Meet Network member Lisa Williams
Lisa Williams was one of the first teachers to sign up to the Network for Science Leaders earlier this year when she attended our Like a scientist workshop with Jane Bunn. Lisa is the Science HOD at Lavallla Catholic College in the LaTrobe Valley. The College is split across two campuses with almost 1,500 Year 7-12 students. We caught up with Lisa to find out what she’s working on, her path to leadership and her tips for aspiring leaders.
Science teaching and learning at Lavalla
We are using a back to basics explicit teaching model that values gradual release of responsibility in a low variance curriculum at Lavalla. For science in particular, we are always striving for the balance between content and skills, and to move fluidly between practical activities and theory work in our classes.
Science team priorities
We have a focus on the building of skills, as well as analyzing and evaluating data and writing like a scientist. Something that we are striving for is building a teaching and learning culture that stretches all students.
The challenge of working in a regional schools
Being 2 hours from Melbourne, we do not travel to the city for excursions often, especially with 10 classes per year level for our junior sciences. Instead, we work with local organisations to bring in guest speakers and visit outreach initiatives such as the Gippsland Technology School.
Leadership focus
I’m really working on building teams of people that want to work together. Together we’re creating rubrics to explicitly describe skills and aligning curriculum and teaching across Years 7- 10 to best support VCE.
Your journey to get here
I completed an Applied Science degree in microbiology and biochemistry and worked in the food industry for 5 years mainly as a microbiologist. I transitioned to teaching in my mid-twenties and have been doing that for the past 21 years in various roles e.g science, math, junior and senior areas, being musical coordinator, working in an immersive Year 9 program, and being a science leader. I then completed my Masters in Evidence Based Practice during Covid lockdowns and believe that we never stop learning!
Something you love in your current role
Working with wonderful people who genuinely love teaching and do it well.
A current challenge
How to create more opportunities for discussing the art of teaching.
Advice for aspiring leaders
Always walk the walk - be willing to do what you're asking of others. Model always. Listen to what people are telling you. People are always the best resource. Value the skills they bring and support wherever needed.
