Teachers Talk Radio

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.

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley are joined by Kristine to chat about how we teaching one-to-one lessons should be approached differently compared to group lessons.

We dive into what it really means to develop an AI-literate faculty not just in terms of tools and skills, but mindset, pedagogic judgement, and institutional strategy. Join us as we unpack how higher education leaders can equip educators to engage with AI confidently, ethically, and creatively. We're joined by two exceptional voices in the field: Dr. Carmen Miles, PFHEA – a senior academic leader with deep experience in educational change, learning quality assurance, and digital pedagogy Med “M. K.” Kharbach, PhD – an educator, researcher and instructional designer who specialises in AI literacy and digital competence for teachers

This conversation is really about the evolving role of teachers in the classroom. Last time, we talked about teachers as entertainers; this time we're asking whether teachers should also be coaches. Are we placing too much pressure on teachers to take on yet another role - one that complicates an already demanding profession? Or does coaching have the power to deepen student learning, shifting teachers from delivering answers to guiding students as they discover their own?

In this show we explored the space between education and industry - from teaching practice and real-world readiness to confidence, resilience, and mindset in creative careers. A heartfelt thank you to Valentina Mariani, Associate Lecturer in Communications and Media at UAL, LCC and dynamic professional in the fashion and art industries as art curator and PR consultant- for sharing her experience, honesty, and generous insights on how university education can provide students with the soft skills needed for developping a successful career, especially within the communications and media creative industries. 

Join host Famida Choudhary as she explores the evolving expectations placed on teachers today and the often unseen cognitive and emotional load they carry. Drawing on research, real classroom stories, and practical strategies, the show reflects on how educators can respond sustainably—by simplifying practice, protecting professional wellbeing, and focusing on what truly matters for learning. A thoughtful and supportive conversation for teachers navigating the realities of modern education.

Darren is joined by maths teacher and Director of Learning Neil Barton to discuss why Darren is so vehemently anti-AI and what the research has to say about AI tools in the classroom.

What happens when AI isn't a pilot or a policy, but something thousands of teachers and students are expected to use well? Matt is joined by Richard Human, Head of AI for a global network of schools, to talk about AI in the global classroom. We'll look at what it really takes to support and upskill thousands of staff and students in AI across different countries and school systems. What scales, what quickly falls apart, and what schools learn when AI becomes part of everyday classroom practice rather than a strategic ambition.

Carl chats to experienced school governor, Professor David Price, about why school governance matters and what constitutes good governance and bad governance is our schools today.

Are rewards and sanctions helping young people thrive, or holding them back? In this show, Tim is joined by behaviour specialist Andy Baker to challenge how we think about discipline in schools. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across education, care, and foster settings, Andy unpacks why behaviour is communication, what empathetic approaches look like in practice, and how a shift in mindset can transform outcomes for students and teachers alike.

This show explores how inclusive pedagogy, curriculum design, digital accessibility, and institutional culture can create more equitable learning environments across higher education. We move beyond compliance to discuss practical strategies for embedding accessibility into everyday teaching and learning, informed by lived experience and sector-wide insight. Our guests are Dr Sambhavi Chandrashekar, Chair of the Global Leadership Council at the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, and an internationally recognised advocate for inclusive learning technologies.

The global teacher shortage. Why is it happening? What are the consequences? What keeps teachers in the profession? With input from guests Shrouk Anany, Alicia Lara, Alejandra Lucía, and Ashish Sharma.

On the Twilight Show, host Tony and guests Yannick Berland and Zoe Enser discuss current issues facing schools: the new Ofsted framework and how it accounts for context, the debate over a social media ban for under-16s, and the role of Ofsted-style consultants. They examine the balance between relationships and classroom management, trust intervention, and the high-stakes nature of inspections, sharing practical reflections from inside schools. The conversation highlights tensions between accountability and context, concerns about student wellbeing and technology, and the challenges leaders face when choosing external advice. The episode invites teachers to contribute their experiences and join future discussions.

In this show, Tom Rogers is joined by practising headteacher Rich Warkden for a wide-ranging and honest discussion about some of the most contentious issues facing schools right now. They unpack the government's proposals around suspensions and internal exclusions, questioning whether keeping pupils on site during suspensions is realistic, properly funded, or blurs the line between education and childcare. The conversation explores parental responsibility, behaviour policy, staffing pressures, and whether schools are increasingly being asked to fix problems rooted in wider society. The discussion then turns to school holiday fines, with a clear-eyed look at whether fines actually change behaviour. Drawing on real school attendance data, Rich argues that rising fines have failed to deter term-time holidays, highlights the cost-of-living pressures facing families, and questions whether holiday companies should be part of the conversation. Mobile phones, social media, and their impact on behaviour and wellbeing also feature heavily, including reflections on school phone bans, Monday morning fallout from online activity, and whether schools have become the “fourth emergency service”.

The panel (JP, Carl and Lucy) discuss the big news this week - More pupils suspended for bad behaviour will have to stay in school under supervision, rather than being sent home, in a bid to curb learning loss and reduce exposure to phones and social media. Ministers say the changes are designed to strengthen discipline while ensuring pupils continue learning during short-term suspensions, particularly for non-violent behaviour.

Join Michael Wright for his Sunday Lunch Show with guest David Mastrocola as they discuss the value of vocational education and how we can integrate it in industry and the workforce.

In this show, Geraldine Tandoh explains what culturally responsive teaching is, why it matters, and how teachers can build belonging through simple, practical classroom strategies. She shares research roots, examples from English lessons, and ideas like student-led culture committees and inclusive school displays. Listeners will hear tips for welcoming students (names, greetings, registers), designing responsive lessons and culture weeks, involving student voice, and embedding these practices in ongoing professional development.

In tonight's show, I talk with Aileen Wallace about the benefits and pitfalls of using Edtech in the classroom. Is it all bells and whistles or does edtech have a point in teaching, learning and assessment?

We talk how to mindfully bring news into the classroom and those tibetan bells to help with your Sunday reset!

Authors Tanya Ovenden-Hope and Holly Kirkpatrick join Tony to talk about their new book Early Career Teacher Entitlement: Great Expectations. Their book sets out the journey of the Early Career Framework so far, and comes highly recommended. It is available now via the Hachette Learning website.

Martin and Claudia host a lively conversation with Min Hee Park, an English educator and performance-based learning specialist with 25 years of experience. They explore her journey from starting as a middle-school tutor to leading English theatre projects and teaching filmmaking to young learners. Key takeaways include practical strategies to get Korean students speaking, using storytelling, reading, music, performance and video, cultural factors that affect classroom participation, and tips for managing parents and classroom dynamics.

Teachers Talk Radio hosts Rae, Liz, Carl and Lucy debate the House of Lords vote to ban under‑16s from social media, weighing harms to mental health, addiction and attention against potential benefits like support for isolated young people. The show explores parenting, school responsibilities, regulatory challenges, algorithmic risks, and practical ideas for implementation and exemptions.

In this fascinating and practical show, Ben White is joined by Paul Cline and Mike Hobbiss to explore why students so often struggle to work independently and why this isn't simply a problem of motivation. Drawing on cognitive science and classroom experience, they discuss how independent learning needs to be deliberately designed: giving students clear knowledge of what to do, building beliefs that success is achievable and worthwhile, and helping them develop the habits and resilience to push through both practical and emotional barriers. Essential listening for teachers and school leaders.

Christopher talks with graduate musician and instrumental teacher Seth Butterfield about his experience of supporting talented musicians in a Benedictine boarding school.

We talk how you're doing, why you're still a teacher and just have a Sunday reset without those Sunday blues. A mental health hour for teachers by a teacher!

Join Chris as he reflects on staff culture in education, exploring how collaboration, recognition, and wellbeing shape the everyday experience of teaching. From the staffroom to the classroom, this episode focuses on why feeling supported and valued matters more than ever.

How has technology in education changed over the years? My guest, Alan Bray, gives his perspective from when he first started using computers in the classroom in the 1980s until the present day. 

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show where he discusses how to prepare for inspections in a variety of education settings including what to be mindful of, feelings towards inspections and how to overcome challanges.

Darren looks at the PBIS method of behaviour management and how Ohio used it both to improve behaviour in its schools and to create a recognition system for schools working to improve behavioural outcomes.

This show looks beyond the numbers to question what target grades really mean in English secondary schools. Exploring progress, pressure, and pupil identity, it asks how one number can shape teaching, learning, and expectations—and whether it truly measures success. 

Louise Marie meets with Melissa Tynegate to discuss the research behind and strategies for effective revision!

What is the role of values in schools- primary and secondary, how do school values and British values work, what about what parents values and schools don't align? Beejesh and Claire discuss.

We kick off 2026 with some regular features and SOME BIG NEWS! Not to be missed.

Carl chats to Dr Nuala Burgess about whether this is the right time to phase out the remaining grammar schools.

The Panel discusses the BBC reporting that staff at two primary schools in Greater Manchester have gone on strike over claims their reports of violence and daily assaults are being ignored by senior leadership. Teachers at Lily Lane Primary School in Moston and Ravensfield Primary School have walked out following claims that pupils have been biting and kicking staff, throwing furniture and, bringing knives to school. One of teachers told the BBC nothing is being done to protect children and staff. Members of The Teachers' Union (NAWUST)are set to strike three days a week throughout January.

In their first show of 2026, Michael Wright and Jen Hurst discuss CPD, the relevancy of it for career development, effective CPD and how good CPD should be transformative, galvanise teaching staff and be focused towards improving teacher practice for the students only.