How liberating would it be if we viewed ourselves first and foremost as learners?
And…what if we were actively aware of ourselves as learners and could adjust our approach for success accordingly? How much could we achieve then?
If a person can master learning then the world truly is their oyster.
Highlights & Impact
ACEL ACT EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD 2025
I’m honoured to receive an ACEL ACT Excellence in Educational Leadership Award 2025, recognising the impact of my work to progress students’ self-regulated learning (SRL). This award acknowledges my work as a significant contribution to the professional learning of others. My mission is to help educators foster students’ SRL and metacognition, ensuring that our young people have the ‘how to learn’ capabilities necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving social and work landscape.
The Awards ceremony will be held on the 15th October 2025.
SUPPORTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERS
I’m proud to support the ACEL New Voice Scholars and NextGen program, which empowers emerging leaders across Australia. As a former New Voice Scholar, I have been supporting this year’s cohort to take the next steps in their leadership journey, fostering the principle that leadership starts with mindset, not title.
Through collaboration with ACEL and a dedicated team, we provide opportunities for educators to explore innovative ideas, strengthen their leadership skills, and make meaningful contributions to school communities nationwide.
In education, complexity is constant. Competing priorities, data overload, and political pressures make decision-making challenging. The question for leaders is not just what decisions to make, but how to make them with clarity, purpose, and integrity.
I’m honoured to have facilitated a panel at the ACEL 2025 National Conference, exploring “Clarity in Complexity – Leading with Strategic Intent in a Noisy World”. Together with Dr Nathaniel Swain, Rebecca Huddy, and Anna Owen, where we shared strategies to help leaders focus on what matters most, navigate complexity, and lead with impact.
CONTRIBUTING TO NEW EARLI VOLUME ON SELF-REGULATED LEARNING
I’m co-authoring a chapter in the forthcoming EARLI volume Empowering Teachers for Tomorrow’s Classrooms: Professional Competencies and the Promotion of Self-Regulated Learning. Together with Professor Deborah Pino-Pasternak, Dr. Samuel Fowler, and Dr. Rosalyn Muir, we explore the challenges educators face when implementing self-regulated learning (SRL), drawing on insights from research, policy, and classroom practice.
We’re honoured to contribute to this global publication, strengthening teacher professional competencies to foster SRL in today’s and tomorrow’s classrooms.
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S EXTERNAL WELLBEING PROGRAMS DIRECTORY
Following an invitation, I’ve applied for the Department for Education South Australia’s External Wellbeing Programs Directory, which connects schools with high-quality, evidence-informed programs.
If successful, my professional learning programs about self-regulated learning (SRL) will provide South Australian educators with practical strategies to enhance student agency, learner capability, and engagement, supporting both educators and school communities.
Services
KEYNOTES & workshopS
Presentations and workshops are offered as a method of diffusion to a wider audience and/or as a method to support project-based learning. Small-group workshops are also available, providing hands-on, practical strategies tailored to educators' needs. Whether speaking to a large crowd or working closely with teams, each session is designed to be engaging, evidence-informed, and focused on real impact in the classroom.
SYSTEMS & school PARTNERSHIPS
The School Partnership Program is a hands-on, collaborative experience that supports educators in deepening their understanding of Self-Regulated Learning and applying evidence-informed strategies in their classrooms. As a consultant and critical friend, I work alongside schools to co-create practical solutions that strengthen culture, leadership, teaching and learning, leading to meaningful, lasting change.
Watch Shyam’s recent TEDx Talk about the importance of becoming self-regulated learners
What people say about Shyam
“[Shyam] is a natural educator. Shyam worked with us in a volunteer capacity, creating educational programs for local teachers. I was impressed with Shyam’s ability to observe and propose changes that are culturally appropriate and very much needed. He has the perfect combination of kindness, positive attitude, and an incredible confidence to propose challenging ways of seeing education from new and modern perspectives.”
“As an educator, a friend, a colleague, a mentor, or a coach, [Shyam’s] approach is always professional, measured, calm and positive. He engages his audience with curiosity and gusto. His love for lifelong learning is contagious and his breadth of knowledge is exceptional. He communicates with compelling courage, has a great sense of social acuity and is deeply attentive to the purpose or situation”
“Having Shyam as my coach has honestly changed my life. In the short time we have been working together he has been able to help me achieve what I’ve wanted and I’m excited to see what happens going forward. Shyam’s been there to inspire me. From the first time we sat down [together], I walked away with a spring in my step. I could write forever about how inspiring he is but it’s something you really need to experience for yourself.”
“Helping people become better learners ”