Forget everything you think you know about "professional development." This isn't about ticking boxes or enduring another PowerPoint. This is about discovering how AI can give you a genuine, almost-unfair advantage in the classroom, in your lesson planning, and in reclaiming your most precious resource: time.

Matt Esterman, the mind behind The Next Word, isn't here to preach from on high. He's here to unpack the astonishing reality of AI, not as some futuristic threat, but as a surprisingly potent ally. Think of him as your behavioural economist for the education sector: identifying those seemingly small, counter-intuitive tweaks that can yield disproportionate returns.

Who Is This Session Suitable For?

This workshop is designed for educational leaders and decision-makers who are keen to explore how AI can transform teaching and learning. Ideal participants include:

Principals
Deputy Principals
Assistant Principals
Heads of Department
Heads of Digital Learning
Heads of Wellbeing
Heads of IT

If you're responsible for shaping the strategic direction of your school's teaching and learning, this session is tailored for you.

Registration Limit:

To ensure equitable access and foster a collaborative environment, each school is invited to register a maximum of 3 attendees. This approach aims to accommodate as many schools as possible while maintaining an engaging and interactive experience for all participants.

Why Attend?

Because, frankly, the world is changing faster than the curriculum update cycle. Ignoring AI isn't an option; it's a strategic oversight. This workshop isn't about becoming a coding wizard, it's about becoming a teaching sorcerer. It's about understanding the levers that AI can pull to enhance learning, minimise drudgery, and unleash your creative potential.

If you've ever felt like you're running on a hamster wheel, constantly reinventing the same pedagogical wheel, then this is your chance to step off. We're not just talking about minor efficiencies; we're talking about a fundamental shift in how you approach your work, allowing you to focus on the truly impactful, human elements of teaching. It's about working smarter, not just harder – and perhaps even having a bit more fun in the process.

What We Will Cover:

What on earth is AI, really? Beyond the hype and the headlines, we'll demystify AI in plain English.
AI in the wild: Education and beyond. Discover how AI is already subtly (and not-so-subtly) reshaping industries and, crucially, how it's being deployed in cutting-edge educational contexts right now.
Examples and case Studies: from theory to triumphs. See real-world applications that will spark your imagination and demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating AI into your practice.
Prompt (im)perfect: The art of conversation with AI. Learn the dark arts of crafting prompts that unlock AI's true potential, transforming vague ideas into tangible, useful outputs.
Time-travel for teachers: Saving yourself hours (literally). Practical strategies and specific tools to offload the mundane, repetitive tasks that steal your valuable time, so you can dedicate it to what truly matters: your students.
Beyond the bell curve: Exploring new opportunities. Uncover innovative ways AI can open up entirely new pedagogical avenues, foster deeper learning, and help you discover opportunities you hadn't even imagined.

Can we do all this in one evening? We’re sure going to try!

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About the Presenter

Matthew Esterman, Founder & Director of The Next Word

Matthew Esterman has worked in education for over 15 years, having experience as a teacher, school leader, presenter, writer, and consultant. He holds postgraduate degrees from Macquarie University and the University of Sydney, and is the recipient of several awards, including the Commonwealth Bank Teaching Fellowship for 2023 supported by Australian Schools Plus.

Matthew is a fresh thinker in the strategic and practical use of AI in schools, exploring the potential and pitfalls of various tools and platforms. He is a keen lifelong learner who believes we can bend the future using creativity, critical thinking, and compassion.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025

🕔 Time: 5.00pm - 6.45pm

📍 Venue: St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, Francis Street, Strathfield, NSW, 2135