S1.E4: David Wanstall: Cultivating School Culture

David Wanstall began his teaching career at Halls Creek District High School in a remote town in the Kimberleys. Now, with 38 years of experience, he serves as a Director of Education, having worked in diverse schools and contexts.

In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of school culture, setting behaviour expectations for students and staff, and making courageous decisions that drive student learning and staff growth. David also shares the inspiring story of how he and two other principals formed the Coalition of Schools to define and implement explicit instruction effectively.

Join us as David shares his passion for creating a positive and engaging learning environment, not just for his staff and students, but for the entire community. This episode offers valuable insights into the role of leadership in fostering an enriching educational atmosphere.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://youtu.be/RhhOfH1n1YY

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Background
• 18:04 Creating a High-Performing School
• 21:20 The Coalition of Schools
• 36:40 Director of Education and Center for Excellence
• 41:48 Tips for Principals
• 42:02 Tips for Young Teachers
• 46:15 David's Love for Cars
• 48:12 Advice for 20-Year-Old Self