Teachers Talk Radio

What hacks do you use to keep on top of your workload and reduce your own cognitive overload? Samantha discusses it here from AI to old fashioned exercise books. The show ends with a special guided meditation to help you unwind from the day.

On today's show, I spoke to Gustavo Gonzalez about the use of songs, film and TV in the classroom. We also spoke about the new GenAI songwriting tools and other AI tools.

Following on from last week's show on whole-school approaches to wellbeing, Darren discusses what it means to create a school culture, the danger of not being deliberate in behaviours and the differences between climate and culture.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of task design in education. Joined by Alex Bedford, Lauren Meadows, and Elliot Morgan, we unpack how well-constructed tasks can enhance learning, minimising distraction and get children to think hard. Drawing on key educational theories, this episode provides a comprehensive look at how to challenge students appropriately and even explore how to use technology to amplify learning outcomes. Whether you're interested in creating more engaging learning experiences or integrating technology effectively, this episode offers valuable insights into making educational tasks more impactful. Tune in to transform your educational strategies and help your students achieve deeper understanding and lasting knowledge.

Got lots of EHCP applications to do? Needs assessment requests taking hours (or even days) of your time? Join me as I share some tips to help you reduce your workload around needs assessment requests and also how you can use the law to help you get your LA to agree them. I also bust some of the myths around what you 'should' do before applying and unlawful reasons for refusing to assess. Share with your SENCO colleagues to help their wellbeing.

Michelle is joined by special guest Angela Slack to discuss the teaching of grammar in schools.

Hannah Wilson is joined by Stephen Clifford-Franklin from Resus Rangers, who provide Quality First Aid Workshops, Assemblies & Educational Resources for Teachers of Primary School Children across the UK. They explore what the requirements are and what opportunities Resus Rangers can provide to meet them. Find out more at resusrangers.com.

Tom is joined by Alex Rawlings, primary headteacher, plus assorted teacher-callers who share their views on the recent controversy regarding this corridor. Does corridor decor matter? Is it a reflection on school culture? Where does school design fit in with school performance? Listen to this discussion to find out!

In this show, Adam is joined by Paul Cline, a teacher and Professional development lead from Suffolk. Adam and Paul discuss all things Instructional coaching, getting to the crux of the similarities and differences between approaches including the facilitative to directive spectrum and the crucial role of awareness and diagnostics.

Anna Hudson and her guest Toya Dunscombe explore the challenges and barriers facing looked after children in the education and care systems, and suggest a few things teachers can do to help them.

Toby and Piers Gledhill talk about how to make pair-teaching work in the classroom, whether it's with TAs, mentees or teachers. We also look at the culture of isolation and discuss how to make teaching more inclusive and open.

In this show Kirsten and I discuss definitions of well-being, key strategies that teachers can implement in their classrooms and some of the challenges that teachers face in prioritising pupil wellbeing alongside academic achievement.

David is joined by Josh Perry Garry the 2022 National Diversity Award winner, Head of History, author and public speaker. In this show they discuss what diversity in the History curriculum means, what a truly diverse curriculum looks like and why it matters.

Darren looks at what a WSA to wellbeing looks like and thinks about why staff wellbeing should be just as big a priority as pupil wellbeing.

My guest this week is Naomi Eisenstadt the first director of Sure Start. Sure Start was the boldest attempt to close the inequality gap in education since the inception of the welfare state. In light of recent IFS reports showing the long-term benefits of Sure Start, we reflect on its successes, failures, and legacy.

Tom Rogers talks to Australian behaviour expert Bill Rogers about all things behaviour in schools - what's going wrong? What needs to change? What strategies should teachers implement in the classroom? What about restorative conversations? Sanctions? Impact? School leadership support? All this and more covered in this 90 minute conversation - enjoy! The video version of this interview can be found here.

Stephen takes listeners on an eclectic journey through myriad topics pertinent to teachers including a magnificent trip to Norfolk.

Paul talks to Dr Cheryl Bauman about caring leadership. This episode is a 'must-listen' for current and aspiring leaders in schools. Episode Chapters (06:12) The strong relationship between formal and informal leadership (15:10) Leaders have to have self-belief (22:56) Being a servant leader takes courage. It's being caring and collaborative (31:40) What makes it difficult for school leaders to be authentic? (51:39) Motivation in becoming a better leader (57:47) What is the impact of caring leadership on children and the community? (01:07:49) Leadership’s impact on the medium to longer term for students and teachers (01:11:39) How does a leader show that she cares?

Sabrina and Ian Moore discuss Project Based Learning and how Ian has designed, developed and implemented it for his construction students.

Rae and Carol share their experiences and insights into teaching mixed ability English classes.