Teacher and Students focused on Leadership Capability, Instructional Practice with Learning and Wellbeing

OUR RESEARCH BROUGHT TO LIFE WITH REAL WORLD RESULTS

“A lot of things that we have learned have come from students in particular, having them in on the discussions, joining them in with us on the rubrics… getting their perspectives on things. It’s been a bit of an eye opener.”

Tracy FlavelHead of Curriculum, Murgon State School

“I am more selective of the activities I use with students…students are more open with providing feedback about what they enjoy doing/learning about. Students are more appreciative.”

TeacherCooparoo Secondary College

“It was coming from the children… from their word of mouth… what they want to improve their education.”

Pop Neil StanleyClontarf Operations Officer, Murgon State School

“The Learner First workshops helped me realize that we should put our learner first before all the teaching procedures. We need to understand and figure out their identities first so that it will help our teaching become smoother. “

TeacherAmerican International School (Hong Kong)

“[I] recognize that I’m allowed to be flexible in the classroom, that I can make small changes to my practice to enable a child to progress – it might take a week, it might take a month, it might take a term, but I can allow a student to do that.”

TeacherWhitfield State School

“…take the time to do this work, even if you feel you don’t have to–it will make a difference.”

TeacherWhitfield State School

“Overall, this experience has boosted my professional confidence and emphasized the significance of fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.”

TeacherAmerican International School (Hong Kong)

“It’s good when the teacher gives us a voice to express ourselves in class.”

Taelyn WaldockStudent Ambassador, Murgon State School

“Through our work with Chris Dench and The Learner First we know exactly what our students need because our students have told us and mapped their stories with their teachers. We are now using this knowledge to shape our Student Success Plan for 2024.”

Chrissie CooganPrincipal at Coorparoo Secondary College

“ [TLF Workshops]…made me appreciate the opportunity to conduct lessons in a more creative way, and also to allow students a broader experience and open-minded approach to their learning. “

TeacherAmerican International School (Hong Kong)

“[Contributive Learning Design]… challenged me to think of more creative ways to engage students in learning in an AP course.”

TeacherAmerican International School (Hong Kong)

“As a teacher, this [professional learning] prompted me to try a range of tools and strategies in the class. Student feedback has been helpful in identifying what has been and not been successful, however also be aware of levels of engagement in the strategies has been informative.”

TeacherTrinity Bay High School

“It [Contributive Learning Design] is making me much more aware of my classroom, and therefore the needs of the kid. It’s also made me a much calmer teacher, much more thoughtful, and a much calmer person in the classroom.”

High School Teacher

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Partner Spotlight

Clicking on the icon/text will take you to articles, spotlights, case studies, etc. sharing Contributive Learning Stories from around the globe.

New Zealand Ministry of Education
We partnered with the New Zealand Ministry of Education to design a national initiative aimed at supporting teachers to design better learning. Designed as a national resource that is regionally based, the Curriculum Lead roles strengthen the Ministry’s frontline curriculum resources and engage schools, kura, early learning services, and kōhanga reo to create curriculum that is right for today and tomorrow, supporting the cultures, identities, languages, and well-being of all ākonga.

VOICES FROM THE FIELD

interviews and perspectives from the educators in our partner schools

What Does Success Look Like?

September 11, 2025

Empowering Student Voices: Shaping School Culture and Behavior

April 1, 2025

Going Toward vs. Going Away

December 21, 2021

By Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District…

Goldendale School District: A Commitment to Connection

September 30, 2021

By Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District…

Point of Reference

April 14, 2021

By Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District…

Student Ambassadors for Contributive Learning

March 25, 2021

By Dr. Tina Marcoionni, Director of The Learner First (TLF) Australia In…

Enough

March 10, 2021

By Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District…

When We Say No

January 21, 2021

By Ellen Perconti, Superintendent of Goldendale School District…

Time’s Up For Domestic and Family Violence

June 24, 2020

By Kym Amor, Foundation Principal, Foxwell State Secondary College.…

The First 125 Hours

June 10, 2020

Late January 2020 saw the final countdown to the opening of the…

Connections

March 30, 2020

What happens when leaders ask educators to connect with students?…

Try Something!

March 17, 2020

This post is part of a continuing series by Ellen Perconti, superintendent…

From Mission to Practice: Change the Game

March 9, 2020

Success in School vs. Success in Life: An Action Plan to Bridge the Gap

February 4, 2020

This is the third post in a continuing series by Ellen Perconti,…

Continuing the Well-Being Journey: You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

January 9, 2020

Ellen Perconti is the Superintendent of Goldendale School…

Setting out on the Journey to System-Wide Wellbeing

November 20, 2019

1 Comment

Goldendale School District is a district of three schools (one…

My Learning Desire

February 13, 2019

“12 years of doing what we’re told, as opposed to what we…

Cesar Chavez Teacher, Molly Jaynes: Part Two

August 22, 2017

After working in Oklahoma City Public Schools for two…