Teachers Talk Radio

At Connaught School for Girls in Waltham Forest, frustrated students are directly confronting teachers in the third week of strikes. With GCSE preparations severely disrupted, pupils are demanding the National Education Union members return to class. Teachers, protesting heavy workloads, management issues, potential redundancies and pay cuts, have been seen turning away or standing with keffiyehs and Palestine flags. Parents are bitterly divided - some backing the teachers’ fight for better conditions, others furious that their daughters’ futures are being sacrificed. Is this a necessary stand for workers’ rights, or are students paying the price for adult disputes at the worst possible time? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Dave Brown and Lucy Trimnell.

Great schools don't happen by accident. Behind every turnaround story is a leader who understood that sustainable improvement isn't just about strategy; it's about people. It's about building a culture where staff feel trusted, students feel they belong, and everyone believes that better is possible. Yet so many schools find themselves stuck. They have the data, the development plans, the training days and still the gap between knowing what good looks like and actually getting there remains frustratingly wide. So what makes the difference? What separates the schools that talk about change from the ones that live it? In this episode, we explore the human side of school improvement. What it takes to walk into a school and create the conditions for change, quickly, and in a way that lasts. We dig into the leadership decisions that matter most in the early days, the role culture plays in unlocking or blocking progress, and why the most powerful driver of school improvement has never been a policy or a framework. It's has always been people. Special Guest: Andrea Rosewell. 

A major new study has revealed that nearly a quarter of newly-qualified teachers in England never actually enter the profession after training. Researchers point to “reality shock” with workload, administration, lesson planning and long working days among the biggest concerns for trainee teachers. But is workload really the main issue? Or are deeper problems driving graduates away before their careers even begin? On this week’s mid week Points of View, Tom Rogers, JP, Liz Webb and Rae Whitehouse discuss whether teacher training courses are properly preparing people for the realities of the classroom, whether excessive workload has become normalised in schools, and whether teaching today is fundamentally different from what many trainees expect when they begin. The panel will also discuss whether schools are doing enough to support early career teachers, whether the profession is losing people before they even start, and whether the recruitment crisis can really be solved without confronting the retention crisis first.

Tom Rogers is joined by Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the NASUWT, for a special one-off conversation on the biggest issues facing teachers right now. With growing concerns around pay, workload and retention, are we heading towards further industrial action? What’s really driving teachers out of the profession and what needs to change to stop it? The discussion explores funding pressures, maternity rights, behaviour, and the widening expectations placed on schools. Are teachers being asked to do too much? And is the system reaching breaking point?

Michelle sits down with David Didau to challenge the myths around lesson observations. Who are they really for, and are they working? A sharp, thought-provoking conversation on rethinking what effective observation should look like.

In this second show in his series on exam pressure, Darren explores what the research says about reducing student anxiety in assessments. Drawing on evidence-based strategies, he focuses on practical in-school interventions that can make a measurable difference to how students experience tests. From classroom approaches to whole-school practices, this episode offers clear, research-informed insights for teachers and school leaders looking to support student wellbeing and improve performance under pressure.

A school letter has sparked controversy after making extra GCSE revision including weekends compulsory, with consequences for absence. But where is the line between high expectations and excessive pressure? In tonight’s Points of View, we ask: Should schools be able to mandate extra sessions? Do strict systems raise standards or risk burnout? And who decides what’s “too far” when exams are on the line? Join the debate as we explore how far schools should go in the name of results.   Featuring JP, Tom Rogers, Tony Harwood and Michael Wright.

In this special Teachers Talk Radio show, brought to you in partnership with Hachette Learning, hosts Tom Rogers and Charlotte Newman are joined by Joe Kinnaird to explore his new book, Secondary Religious Education in Action. Drawing on classroom experience and the latest research, Joe shares a vision for high-quality RE, one that challenges students to engage deeply with religious and non-religious worldviews, grapple with philosophical and ethical questions, and develop informed, critical responses. The conversation explores practical strategies for curriculum design, teaching disciplinary knowledge, and handling sensitive or controversial topics, alongside a wider discussion about the purpose and value of RE in today’s schools. Check out the book here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/joe-kinnaird-2/secondary-religious-education-in-action/9781915261915/

In this show of Teachers Talk Radio, Famida Choudhary is joined by Amir Taron Ayres to rethink one of education’s most debated classroom tools — worksheets. Moving beyond the idea of worksheets as passive tasks, the conversation explores how teachers can transform routine activities into opportunities for intellectual engagement, discussion, error analysis, collaboration, and deeper learning. Drawing on ideas around alignment, relevance, student thinking, and Charlotte Danielson’s work on active engagement, the episode highlights how worksheets can become scaffolds for meaningful learning experiences rather than simple completion tasks.      

A school letter has sparked controversy after making extra GCSE revision — including weekends — compulsory, with consequences for absence. But where is the line between high expectations and excessive pressure? In tonight’s Points of View, we ask: Should schools be able to mandate extra sessions? Do strict systems raise standards or risk burnout? And who decides what’s “too far” when exams are on the line? Join the debate as we explore how far schools should go in the name of results.

We talk how to make meaning out of stress in the classroom.

In this live show Tim is joined by Michael Everett, an educator whose career has taken him from challenging secondary schools in England to international schools in Qatar and Brunei. Together they ask a genuinely provocative question: what would you build if you started from scratch? It is a conversation about what school is actually for, and who gets to decide.

Headteacher Jonathan Sands joins Yannick and Tony to talk about the big binaries! Is DI the only way or is there room for discovery? Do we need rules or are relationships enough? The 'prog' vs 'trad' debate. A reasonable argument or simply a tool for division and toxicity?

Hosts Huma and Toby talk with teachers John and Richard about why graphic novels matter in schools, how they encourage reading for pleasure, and how they support inference, vocabulary and cross-curricular learning from science to history. The episode includes practical classroom examples, age-appropriate suggestions (from wordless picture books to manga and teen titles), evidence on learning impact, and stories of students whose attitudes to reading  is transformed.

Darren looks at the research into the differences, and similarrties, in how test anxiety presents itself in boys and girls.

This is a show for teachers everywhere. Teachers who are exhausted. Teachers who feel under pressure. teachers who feel like they are failing. In other words, all teachers, all the time. Carl explains why the myth of the good teacher is quietly taking the joy out of the job and why we need to embrace the idea of the good enough teacher to rediscover it.

Reform has unveiled plans for a “patriotic curriculum” — including flying the Union Flag in every school, displaying portraits of the King, and reshaping history teaching to focus more heavily on British achievements. Supporters say it’s about restoring national pride, identity and balance in education. Critics argue it risks politicising the classroom and narrowing how history is taught. So where should schools draw the line? 👉 Should education actively promote patriotism? 👉 Is national identity being lost — or protected? 👉 And who decides what version of history gets taught?

Join us for a Late Show special in which Tim sits down with Peter Hyman: former Downing Street speechwriter, co-founder of School 21, and one of the most persistent voices in England for genuine curriculum reform. Together they`ll tackle oracy, the growing crisis around boys in education, whether teachers are part of the problem, and the almost one million young people currently classified as NEET. It is a direct, challenging and at times uncomfortable conversation about whether schools are truly preparing young people for the world they are actually going to live in.

On today's show, I look back at last week's IATEFL conference and discuss some practical tips for teacher professional development.

Hosts Tony and Yannick chat with headteacher Jonathan Sands about his people-centred approach to behaviour management, explaining a ‘reward over sanction’ house-points system that dramatically reduced suspensions and improved attendance and engagement. The show explores tensions between restorative and punitive approaches, centralised behaviour systems, teacher trust and autonomy, and the debate between direct instruction and discovery learning, with practical examples and reflections for school leaders and classroom teachers.

We talk if the sun is actually shining and do things get better? Let's talk it out..

It’s nearly exam season and the countdown, post-Easter, has truly begun. The pressure is on. Revision classes are running before school, after school, lunchtimes. Material is being revisited, practice papers are being circulated, students are requesting psychic predictions of paper content. The holy grail of the fabled study leave experienced by their predecessors is within touching distance and yet… the sense of immediacy somehow feels lacking - like the exams are months rather than days away. Is it worse in 2026 than it has ever been or have we forgotten last year already? Is apathy the name of the game or is it something else? Is it anxiety? Burn out? Boredom through Groundhog Day repetition of the same material? Join The Morning Break team’s discussion as they delve into the classroom experiences and feelings leading up to exam season.

Darren looks into the research behind availability and access to information and considers what this means for student research projects.

Dave Brown speaks to Mehal Shah about the Every Child Achieving and Thriving white paper on education. What does the future of SEND provision look like, how will teaching potentially change in the next 10 years and what are the major barriers to achieving the vision set out by the white paper? 

In this show, Famida is joined by De'Shawn Washington to explore “Literacy: Liberating Lives.” Moving beyond phonics and technical skills, the conversation examines how reading can shift from obligation to genuine engagement. Drawing on research, classroom practice, and real-world challenges, the show highlights the growing literacy and communication gap, the importance of fluency and comprehension, and how literacy connects deeply with writing, speaking, and critical thinking. A powerful discussion for educators looking to make reading meaningful, purposeful, and rooted in student voice.

Mehmet speaks with Eve, an English leader passionate about creating truly inclusive classrooms where every student feels seen, heard and valued. Known for her willingness to address challenging topics-from identity and culture to LGBT+ issues and misogyny-Eve shares how she creates safe, honest spaces or meaningful dialogue.

In this week's show, Martin Sketchley has a chat with Joseph Steven Van Dorn about what university teachers should consider when working in South Korea.

This show responds to a Telegraph exclusive claiming progressive policies of managed moves, pressure not to exclude and inclusion practices may keep violent pupils in mainstream schools. The hosts discuss media bias, teacher safety, the limits of inclusion, and how managed moves and alternative provision actually work. They explore possible fixes including clearer boundaries, better funding and support, earlier intervention, and nuanced policies that balance safeguarding staff and students with routes for rehabilitation and redemption. On the panel: Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, JP and Rae Whitehouse. 

Deputy head Rachel, working in a primary school in Newham, discusses how schools are responding to needs beyond education, including poverty, food insecurity, toileting and family instability. She outlines practical approaches - home visits, strong induction, clear behaviour policies that involve parents, pastoral teams, wellbeing programmes and community partnerships - and argues that building relationships and embedding mental health support helps attendance, learning and overall pupil wellbeing.

We talk mental health (of course) and how we can be more compassionate in the classroom, alongside all those regular features you know and love.

In this show, Timea talks with lecturer Rafael Dos Santos about the role of humour in higher education: why it works (neuroscience, dopamine, belonging and retention), how to use it intentionally (timing, storytelling, affiliate/self‑deprecating humour, props, games and icebreakers), and how to avoid pitfalls (sarcasm, cultural sensitivity and targeting humour). They share practical tips for starting small, building confidence and using tools like AI to brainstorm suitable, safe ideas. The show also highlights partners and resources, including AQA examiner opportunities and Hachette Learning professional development titles; catch the full episode and other Teachers Talk Radio shows at ttradio.org.

In this show, Sarah speaks with Head of Year Jack Macey about transforming the dreaded phone call home into a tool for building relationships and improving student outcomes. They discuss practical tips for teachers - especially early career teachers - including making positive calls, keeping conversations factual and brief, scripting key phrases, using colleagues for support, and handling defensive or disengaged parents. The episode highlights research linking parental engagement to better progress and stresses that consistent, warm communication can build trust between school and home.

Darren looks into recent research published by Liang et al into the role that personality plays in online language learning and considers how we can apply the concept of "personality types" to our own teaching and learning. 

Carl chats to experienced Head of Year, Adam Perry about what they job is really like. A really interesting insight for anyone who is or has been head of year, is thinking they might like to be a year head or is in need of appointing one.  Is it the toughest job in the school? Why do people still do it?

Lee Pace and guest Andy Chell explore modern school governance: what governing bodies actually do, how to distinguish strategic oversight from day-to-day operations, and why effective challenge and triangulation matter. They discuss the roles of chairs, clerks, link governors and parent trustees, recruitment by skills, learning walks, horizon scanning for future policy changes, and practical tips for clearer reporting and stronger governor–school relationships.

Stricter home schooling rules are on the way but are councils anywhere near ready? This week on Points of View, we unpack the government’s plans to introduce a national register of home-educated children and tighter oversight of families. Supporters say it’s about safeguarding vulnerable children and preventing tragedies. Critics warn it risks intrusive state overreach and puts impossible pressure on already overstretched local authorities. With rising numbers of children leaving schools - many linked to SEND pressures and mental health concerns, we ask: Are schools failing too many children? Is home education becoming a necessity, not a choice? Can councils realistically monitor thousands more families? And where should the balance lie between parental rights and child protection? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Lucy Trimnell and Carl Smith.

Join Michael Wright on The Sunday Lunch Show has he discusses applying for teaching jobs, green and red flags when getting a feel for a school, interview technique and how to make sure you are applying for schools that fit your own values and ethics. A must listen for those, ECT's in particular, who are job hunting!

We talk blues and how it may be the search for perfection behind it, alongside your regular features to set you up with returning to the classroom tomorrow *if you are*

Some days, teachers walk into the classroom carrying more than just their teaching materials. This show explores what it means to teach on an “off” day; the quiet challenge of showing up with energy, focus, and presence when you don’t quite feel like yourself. We’ll look at the pressure that comes with that reality, but also the unexpected upside: how the act of stepping into the role can sometimes lift us, ground us, and even help us through. It’s an honest conversation about the strain, the resilience, and the surprising opportunities hidden in the harder days.

Darren looks at why it's so important for teachers to tell their stories od why we chose to enter the profession.

On this show, Tony and Yannick discuss whether teachers should model the same rules they set for students. They cover dress code and uniform expectations, gender differences in standards, homework and workload, classroom behaviour, recruitment and the challenge of maintaining positivity in the profession. The conversation combines practical examples, listener comments and reflections on balancing high standards with common sense, teacher wellbeing and the role of student voice in shaping school rules.

Beejesh Deva, Nathan Gynn and Claire Bills explore the growing world of consultants, edugurus and social‑media influencers in education. They explore how these figures interact with schools, the costs and opportunity costs involved, and the tension between useful, research‑based support and one‑off or misapplied advice. The conversation covers the shift from local authority provision to academies, the benefits of shared CPD and coaching, concerns about contextual fit and incoherence, and the need for discernment and quality assurance when schools buy external expertise.

In this show, Tim sits down with Simon Lightman, teacher, philosopher, researcher, and the driving force behind a cross-sector open letter to Parliament calling for curriculum renewal. Together, they ask one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: can education really afford to keep treating sustainability as an optional extra?

Industrial action at Llantwit Major High School has brought issues of workload, behaviour and funding into sharp focus. The NASUWT has raised concerns about staff safety, excessive workload and working conditions, while school leaders and the local authority point to financial pressures, falling pupil numbers and ongoing negotiations. In this show, we speak to a NASUWT representative Sharron Daly to explore the claims behind the dispute, the response from leadership, and what this situation tells us about wider pressures across the profession.

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley chat about what job English teachers should consider when applying to work in South Korea.

The panel (JP, Rae Whitehouse, Lucy Trimnell, Yasmin Omar and Tom Rogers) explore various stories emerging from the upcoming NASUWT annual conference. Reports of rising violence in schools – and claims that incidents are being under-reported or even discouraged – have sparked serious concern across the profession. The NASUWT warns that some teachers face regular physical injury, while inconsistent behaviour policies and leadership responses may be compounding the problem. But it’s not just behaviour in classrooms under scrutiny. New data suggests nearly one in five teachers now faces an “unmanageable” volume of parent contact, with growing expectations to call home for behaviour and attendance issues. Some schools reportedly require calls for every sanction, raising questions about workload, boundaries, and whether teachers are being turned into “call centres.” At the same time, a new threat is emerging: AI-driven digital harassment, with fears that manipulated videos and recordings could damage teachers’ reputations and safety. In this week’s Points of View, we ask: How widespread is violence in schools? Are reporting systems failing staff? Is parental contact becoming excessive? And are schools prepared for the risks of AI misuse?

On 13th March, Sir Martyn Oliver defended robust criticism from many in the profession that the new OFSTED framework unfairly penalises schools in disadvantaged areas. He says context should not trump outcomes. Tony talks to his guests about their opinions on the comments and the framework.

Join Chris as he explores the vulnerability of putting yourself out there in teaching, from applying for promotions to stepping into leadership roles. This episode reflects on the discomfort, self-doubt, and awkwardness that can come with being seen differently by colleagues, and why these moments often matter more than we realise.

From a young age, we are constantly exposed to depictions of teachers in books, films and TV series: the nurturing Miss Honey, the chaotic maverick Dewey Finn, the firm-but-wise Mr Feeny… but how accurate - or constructive - are these depictions when it comes to understanding the real people inside the profession? The Morning Break team are back to talk shop - join the conversation!

What can Zelda teach us about learning? Listen in for more about gamification and teaching and learning.