OUR VISION

A world where every teacher feels inspired, connected, & valued through meaningful professional development.

A Community Where Food & Learning Come Together

A Lot on Our Plate was created with a simple belief: professional development should feel as inspiring and enjoyable as a great meal shared with friends.

We know Food Technology and Hospitality teachers face unique challenges, from limited access to industry to professional development (PD) that too often feels uninspiring.

That’s why we’re redefining PD as a community experience. Our events bring teachers, chefs, and industry professionals together to share knowledge, spark creativity, and celebrate the joy of food, all while maintaining your industry currency.

Our Story

We first crossed paths in 2013 when Megan was working with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Jo was coordinating Vocational Education and Training (VET) at St Ives High School. Not long after, Megan stepped into the role of Head Teacher at St Ives, and what could have been a straightforward boss and colleague relationship quickly turned into a genuine friendship. We worked side by side on countless projects, shared plenty of laughs, and discovered how much we had in common through food and teaching.

Together, we had the chance to create learning experiences that felt bigger than the classroom. We’ve hosted functions and events with catering for up to 500 guests, organised annual interstate student hospitality tours (perfecting the art of herding 20 teenagers through the Gold Coast each year), and even found time to travel the world together during our school holidays.

Each experience confirmed our shared belief that learning is most powerful when it is practical, collaborative and joyful.

Today, our careers have led us into different leadership roles. Yet, we both remain close to the classroom, still teaching the subjects we love most and still finding opportunities to collaborate on projects that combine food, learning and fun.

A Lot on Our Plate is the natural next chapter. It brings together our passion, our experience and our friendship to offer professional learning that connects educators with industry, each other and great food.

Megan Bond

Megan has always been driven by a love of food, education and creating opportunities for young people. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, she began her career in the food industry with Sanitarium Health Food Company, working as a Food Technologist and Quality Control Officer in the Snacks, Cooking and Occasion Foods Unit.

Recognising the impact she could make in education, Megan joined the Accelerated Teacher Training Program. She went on to complete a Bachelor of Education, Certificate II in Hospitality and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, building a strong foundation for a career deeply connected to Vocational Education and Training.

Megan’s teaching journey has taken her across schools in New South Wales, where she has taught Food Technology and Hospitality, led curriculum initiatives and supported assessment development through local and regional RTOs. She later became Head Teacher, Technology and Appplied Studies (TAS), at St Ives High School, before broadening her experience through the Rural Experience Program and into senior leadership roles. Along the way, she has contributed to statewide assessment writing, supported WorldSkills competitions and built strong connections between schools and industry.

Today, Megan is Deputy Principal at Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, she continues to teach her favourite subjects, Food Technology and Hospitality, sharing her love of food with students while shaping curriculum and pathways for senior learners.

Jo Craven

Jo has always loved food, entertaining and the connections that come from bringing people together, which made teaching Food Technology the perfect career path. After completing a Bachelor of Education in Home Economics, she began teaching with a focus on innovation in Hospitality education. Jo was among the first teachers in New South Wales to upskill in the delivery of VET.

Jo’s career has been closely tied to St Ives High School, where she has been part of the community for more than 30 years and now serves as Head Teacher, TAS and VET Coordinator. With a strong focus on Hospitality, she is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Through strong industry partnerships, she has opened pathways for students that include mentoring, skills development and post-school opportunities.

Jo has led the development of the Trade Training Centre at St Ives High School, presented at RTO conferences, served as a Hospitality HSC exam marker and contributed as Vice President of the Technology Educators Association. She has also guided interstate and international Hospitality tours, most recently leading a Food and Languages tour through Spain and Italy.

In 2024, Jo was honoured with the VET Trainer and Teacher of the Year Award for the Central and Northern Sydney Region and was a finalist for the NSW title. She now proudly serves as an ambassador to the NSW Training Awards, advocating for VET and inspiring others in the field.