Is learning possible without wellbeing?
It’s a question that challenges the heart of modern education. In this episode, I chat with Mathew Disher, Director of Learning and Wellbeing at Concordia College in Adelaide, about the powerful and often overlooked link between how we feel and how we learn.
Mathew brings a unique perspective to this conversation, one that is shaped by his leadership across Learning and Wellbeing.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of working alongside Mathew and his team to launch Concordia’s new College Wellbeing Model. This model promotes student agency, normalises challenge, and provides a practical framework for proactive and responsive conversations throughout the school community.
Together, we explore how balancing challenge and support isn’t just essential for wellbeing, it’s essential for learning too.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How the Equilibrium Model of Wellbeing helps us understand the importance of challenge.
- Why social resourcing is one of the most powerful tools we have.
- How challenge, when supported, can lead to growth.
- Why professional anxiety is more common than we think.
- What school leaders can do to align wellbeing and learning in meaningful ways.
Who is Mathew Disher?
Mathew Disher is the Director of Learning and Wellbeing (ELC–12) at Concordia College in Adelaide. With a background in Science and Mathematics teaching, he has held key leadership roles, including Head of House and Head of Middle School. In his current position, he leads the strategic direction of both learning and wellbeing, a role that reflects his passion for aligning the two to create thriving school communities.
Why this conversation matters
For too long, learning and wellbeing have been treated as separate priorities. But as Mathew explains, “The system of challenges that educators are facing doesn’t necessarily balance out with their system of resources.” Without that balance, both students and staff suffer.
This conversation offers a fresh perspective grounded in everyday school practice and research. Whether you’re in the classroom, in a leadership role, or working to support schools from the outside, this episode will leave you with practical language, helpful insights, and a renewed perspective on the path forward.
You can quote us on that…
“The best resource we have for challenges is connection.”
Mathew Disher
“A challenge or resource can come from within us, but also from around us as well.”
Mathew Disher
Contact
Mathew Disher – LinkedIn
Want to learn more?
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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