About
Meet Jo Griffin
Jo is a teacher, school leader and instructional coach. Knowledge Nest is her free library of other people's brilliant work, gathered in one place for teachers and leaders.
Evidence-informed, human-centred
Jo is known for her evidence-informed, human-centred approach to instructional improvement, supporting schools and systems to navigate the significant shifts currently shaping education.
Her work is grounded in cognitive science, implementation science, and a deep understanding of how change is experienced by teachers and leaders.
"Having witnessed the transformative impact of this work on both student outcomes and teacher confidence, I am committed to bridging the divide between research and practice while maintaining the human heart of education."
With over 20 years' experience as a teacher, leader, and instructional coach, Jo led significant instructional reform, including the overhaul of practice at New Town Primary School in Tasmania. Since leaving, the school has continued on as a leader in the rollout of Australia's first multi-school organisation, a testament to the strong foundations laid under her lead.
Open to connecting and speaking. Jo is keen to connect with anyone who would like to share practice, in the spirit of collaboration and ongoing learning, and is open to opportunities to speak at conferences or events. Get in touch.
Current work
Jo currently works across several roles in Australian education - contributing to curriculum development and instructional resources, delivering professional learning and coaching for educators, and engaging with university-led research into effective instructional coaching practices. This breadth of experience across schools, systems, and research enables Jo to bring practical, grounded insight to every engagement.
Why Knowledge Nest exists
Knowledge Nest exists to help close the gap between research and classroom practice.
Great resources are scattered all over the internet. Gathering them in one place, free to browse, means teachers and leaders can spend their time learning instead of searching. Browse the whole library.
Early success sparks motivation, curiosity and ambition, for children and for the adults who teach them.
When knowledge nests are carefully built, aspirations hatch...
and futures take flight.
A passion project
For a while now, Jo has been playing with a passion project that stems from her master's research: The Secrets of How We Learn, a way of letting primary school children in on how their brains learn and why their teachers teach the way they do.
It is still taking shape, and Jo would love to share it with anyone who is interested. If that is you, please reach out.
Jo's writing
Articles and guides on cognitive science, classroom practice and school improvement.
The Knowledge Nest on Substack
Long-form articles on cognitive science, classroom practice and school improvement, written for teachers and leaders in the middle of change.
EducationHQ
Articles in EducationHQ on topics from classroom environments to the science of reading.
Let's share practice
Jo is always open to connecting with teachers and leaders, because there is always more we can learn from one another.