Our Services
Whole School Professional Learning
All sessions can be delivered independently, or as a combination from 1.5 hours up to full days. Costs are negotiable depending on the size of the group, single or multiple presentations. This generally starts at $50 (+GST) per participant per hour at a minimum of $2000 per 1.5hour session. Travel and accommodation costs (if required) are added to presenter fees.
Session 1: The truth about 21st Century Teaching and Learners
This introductory session explores the need for educators to “move now” in truly educating children in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world. Participants will explore our newest generation “Alpha”, born from 2010, and who are currently sitting in Kinder to Year 7 classrooms. This research based, emotive and thought-provoking insight is a must in setting up the importance of our job as “agents of change” in steering educational agenda in the right direction!
Session 2: Who You Are -
Brain, Behaviour and Basic Needs
We all have a brain, but do you really understand how it works? This workshop unpacks current discoveries in neuroscience and applies it to “best practice” in educational settings and for learners at all levels. Participants will explore the workings of the brain, how this may influence choices in behaviour and, based on Glasser’s Five Basic Needs, develop understanding of why human beings may “behave” in particular ways. This workshop will also assist participants to understand, and then work with, students to become more autonomous in managing their own behaviour.
Session 3: My Job; Your Job –
Building trust and respect in the classroom
During these practical sessions, participants will work on the practical application of understanding the importance of autonomy and choice – in learning and behaviour – that meets the needs of everyone in a classroom. Teachers will workshop lesson ideas, techniques and learning experiences to develop both their own understanding of the brain and behaviour, as well as for students in the classroom.
Session 4: Understanding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experience (trauma)
“We are fundamentally social creatures – our brains are wired to foster working and playing together. Trauma devastates the social-engagement system and interferes with cooperation, nurturing and the ability to function as a productive member of the clan. Yet institutions that deal with traumatised children all to often by-pass the emotional-engagement system that is the foundation of who we are and instead focus narrowly on correcting “faulty thinking” and on suppressing unpleasant emotions and troublesome behaviours.” Bessel Van De Kolk (2014) The Body Keeps the Score.
Participants will be guided through understanding the impacts of childhood trauma on the brain and why these children require unique and differentiated learning goals, strategic brain and behaviour coaching and support to help negotiate the social and intellectual demands of school.
Session 5: Profiling for educating
“The Whole Child”
This whole school or team-based professional learning for teachers focuses on engaging in the collection of wholistic data - creating individual and whole class profiles, developing plans and strategies to create meaningful change, and understanding the importance of individualised learning with regard to the NSW Wellbeing Framework for Schools (2015), Disability Standards for Education (2005) and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (2018). It combines trauma-aware understandings with practical strategies for demonstrating that students are “known, valued and cared for” at school.
Session 6: The Well (Human) Being
Behaviour and mindsets for a VUCA World
Following on from “Who You Are”, this presentation integrates Salutogenesis (assets for health and well-being) to make connections between understanding the brain, behaviour, basic needs and mindsets for a healthy, meaningful, effective and responsible life.
Participants will be encouraged to consider their own strategies for mental, physical and psychological wellness and how this may be taught to students in their class.
Session 7: Feedback Conversations–
Understanding internal psychology and connecting habits
This session introduces practical skills to engage in meaningful conversations that focus on making specific, workable plans that connect, rather than disconnect, relationships. Participants will investigate the various psychological theories and current discoveries in neuroscience relate to giving and receiving feedback. This professional learning can be tailored to suit smaller teams working in educational leadership positions, to whole school learning and engagement.
Session 8: An Introduction to Dr William Glasser’s Choice Theory
As a Certified Faculty Member of The William Glasser Institute Australia, and a strong advocate of Dr Glasser’s work, Sarah will introduce participants will to the concepts and practical applications of Choice Theory - for both their personal and professional lives. Participants will be guided through Glasser’s model of “How the brain works” and retrospectively consider their motivations for behavioural choices, how this can impact on personal well-being and relationships with others.
Twilight Session: Are You A Well-being?
(Team trivia format)
During this 2-3 hour “taster” session, participants will work in teams to engage in learning and understanding up to 6 of the following pre-negotiated topics:
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The Brain
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The Teenage Brain
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Neuroscience and its place in 21st century education
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Choice Theory
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The Basic Needs
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Total Behaviour
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Generational change
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Adversity in Childhood (trauma)
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PTSD in the workplace: empathy vs compassion
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Profiling the ‘whole child’
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Connecting conversations
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Relationships and feedback
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Mindsets
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Sensory regulation
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Stress responses in human beings
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Emotional (feelings) literacy and emotional intelligence
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The (Karpman) Drama Triangle vs The Empowerment Dynamic
Leadership
Giving and receiving feedback:
The misunderstood “Superpower of Change”
These sessions follow on from Focusing on Feedback (Session 7) and can be delivered in any number of half or full day session formats including whole school, Stage, Grade or Leadership teams. stage. Participants will deepen knowledge and skills in staff feed forward conversations, student conferences, parent meetings, as well as conversations for personal change. Sessions will focus on practising coaching students and/or staff to “self manage” choices in behaviour utilising Total Behaviour coaching techniques and William Glasser’s Reality Therapy (1975) Reality Therapy – a New Approach to Psychiatry; and Choice Theory in The Classroom (1988)
Supporting those who support others - Professional Learning for School Learning Support Officers
This half-day Professional Learning package encompasses both theory and practical applications of understanding the brain and subsequent behaviour of humans, and how to best support students (and teachers) in and out of the classroom. Participants will explore current research in trauma, brain development, Total Behaviour and their implications for learning and engagement.
Additional Workshops
Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management - Basic Intensive Training
4 day (27 hr) workshop
in NSW 27 Accredited hours with NESA
Educational settings today require teachers and leaders to focus on teaching, leading and learning in a VUCA World. Educators and leaders that understand how and why humans behave can enhance a quality learning environment that caters for the unique needs of students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and carers in their community.
The Basic Intensive Training (BIT) is the first step in understanding, practising and internalising this internationally recognised internal psychological model. Come and join this unique professional development opportunity.
Basic Intensive Training content includes:
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Choice Theory
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Reality Therapy
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Effective Lead Management
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Questioning for responsibility
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Understanding the conflict cycle
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Interviewing resistant clients
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Developing quality relationships
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Self-Evaluation of learning
COST: $920pp+GST for up to 18 participants from one or a combination of educational organisations.
Please contact for further details.
Choice Theory, Reality Therapy and Lead Management - Basic or Advanced Practicum
3-4 independent days across 3 months
During the Basic Practicum, participants will deepen their understanding of the newly acquired skills from the Basic Intensive Training. You will be coached and mentored in applying this to your daily work and everyday life.
Basic Practicum content includes:
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Enhanced understanding of the theory (Choice Theory), strategy (Reality Therapy) and application (Lead Management) of Dr William Glasser's internal psychology model of gaining personal freedom
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Role-plays, casework and personal application of the 'connecting conversation'
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Personal journaling and other self-evaluation tools to improve personal insight and reflective practise techniques
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Reading and discussing some of Dr Glasser’s books (e.g., Counselling with Choice Theory: The New Reality Therapy)
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Time will be given to discussion and supported development of Reality Therapy conversations, Lead Management principles as well as deep dives into further understanding William Glasser’s Choice Theory and its relevance to the world we live in today.
COST: $920pp+GST. There will be a maximum of 8 participants per group.
Please contact for further details.