Teachers Talk Radio

Join us on Teachers Talk Radio for AI in the Maths Classroom, where we bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday teaching. This show features Ben Ford (Maths Education Consultant and former Head of Maths with 20+ years of experience). We explore how to bring math to life using technology, data, and real-world applications.

Tim Smale hosts Alan Johnson to explore what schooling must do to prepare children who will leave school in 2040. They question whether current vision statements, the new white paper, and existing exam-driven systems truly ready students for emerging careers, technologies and societal change. The discussion covers practical classroom strategies including oracy, metacognition, retrieval practice and questioning alongside system-level barriers like assessment, investment and inequality. They argue change needs both teacher-led culture and broader systemic reform to be genuinely transformative.

In this show, we explored with Ioanna Karagiorgou, a university lecturer and fierce ballerina, why ballet classes often maintain strong focus, discipline, and commitment, while university classrooms struggle with engagement, and what educators might learn from the pedagogical culture of dance training.

We talk how to cope with stress and everything in between!

Darren talks about online attitudes towards World Book Day before looking at research into how we can get teachers to remain in the profession beyond the first five years.

Join Chris as he explores the role mock exams play in preparing students for the real thing. In this episode, he reflects on the timing, difficulty, marking, and consistency of mocks, considering how they can best support progress while maintaining challenge and fairness. Along the way, he shares insights and perspectives from fellow educators who have contributed to the discussion.

Panel discussion on Teachers Talk Radio exploring a YouGov poll, rising recruitment but worsening retention, and the everyday realities driving staff out of classrooms. Panelists Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, Jo Fox, Rae Whitehouse, Carl Smith and Lucy Trimnell debate workload, behaviour, accountability (Ofsted), pay and support staff pressures, and share personal experiences about the emotional and practical strains of modern teaching. The show also highlights solutions discussed by the panel - better funding, clearer boundaries, improved maternity provisions and a less punitive inspection culture alongside announcements for Teachers Talk Connect and Hachette Learning resources.

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley chat about how technology can be used with your students, either remotely or within the classroom.

Tom Rogers talks to NASUWT executives Jac Casson and Rachel Knight about the nine-day strike at a high school in Rochdale, citing 'violent and abusive' behaviour from pupils. The Teachers' Union members at St Cuthbert's RC High School in Rochdale have begun their nine day strike action outside the school on Shaw Road at 8am on 24 February. NASUWT have said that strike action will take place between from 24-26 February, 3-5 March and the 10-12 March.

Should boys be allowed to wear skirts in primary schools? Following comments from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the debate around school uniform policy, gender expression and the role of schools has reignited. On this episode of Points of View, we explore the issue from multiple angles - not culture-war headlines, but what this actually means for teachers, school leaders and families.

Ade Magaji, Associate Professor at the University of Greenwich, chats to Tony about action research. He explains how his team supports teachers to develop a model of action research in order to develop their teaching practice.

The provocative cry of those who have never set foot in a classroom since their own school days is enough to set any teacher’s teeth on edge. Join Liz, Kate and Rachel as they discuss the realities of the modern classroom from the perspective of those at the coalface - which can shock even the most seasoned of educators!

We talk about stress and how to pin what the stressor is, alongside a host of regular features.

Darren looks at a study examining beginner teacher recruitment and retention across Egypt and the UAE.

Dave Brown speaks to Ukranian teachers Karolina, Anastasiia and Olya on how the war has affected the lives of teachers and students after 4 years of conflict.

Louise Marie meets with Shane Leaning to discuss how to lead, coach and implement change effectively.

In the this episode of the popular podcast, Carl chats to experienced Assistant Principal and SENCO about what the SEND proposals in the education white paper really mean for the people working in schools.

Should schools restrict toilet breaks during lessons? Or are tighter policies necessary to maintain behaviour, safety and learning time? In Points of View, we explore one of the most heated and surprisingly complex debates in schools today. From safeguarding and vaping concerns to dignity, medical needs and student trust, where should the line be drawn? Are strict policies about consistency and standards? Or do they risk undermining student wellbeing? As always, we platform different perspectives and invite respectful challenge. Expect strong opinions, practical realities, and plenty for teachers, leaders and parents to reflect on.

Famida Choudhary is joined by Cat Chowdhary for a thought-provoking discussion on what real progress in lessons truly means. Moving beyond task completion and content coverage, the conversation explores progress as a shift in thinking — from “then” to “now.” Drawing on research, the gradual release model, adaptive teaching, and evidence-informed feedback practices, the show examines how clarity, questioning, and student response drive meaningful learning. A reflective and practical discussion for teachers and leaders committed to ensuring progress is measured by understanding — not just performance.

Fewer children are reading for pleasure than ever before. Screens are louder. Notifications are faster. Attention is shorter. So in a world of endless scrolling, does sitting down with a book still matter? In this World Book Day special, we ask the difficult questions: Does reading for pleasure really shape success? And do events like World Book Day create lasting change - or just a moment of enthusiasm? One bold claim. An honest debate. If you want to succeed, read.