Myke Bartlett

Myke Bartlett is an AEU staff journalist, freelance writer and former teacher who writes on politics, movies and music. He is the author of YA novel Fire in the Sea (Text).

For everyone

Slow reads for summer daze

Some of the best books to read these summer holidays – those rare weeks when we rediscover the joy of reading for pleasure alone.

For everyone

When we read Black Lives Matter

Australian authors Maxine Beneba Clarke and Tony Birch talk about their work, the need for greater diversity in school texts and what effect a more inclusive curriculum might have for all students.

Schools

A common understanding

A North Melbourne primary school is finding common ground between cultures by amplifying the voices of its students and families.

Schools

A remote experience

As schools have closed and opened and closed again throughout 2020, pre-service teachers have struggled to gain vital experience.

For everyone

COVID life: principals and graduates on a year like no other

Working at school in a pandemic has been difficult for all educators, but no more so than for those running the show or learning the ropes.

Schools

The show must go online

When remote learning made classroom concerts impossible, Musica Viva found a shift to online helped build a much-needed sense of community, writes MYKE BARTLETT.

For everyone

10 of the best podcasts to help with remote learning

From rebellious girls to Indigenous perspectives, here are some of the most interesting podcasts to help engage your students from a distance.

For everyone

Video gaga: classic music videos too good not to share

The best music videos don’t just enhance a good song – they often outshine it! We’ve collected some of the best kid-friendly pop clips of all time to ease the burden of lockdown (and enhance a remote lesson or two).

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For everyone

The great disruption

Victorian educators have worked hard to deal with a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.

For everyone

Calming movies for kids in lockdown

Kids cooped up? We have unearthed a library of gentle but enthralling films that won’t leave young ones dizzy.

For everyone

Learning, virtually

At Virtual School Victoria, teachers are accustomed to building relationships with students and families who have to learn from home.

TAFE & Adult Provision

Still learning after all these years

Teacher Craig Jones has seen a lot of changes over his four decades at TAFE, but has always been happy to learn something new.

For everyone

News in brief: Term 2, 2020

A wrap-up of local and international news affecting AEU members and public education in Term 2, 2020.

For everyone

History repeats: COVID-19 or 1918?

COVID-19 disrupted Australian schools and society in a way that would have seemed unimaginable only months earlier. But it isn’t the first time schools have been forced to close.

For everyone

Theatre in lockdown

Fans of the stage have been able to enjoy a virtual night out thanks to free YouTube streams from a range of companies across the globe – many of them raising funds for theatres, companies or other worthy causes.

Schools

7 ways schools will be different for the rest of Term 2

Schools in Victoria are returning to on-site learning, but things won’t be quite the same just yet. Here are seven ways your school will be different.

For everyone

The art of conversation

In an age where communication is often via a screen, we’re seeing a boom in resources to help people talk face-to-face (even if they think they have nothing to talk about). We look at some recent bestsellers, and some all-time classics.

For everyone

Changing the game

Having been recognised for her outstanding teaching, primary teacher Kerri Smith is helping others discover the importance of play and silliness in the classroom.

Schools

Connecting in custody

Parkville College is one of Victoria’s most unusual school settings, catering to boys and girls in detention. Principal Matt Hyde discusses the rewards and challenges of working on such a high-stakes campus.

For everyone

Film review: Onward

★★★★ The latest Pixar animation chews through every quest cliche in the book while serving up a rich and thoroughly enjoyable feast.