In this article, the author reflects on the use of research to inform teaching in Statement Five of the Australian Association for the Teaching of English (AATE) "Statements of Belief". Statement 5 says, "We use research and evidence to inform teaching practice and improve the learning of students." All educational research is primarily directed towards improving learning by informing policy and teaching practice. This Statement and the accompanying elaborating notes focus on the ways in which teachers, throughout their careers, use research for the key purposes of informing their teaching practices and improving students' learning. The strength of the verbs in the six Statements highlights what teachers do, and in the case of this statement, emphasise the "use" of research. Teachers use research and evidence, not for peripheral purposes, but for the overarching purpose of improving teaching and learning. The author cites examples that presented new ideas and understandings on teaching practices, and over time, these ideas have become embedded in the teaching of English.