Teachers Talk Radio

Do you make your students laugh? Is this something that helps or hinders? When are the jokes not funny? My guest, Hannah Robinson, is asking these questions in her research for a PhD. After teaching year 7 and 8 Maths, Hannah realised that humour was part of her teaching persona and wanted to learn more. Listen to how her research is going in a fascinating discussion.

Sarah Desilva is a Primary School Teacher and Equalities Lead in a North London primary school. Sarah and Sophie discuss how educators might nurture belonging and self-expression in primary school settings and beyond.

Hannah is joined by her sister Vikki Rolls to discuss what it's like being a teacher and maintaining a family life - how to balance it all amidst the highs and lows.

Tom is joined by Sara Shabir who this week 'went viral' around the world following her gifting of a set of personalised crochet dolls to her Primary school class at the end of the school year. We find out why she did it, how long it took her and reaction of students and colleagues alike.  In Part 2 of the show, Charlotte, Vicky, both SEN/Intervention teachers, discuss how they think schools should look to reduce suspensions and exclusions, or if they need to be reduced at all? This was a conversation that included inclusion strategies, facts and figures and where the education system goes next. 

On today's show, I talked to Tamires Gama from Brazil about her experience of online learning and teaching.

Jamie is joined by Science teacher and homework enthusiast Jo Castelino to talk about how to ensure students gain the most they can from completing homework. The discussion includes interesting insights into the pros and cons of homework in general; how long should students spend on homework? What should they do? What happens when students don't complete it? Is it worth it? Join the conversation. 

Tom discusses the alternative pension plan being pitched by the largest academy chain in the UK. The scheme, proposed by CEO of UL Jon Coles, means lower employer and employee contributions in exchange for higher starting salaries and has proven very controversial, especially with the teaching unions. Tom is joined by CEO of United Learning Jon Coles, Non executive director of Advantage Schools Mark McCourt and former join general secretary of the NEU teaching union Kevin Courtney for a lively discussion around the details of this policy.

In this episode, Adam is joined by Danni Sands to discuss a mechanisms based approach to professional development. Danni shares her recent experience of building a sequence of PD with mechanisms driving her design and implementation decisions. A must listen for anyone interested in or leading PD. 

Amanda talks to Cathy McAllister about the merits and challenges of staying in the classroom throughout your career, rather than climbing the management ladder.

Your wellbeing is crucial and we've made it to the summer break. This gives you 6 weeks in which you do not have to be "switched on" constantly.  It's a time when we can hopefully focus much more on our own wellbeing. In this show, I take you through a few alternatives to the commonly talked about wellbeing ideas. Did you know there are 7 types of rest? Listen to the podcast to find out more!