Student behaviour and teacher retention, what schools can do about it
Presented by Dr Mark Dowley 
Dr Mark Dowley co-authored the Amazon Best Selling (Aus &UK) – Classroom Management Handbook and contributed to various books on instructional coaching. He holds various positions including the Associate Head – Staff Development at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Coaching, Mentoring and Professional Learning at Leeds Beckett University and is the Chair of Mastery Schools Victoria, an organisation which empowers students in Years 4–9 (Year 10 from 2026) who are falling behind academically. For 20 years, Mark has taught and presented in schools from Papua New Guinea to New York and has received multiple teaching awards. Mark consults internationally to schools on staff development, culture and behaviour, and completed his Doctor of Education and Masters in Education Policy (International) at the University of Melbourne.
Across the world, schools are facing two connected challenges: student behaviour and teacher retention. When teachers and students feel they belong and matter, both improve. This evidence-informed session shares key research on why teachers stay or leave and how behaviour culture plays a central role. Dr Mark Dowley presents practical tools, video examples from real classrooms, and leadership strategies that help schools build calmer, more connected environments where teachers thrive and students succeed.
Date: Monday, 24 August
Time: 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Venue: St Margaret's Arts Centre Foyer, 11 Petrie Street, Ascot
Afternoon tea: Served from 3:45pm
Primary and secondary teachers from around South-East Queensland are most welcome to attend this event, as are St Margaret’s parents.
This event is FREE. Register to attend here.