Teachers Talk Radio

Tim Smale speaks with men's coach Ryan Parke about why male wellbeing often goes unspoken, the role of hormones like testosterone, and stark suicide and health statistics for men. They explore practical, evidence‑based strategies - diet, sleep, exercise, vitamin D, and reduced alcohol - that can improve mental and physical health, and discuss how teachers and schools can better support boys and male staff through conversations that preserve capability, teamwork and engagement.

Louise Marie meets with Mr Metacognition, Nathan Burns, to discuss what metacognition actually is, the research underpinning it, classroom strategies, curriculum design and CPD!

Parent Ellie Miles and SEND campaigner Paul Ridley join Tony for an honest discussion about the current issues in SEND and their opinions on the reforms recently announced by the government.

I really did have a shocker of a week. Let's talk it out. Join me.

Teacher wellbeing has fallen to its lowest level since 2019, according to the 2025 Teacher Wellbeing Index from Education Support. The findings paint a stark picture across the profession: 76% of education staff report feeling stressed, while 36% are at risk of probable clinical depression. Almost half (49%) say their working environment negatively affects their mental health, and 40% feel they need more support from their school. So, what role do school leaders play in improving staff wellbeing and what practical changes could make the biggest difference? In this live Points of View discussion on TTR, we'll explore the latest data and debate what school leaders can realistically do to support their staff. On the panel: Rae Whitehouse, Gulcin Sesli, Rich Walkden, Tom Rogers and JP.

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley are joined with Maiah Hollander chat about life as an expat English language teacher with some tips for making it rewarding and successful.

There are lots of things about teaching that are challenging, its tiring and there things that don't get acknowledged or talked about. But why do we still stay? Clearly there's some really good stuff is happening too. Let's talk about that, because we love the optimism! In today's show, Seema will be joined by her colleague Chiara Minestrelli, breakdancer turned Senior Lecturer.

Join Chris as he explores the hidden side of teaching in his first of the Highlighting Vulnerabilities in Teaching series. In this episode, he reflects on the need to be liked in the classroom, sharing honest insights from his own experience and the balance between connection and authority.

Host Tom speaks with Nigel Miller, CEO of Active Learning Group, about how outdoor education ranging from forest school and bushcraft to coastal coasteering and mountain expeditions supports student wellbeing, resilience and personal growth. They discuss practical benefits for teachers and pupils, inclusive facilitation, residential experiences, cost-effective ways to get started, and where to find more information at activelearninggroup.co.uk.

Our guest, Associate Dean Sonal Jain, joins us to share her insights on institutional implementation and how faculty can thoughtfully incorporate AI into their existing curricula to increase student engagement

Michael Wright guides you through some of his highlights from Teachers Talk Connect 2026! He meets speakers, attendees and members of the TTR team to talk about their event takeaways and how they have found the day. Featuring TTR team including Rae Whitehouse, Louise Pickering and Amber Hardisty. Find out more about Connect and watch the mainstage talks in full here: https://www.ttradio.org/connect2026 2026 edition took place Saturday 14th March in Manchester. Come along in 2027? We would love to see you there! Register for our newsletter for all event updates or follow us on our various social channels.

Join Michael Wright and guest Katharine Kirk for the Sunday Lunch show which cover reflections on the recent TTR Connect event and to discuss the question: “If you had complete freedom to design your perfect school, what would it be like?” It's set to be a fascinating conversation. He'll also be sharing details of a special YouTube video filmed at TTR Connect that dives even deeper into this topic. Go to our Teachers Talk Radio Youtube channel for more details.

What a shocker of a week. How was yours? Let's talk it out

Darren talks about distributed leadership and asks the question: Do too many cooks spoil the broth?

Carl Smith chats to expert, Helen Atkins, on whether autism is a spectrum, how our understanding of autism has changed over the years and how schools can support young people with autism. A must listen for anyone interested in the current debates about autism.

Lee is joined by Jonathan Keay, the Deputy CEO of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. They will be 'looking in the rear view mirror' of their careers, reflecting on lessons learned in leadership. They will also consider how their experiences have shaped their current thinking. Check out their extra special guest for the last part of the show! 

New research shows that 1 in 4 children start school without being toilet trained, meaning teachers spend an average of 2.5 hours a day dealing with the impact. The panel discuss this, followed by a look at Schools minister Georgia Goulds letter to Ofqual to say that "for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects, students should not be required to memorise formulae and equations for assessment purposes." On the panel: JP, Rae Whitehouse and Rachel Gilyeat.

Tom Rogers is joined by Alice Faulkner and Zoe Higgins to discuss why Parental engagement is a vital – and sometimes challenging – part of delivering effective RSE and PSHE in primary schools. In this live discussion brought to you with Kapow Primary, we explore how schools can build trust, communicate clearly with families, and ensure parents feel informed and involved in what their children are learning. We'll discuss why parental engagement matters so much in RSE and PSHE, what meaningful communication with parents should look like, and how schools can respond to common misconceptions about the curriculum. The conversation will also look at the practical realities of the new statutory guidance, including how schools can share curriculum resources, consult parents effectively, and maintain transparency without overwhelming families. The discussion will also cover key topics such as puberty education, the distinction between relationships education and sex education, and parents' withdrawal rights, as well as the growing importance of engaging parents around the online world and digital safety. Whether you're a subject leader, classroom teacher, or school leader, this session will offer practical ideas for building a clear and confident RSHE communication strategy with parents. Join the live conversation and share your views in the chat.

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.

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.

Darren discusses how collegiality is not the same as congeniality, and it something that must be deliberately fostered in the workplace.

Join Chris as he challenges the way we think about homework, reframing it from an afterthought into a powerful part of learning. In this episode, he explores how purposeful, well-designed homework can build confidence, deepen understanding, and turn small moments of practice into real progress.

The Truth Behind Teaching: Did They Learn It or Did You Just Say It? is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Michelle Hinds that cuts through classroom performance and gets to the heart of real learning. With honesty, insight, and a touch of humour, Michelle explores what actually happens between teaching and understanding  why great lessons don't always equal deep learning, how to spot genuine progress, and what teachers can do to bridge the gap. Expect sharp reflections, practical strategies, and candid conversations about the realities of teaching that every educator will recognise.      

Guest Matt Miles joins The Morning Break team to discuss how high expectations are crucial to student outcomes and high levels of engagement in the classroom.

Michael Gove joins Teachers Talk Radio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with teachers on the biggest issues in English education and the legacy of his time as Education Secretary. We cover: • What Gove says he “got wrong” — and why he thinks reforms didn't go far enough • “The Blob”: regrets, meaning, and who he says it referred to • Curriculum & EBacc: impact on arts, vocational routes, and “knowledge-rich” schooling • SEND & inclusion: reasonable adjustments, direct instruction, and ambition for all pupils • Teacher retention: why 40–50k leave and what he thinks is driving it • Behaviour & violence in schools: exclusions, alternative provision, phones/social media • Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, safeguarding judgements — and the Ruth Perry case • Plus: a quick-fire ending (including Brexit…) Featuring teacher questions from Liz Webb (English teacher, 20 years) and Yasmin Omar (assistant headteacher). Thanks to our show partners AQA and Hachette Learning for supporting Teachers Talk Radio.

AI is everywhere in education. The government says it will transform teacher workload. EdTech companies say it will revolutionise learning. But what does the evidence actually say? Tim and a panel of experts ask the uncomfortable questions: does AI improve learning, or are we solving teacher problems by creating student ones?

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show with guest Justyn Waterman as they unpack the difference between coaching and mentoring in education, how to support colleagues with both, weigh the pros and cons of each, and share tips plus anecdotes based on Justin's expertise.

We talk half-term, hols and grammar! Thanks to everyone who joined in.

Darren looks at some research conducted between 2021 and 2024 which examines what pupils, teachers and parents think about the state of toilets in school.

In this show, host Christopher Vowles digs into Secondary Geography in Action with its author, David Preece. Published in October 2025, this practical new guide helps geography teachers make sense of subject-specific educational research and put it into action in real secondary classrooms. The conversation explores how evidence-informed practice can support better outcomes for learners while staying grounded in the realities of school life. Whether you're an experienced geography teacher, a trainee, or a school leader interested in bridging the gap between research and classroom practice, this show offers thoughtful insight, practical ideas, and inspiring discussion on putting research into geography in action. Get the book here: https://www.hachettelearning.com/geography/secondary-geography-in-action

Listen to Lee, Graham and David as they delve into The School To Prison Pipeline, considering what it is, how schools can support young people and how the system might need to change.

The panel discuss the evidence suggesting that the number of EHCPs continue to rise in schools - what is the reason for this? What are the solutions? What's going on?

Schools often treat subjects as separate, but learning doesn't work that way. In this show, Tim talks with Barry Cooper, Founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid, about student agency, transfer, and why the gaps between lessons, subjects, and experiences might be where real learning lives.