Modifying a Student’s Behaviour using Positive Reinforcement and Relationship Practices

Presented by Critical Agendas

Kristy Elliott

Kristy is an experienced and engaging teacher and consultant, working with inspired educators who want to make a positive difference in the lives of the young people they work with and their communities. Holding a Bachelor of Education, Kristy recognises the privilege of working with young people and strives to positively impact those she has the pleasure of working with. She is currently completing her Masters in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Melbourne which is strengthening the wellbeing and relationship management work she undertakes with schools in Australia and Asia. Kristy teaches an innovative circle strategy used for developing socio-emotional capacity, relationships as well as teaching curriculum content, she provides engaging workshops on all elements of restorative practice including peer mediation training. Kristy also facilitates restorative community conferences and provides in-class modelling and coaching. Kristy has been working in this field for almost two decades and continues to enjoy working with school communities to enhance the wellbeing of staff, students and parents.

Presented by Critical Agendas

Shirley Houston

Shirley Houston is an independent educational consultant with 40 years of teaching experience. She has a Masters degree in Special Education and has taught students in years K-12 at government, Catholic and Independent schools, in Australia and in America. She has lectured at several universities in Western Australia and at the Central Institute of Technology. Shirley has an enduring passion for work with children and adults who have specific learning difficulties and is a long-standing Board member of The Dyslexia- SPELD Foundation of Western Australia. She runs teacher-training, advises companies on educational product development and tutors students with diverse needs.

Presented by Critical Agendas

Ruth Reading

Ruth is passionate about helping adults create safe places for children to play, learn and be themselves. She works with adults to implement strategies to build relationships, resolve conflict and work together. She has a well-loved and frequently used toolkit of insights, resources, methods, and strategies to share on building healthy relationships and creating engaging and effective teaching and learning environments.

Ruth has been involved in Education for nearly 20 years and is a registered teacher with the Victoria Institute of Teaching. She works as an Education Consultant, Primary School Teacher, School Wellbeing Coordinator and Casual Relief Teacher. She is a trained Restorative Practices Facilitator and Consultant having worked with schools in both Australia and the USA to implement Restorative Practices across their school communities. Ruth is also a qualified facilitator of Love & Logic bringing effective strategies for helping children make great choices both in their school and with their families.

Presented by Critical Agendas

Greg Mitchell

Greg Mitchell is an established and highly sought after consultant who works with teachers, parents and administrators where it counts… in schools and in classrooms. He regularly teaches in classrooms in primary and secondary schools all over Australia demonstrating the changes that really work. Greg is an exceptional presenter with the ability to connect with educators, to challenge them and provide many practical strategies that work! Great knowledge, practical, dynamic and very entertaining!

Presented by Critical Agendas

David Vinegrad

David Vinegrad is a well-known presenter with extensive experience in the area of behaviour management both nationally and internationally. He has highly developed skills as a facilitator, trainer, and presenter and is widely recognised as an international expert on restorative justice. He has played a major role in the introduction of restorative practices into schools in Australia and internationally and is an experienced counsellor and mediator including high level management of critical incidents and school based trauma. David has over 30 years of experience working with teachers and students in a variety of diverse educational settings undertaking and developing a wide range of roles including recent work in Japan and Brazil.

Presented by Critical Agendas

Adam Kruger

Adam Kruger – Assistant Principal at Lyndhurst Secondary College (Previously Head of Mathematics Faculty, Wesley College, Glen Waverley) and Scott Rumble – Assistant Principal at Clyde Secondary College have been involved in mathematical professional development for a number of years. Both working in a number of roles from Mathematics Learning Area leaders, Numeracy Leaders, Curriculum Development, Year Level Coordinator, Senior School Leader, to Acting Assistant Principal (Senior School/Curriculum). They have also been Directors of the Casey and Cardinia Mathematics Network.

Both believe that teaching and leading with warmth and enthusiasm, looking at the personal interests and strengths of their students is a key to achieving great success. Their interest, experience, and expertise in educating students at all levels is reflected in their broad teaching and leadership career. Both are celebrated presenters who work extensively with students, teachers and organisations in areas of leadership, data analysis, numeracy and literacy development, effective feedback strategies, restorative justice practices, accelerated learning, building connections outside the classroom, creative and critical thinking, learning styles, multiple intelligences and cooperative learning.

Adam and Scott have presented on numerous occasions for a range of organisations and school associations with the main focus of developing change in the classroom. Their passion for teaching has been the main driver for developing a range of programs at their college. The student growth that is achieved not only within these programs but in their classrooms is undeniable proof that their hard work and a love of this profession are the building blocks of great success. Adam and Scott have recently began developing a book Teach like a STAR which will be the driving force behind using their popular STAR methodology and approach towards building positive change in the classroom.