Coaching Across Continents: How NTN Took Root in Australia

In this international episode of NTN Unpacked, we sit down with Brad Scanlon, Director of New Tech Network Australia, to explore what happens when student-centered learning takes root halfway around the world. Recorded live at NTAC 2025 in Oakland, CA, co-host Kris Williams leads us through a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about how NTN’s model has evolved - and been adapted - for schools across Australia.

Brad shares the story of how a single school’s search for better student engagement led to a nationwide movement grounded in project-based learning, leadership development, and systems thinking. From reimagining teacher PD to launching a nationally recognized certification program, Brad’s approach to innovation, sustainability, and school transformation is both deeply practical and future-focused.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• How and why Australian schools began adopting the NTN model
  
  
• The importance of leadership pipelines and middle leader development
  
  
• Coaching as the cornerstone of school transformation
  
  
• Aligning well-being and academics through classroom culture - not just advisory
  
  
• Adapting to AI while preserving essential human skills like collaboration and connection

Whether you’re leading change at scale or just curious about global approaches to PBL, Brad’s insights offer a rich look into how core NTN principles translate across borders - and across time.

📌 Bonus resource: Learn more about NTN Australia and explore their approach to student-centered learning

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