul

YePicking up on that idea of data-driven decisions, it’s clear that fostering innovation and ownership starts with how leaders approach and utilize the data at their fingertips.

Evelyn Carter

Absolutely. Data isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s a tool. A really powerful one that, when used thoughtfully, can redefine how teachers approach their classrooms. And it’s about using it collaboratively, isn’t it?

Liam Warragul

Yeah, exactly. I’ve seen how schools in Anangu communities do this. Like, there's one school that uses student data walls. You’ve seen this done, right?

Evelyn Carter

Oh, definitely. And I love how such a simple concept can have such a massive impact. They literally set up these walls where data on student progress is displayed—color-coded, categorized, all of it. What’s brilliant is how it sparks focused conversations among teachers. They have literally put a face to each student's learning data and regularly update and review the data wall, discussing the progress of each student.

Liam Warragul

Looking at the students that are progressing and the students that might not be progressing as expected.

Evelyn Carter

Yes, and then collaboratively asking questions like, "what could we be doing differently to better cater for this student's needs?"

Liam Warragul

Yes, it’s not just about what the data says; it’s about how teams use it to reflect. They’re sitting there, asking, "What does this mean for *this* student? What’s working, and where do we need to adjust?" That ownership—getting teachers to really own their impact—it flows straight into classrooms.

Evelyn Carter

Oh, it does. It builds confidence, too. You’re empowering teachers to not just follow a plan but innovate within it. And the students feel that shift. They see their teachers engaging deeply, and it changes the energy in the classroom.

Liam Warragul

And here’s the thing. When teachers feel supported and confident, they’re more likely to take risks with their practice. You see them experimenting with new strategies or adapting lessons in ways that meet students where they are.

Evelyn Carter

And that empowerment doesn’t just happen accidentally. It comes from leadership—leaders who are willing to step back and create time and spaces where others can step up. I mean, how can we expect educators to innovate if we don’t trust them with that responsibility?

Liam Warragul

You’re spot on. And that brings up an important question for leaders to reflect on. How do they empower their teachers to take that ownership? Because, let’s be honest, empowering isn’t just delegating—it’s supporting, guiding, and, well, stepping aside when needed.

Evelyn Carter

Right. And let’s not forget, fostering ownership isn’t about doing it all at once. It’s about building gradually, starting with small, meaningful changes—like those data walls or even just carving out time for team reflection. It all matters.

Liam Warragul

And at the end of the day, it’s about creating a ripple effect. When leaders empower teachers, those teachers empower their students. That’s where you start to see real transformation—not just in the classroom, but in the whole school.

Evelyn Carter

Looking back on what we’ve just discussed about fostering ownership, especially through strategies like data walls and collaborative reflection, it’s clear that empowering teachers truly reshapes the learning environment. Wouldn’t you agree?

Liam Warragul

Absolutely. We started with how strategic planning frameworks like the Department for Education’s and PYEC’s plans can guide leaders in shaping site-specific improvements.

Evelyn Carter

And what stood out to me Liam was how those plans push for collaboration and innovation, especially in remote school settings like in the Anangu Lands, where understanding community needs is just critical. It’s all about creating that sense of shared purpose.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, and then we talked about the role of teamwork—team planning and reflective practice being game changers in building instructional quality. You know, those spaces where teachers and Anangu educators can grow together by sharing and sharpening their skills.

Evelyn Carter

Exactly. And we couldn’t leave out the importance of leadership visibility in that process, could we? Observations, mentoring, video coaching—those tools bring such meaningful connection and support, especially in schools that might otherwise feel isolated.

Liam Warragul

Yes Evelyn, we emphasised the importance of leaders investing the time - getting into classrooms on a daily basis to work alongside educators, constantly coaching... often through very informal conversations... sharing observations and asking questions.

Evelyn Carter

And let’s not forget about innovation and ownership. Like we said, tools like student data walls can empower teachers to make actionable changes tailored for their classrooms. That kind of collaboration, when done right, transforms the whole school dynamic.

Liam Warragul

It does. It’s this cycle of trust, growth, and empowerment—from leaders to teachers to students. That ripple effect is what instructional leadership is all about—building something that goes beyond just ticking boxes.

Evelyn Carter

And on that note, the big takeaway here is pretty simple. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels trusted and supported to grow.

Evelyn Carter

Well said. And with that, I hope today’s conversation has sparked some ideas—and yes, maybe even a few questions—for all the incredible leaders listening in.

Liam Warragul

Yeah, it’s been such a great chat, and if there’s one thing we’d leave you with, it’s this—leadership is a journey, not a destination. So, keep walking alongside your teams and communities.

Evelyn Carter

Absolutely. Thanks for joining us today, everyone. Until next time, take care, and keep thriving.

Liam Warragul

See you soon!