Welcome!
Over the past decade, structured literacy has reshaped the conversation in many schools across Aotearoa. That work matters and it must continue.
But it also reminds us of something larger. The science of learning does not belong to one subject. The principles that help student succeed in reading are the same principles that strengthen learning in mathematics, science and beyond.
As Learning MATTERS marks 10 years of working alongside schools, this Symposium is an opportunity to pause, reflect on how far we have come, and look ahead to the next stage of work. Together we will explore what the evidence tells us about strong instruction, effective systems and the leadership needed to sustain real change.
We will host three exciting keynote speakers who will each share their knowledge and experience with the opportunity for you to ask questions at the end of each of their sessions.
The day will weave together insights on system design, instructional practice, and leadership for change. Whether you are driving school-wide change or refining classroom practice, our aim is to give you clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose for the mahi ahead!
Locations and Dates
30 Jun | Christchurch
2 Jul | Auckland
Earlybird tickets $329 + GST | On Sale Soon!
Expression of Interest Form
Introducing our 2026 10th Birthday Symposium line-up!
Dr Sarah Brown | Designing MTSS That Endures: Practical Systems, Clear Decisions, Real Support
Schools everywhere are working hard to support students, yet many systems become complicated, reactive, or difficult to sustain. Dr Sarah Brown has spent her career helping schools design Multi-Tiered Systems of Support that actually work in practice.
Drawing on her experience as a school psychologist, Special Education Director, and system leader, Sarah brings practical insight grounded in implementation. She is co-author of Effective Universal Instruction and MTSS for Reading Improvement, two highly regarded resources for strengthening Tier 1 instruction and improving outcomes for all students.
In this session Sarah will unpack how strong systems help teachers succeed.
She will show how leaders can use data to;
Make clearer decisions,
Strengthen universal instruction
Ensure support reaches the students who need it most.
If your school is working to improve outcomes without overwhelming teachers, this session will provide practical guidance grounded in real implementation.
Brendan Lee | One Instructional Core, Many Classrooms: Why Effective Teaching Transfers Across Subjects
What actually makes learning stick?
Brendan Lee has spent years exploring how the science of learning can inform everyday teaching. A former teacher, he now works with schools helping educators translate research into practical classroom decisions.
Brendan often uses mathematics to illustrate his thinking, but the message travels much further. Whether teaching literacy, science, or maths, the underlying principles of learning remain the same. When teachers understand how knowledge is acquired, strengthened and applied, instruction becomes far more effective.
In this session Brendan will
Explore the stages of learning and what they mean for classroom practice.
Demonstrate how choosing the right instructional tools at the right time can dramatically improve retention and understanding across subjects.
Expect practical examples, clear explanations, and ideas you can apply immediately in your own classroom.
Steve Capp | Leadership, Alignment and the Payoff for Teachers and Students
Instructional change rarely happens by accident. It requires leadership, clarity and a shared commitment to improving practice.
Steve Capp is a school principal known for leading meaningful instructional improvement in his school. Through careful alignment of curriculum, teaching approaches, MTSS systems and support, instructional coaching and professional learning, Steve has supported teachers to adopt evidence-informed practices that make a real difference for students.
In this session Steve will share the leadership decisions that helped move his school from intention to implementation to sustainability. He will talk openly about the challenges, the lessons learned and the impact that comes when a whole staff is pulling in the same direction.
For school leaders and leadership teams, this session offers a grounded look at what it takes to
Move from good to great
Build a culture of continuous improvement
Ensure teachers feel confident, capable and supported to teach at their best.
67 Palmer Street,
Te Awamutu 3800, NZ
Call us: 027 532 7646
For general enquiries:
admin@learningmatters.co.nz
For shop enquiries:
orders@learningmatters.co.nz
