Fraction of a Teacher

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis are joined by Peter, who shares his journey from a 40-year career in the City into education through Now Teach.Together, they explore what career changing into teaching really looks like, from the shock of stepping into the classroom to the reality of training routes, lesson planning, mentoring and finding your feet in a completely new profession. Peter reflects honestly on the parts of teaching he found most challenging, the importance of support, and why good mentoring can make such a difference.Along the way, the conversation opens up into wider reflections on classroom culture, how teachers develop their own style, and what it really means to be “the teacher” in the room.If you are thinking about career changing into teaching, are currently in training, or just want an honest conversation about the reality of learning to teach, this one is for you.

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis explore Teacher Standard 5: how to adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils.From dyslexia and processing time to confidence, stretch, scaffolding and classroom culture, they reflect on what adaptive teaching actually looks like in a real classroom. Through honest examples from their own practice, they discuss how teachers can support pupils as individuals without feeling like they have to create thirty different lessons.A conversation about knowing your pupils, making thoughtful adjustments, and building classrooms where every learner can access success.

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis dive into one of the most important (and often most daunting) parts of the job: contacting home.We start with a reflective question: How would you like a parent to describe you as they walk away from parents’ evening? From there, we explore how our approach to parent communication has evolved from PGCE training to ECT life and why so much of the real work happens before parents’ evening even arrives.You’ll hear practical ideas for:Making your first contact home positive and proactiveAvoiding “surprise” concerns at parents’ eveningChoosing the right method (phone call vs email vs postcard)Using simple tracking systems to communicate with evidence, not emotionBuilding partnership with parents and carers to support behaviour, progress and confidenceIf you’re a PGCE trainee, ECT, or just finding parent communication overwhelming this one’s for you.

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis revisit Teaching Standard 4: planning and teaching well-structured lessons, and reflect on just how much their thinking has changed since their PGCE year.From modelling and questioning, to planning systems, textbooks, homework sequencing and reflection, they explore what actually makes a lesson work in the classroom, not what looks good on paper.They discuss:How their definition of a “good lesson” has shifted from teacher-focused to pupil-focusedWhy structure, modelling and questioning matter more than flashy activitiesPlanning time: what’s realistic, what’s sustainable, and how it changes with experienceUsing textbooks, exit tickets and oracy to support independence and understandingThe role of reflection in improving lessons over timeThis is an honest, practical conversation for trainee teachers, ECTs, and anyone still figuring out how to plan lessons that genuinely support learning without burning out.Next episode: revisiting parent communication, following Jen’s first parents’ evening.

Going back after a break is harder than we expect. In this episode, Jen and Francis reflect honestly on the first two weeks back after Christmas and what it really feels like to return to the classroom.We talk aboutWhy motivation dips before it recoversHow pupils experience the reset as much as teachers doThe difference between resetting expectations and starting againWhat we would do differently next timeWhat has actually gone well beneath the wobbleWe also share three practical takeaways for returning after a breakWe also check in on work life balance, revisit our Bin Bag Celebrate reflections, and end with our Fraction plenary as we move from feeling like a quarter of a teacher to finding our feet again.This episode is for PGCEs, ECTs, and early career teachers who are back in school, feeling tired, reflective, and quietly wondering if this is normal.It is.You do not need to restart.You just need time to reset.

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis unpack Teacher Standard 3 (demonstrating good subject and curriculum knowledge ) and what it actually looks like in real classrooms, not just on paper.We reflect on:why not knowing everything can be a strength, not a weaknesshow teaching the way you learn can deepen understanding for studentsthe gap between PGCE theory and classroom realityhow confidence in subject knowledge grows over time (and why that’s okay)Jen shares an honest reflection on her early fear of “not knowing enough” and how that mindset shifted once she realised modelling learning, mistakes, and thinking aloud was powerful for pupils.We also look ahead to future-you teaching, asking:What topic do you want future you to be better at teaching and what’s one small step you can take now?As always, this is a reflective, practical conversation for trainee teachers, ECTs, and anyone navigating the messy middle of learning to teach well.Honest reflections.Real classrooms.One step forward.

It’s officially festive season at Fraction of a Teacher as Jen and Francis reflect on the end of their first term as ECT1s and everything that’s changed since the PGCE days. From Christmas jumpers and classroom decorations to the strange confidence shift that comes from being the only grown-up in the room, this episode is a proper end-of-term debrief.They revisit their recent guest episodes, share what they’ve learned about independence, planning and pacing, and introduce two practical teaching tools you can steal immediately. First is MATH, their classroom-friendly spin on the STEP coaching model, designed to help you adapt lessons in the moment. Then comes Bin, Bag, Celebrate, a simple reflection routine from Nic Morgan that helps you ditch what’s not working, keep what is and recognise what you’re doing well.Jen shares how she’s moving away from busy work and towards intelligent question selection and mastery. Francis talks about adapting lesson structure to meet pupils where they’re at, especially for that Wednesday afternoon energy dip. They finish by talking honestly about work life balance over Christmas and how to actually recharge without guilt.If you’re heading into the holidays exhausted, this one is for you.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Maths Teacher and ECT2 Laura Francis, we talk honestly about what really changes after ECT1 and why it genuinely does get easier. Laura shares how she moved from “this is doable but not sustainable” to feeling like a calm, confident teacher who can walk into school in September and hit the ground running.We unpack the power of systems and organisation and a trusty filing cabinet so future you is always grateful. Laura talks through how she reimagined teaching trigonometry for mastery, why the thinking is the hardest part of planning and how she uses resources like Dr Austin Maths to support deep understanding rather than just procedures.We also dive into using ChatGPT as a planning partner, building escape room revision lessons and motivating pupils with low cost rewards like Starbursts and ice pops. Laura reflects on boundaries, workload and why staying late as an ECT1 was a choice that paid off in year two when most days now finish by five.Finally, Laura leaves us with reassurance for every ECT listening. There really is light at the end of the tunnel.

This week Jen and Francis are joined by Laura, an ECT2 maths teacher and former IT professional, running-shop owner and Now Teach career changer. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Laura shares the honest, winding path that brought her into the classroom.We talk about:Moving from IT to opening a successful running shopThe life-changing impact of her husband’s motor neurone disease diagnosis and bereavementFinding purpose again through exam invigilation and TA workBeing “headhunted” into a maths role after failing GCSE maths first timeSupporting anxious and school-avoidant girls back into maths – and back into schoolWhy she chose maths over computer science, and how an SKE + SCITT training route made it possible as a parent and carerThe power of peers, role models and Now Teach in making career change feel possibleLaura is honest about grief, parenting neurodiverse children and juggling training with family life, while also sharing the joy of seeing “her” students reach year 13 and plan their futures.This episode is for anyone wondering if it is “too late” to retrain, anyone considering maths teaching with a wobbly relationship to maths, and anyone who needs reminding that pupils remember the teachers who walk alongside them.Part 2 will dig into ECT2 life, subject knowledge and the culture in Laura’s classroom.

This week, Jen and Francis explore Teachers’ Standard 2: promote good progress and outcomes for all pupils. Rather than treating progress as a number or a data drop, they unpack what it looks and feels like in everyday lessons. They discuss starting points, the reality of teaching new classes, and how to make sense of pupils’ understanding when you are still learning who they are.Jen shares how metacognition has reshaped her teaching, using prediction, “hardest question” analysis, traffic-light trays, and reflective booklets to help pupils recognise their own learning. Francis talks through the power of exit tickets, topic mind maps, and the quiet insights that come from simply reading pupils’ books and listening to their reasoning.Together, they explore routines, retrieval, monitoring, and evaluation as part of a wider cycle of thinking that strengthens long-term understanding. They also turn the lens back on themselves, reflecting on how they each monitor their own progress as ECTs and how small tweaks in reflection can transform practice over time.

This week we’re joined by football coach (and our website designer) Claire to explore what happens when the world of coaching meets the world of teaching. We talk about being “player first, not player led,” finding the balance between structure and freedom, and using individual challenges to stretch or support learners. Claire shares insights from coaching across age groups, from under eights to adult women’s teams, and explains how the STEP principle of adjusting space, task, equipment and players helps her adapt sessions in real time.Jen and Francis draw powerful parallels to the classroom, reflecting on how teachers can apply similar approaches to differentiation, engagement and reflection. From the importance of knowing your learners to the value of feedback and planning for “what ifs,” this episode uncovers just how close coaching and teaching really are: same goals, different game.

This week, Jen and Francis dive into Teachers' Standard 1: set high expectations for all pupils. It's not as a slogan, but as daily practice. We unpack what high expectations actually look like in lessons, marking, and conversations, and how to keep challenge from turning into anxiety.Jen shares how an English teacher in America helped her understand the impact of dyslexia on her writing, reframing “ability” into strategy and belief. Francis draws on leadership lessons about setting ambitious, realistic targets and applies them to the classroom, balancing absolute standards with relative expectations for individuals.We explore routines, language, feedback, and metacognitive reflection (plan–monitor–evaluate) that build a culture of productive struggle. Plus, we each set a Teacher Stretch Goal to model what ambition and reflection look like for pupils.

Jen and Francis catch up on their first two weeks as fully fledged teachers: no mentors at the back, no safety net, just them at the front of the classroom. From first impressions and building staff relationships, to seating plans, learning names, and realising they’re now the grown-ups in charge, they reflect on the steep (but exciting) learning curve of the ECT year. Plus, Jen shares why she’s already started a young referees club, Francis looks ahead to Duke of Edinburgh and maths club, and we meet the newest member of the Fraction of a Teacher team: Howie the dachshund.

In this episode, we dive into Teacher Standards Part 2: Personal and Professional Conduct, the expectations that shape how we show up not just in lessons, but in corridors, emails, parents’ evenings, and even in the supermarket.We explore how the Teachers’ Standards link to the ITT/ECF (recipe vs final dish), why aligning with your school’s ethos and policies matters, and practical ways to uphold British values through maths from voting systems to spotting misleading graphs.Francis reflects on the importance of “teacher bearing,” while Jen shares why her lanyard flips the mental switch into teacher mode. We wrap up with a reflection question you can take into your first week.

We’re back! After a summer of rest, reflection, and a few adventures (yes, including a terrifying quarry zipwire and adopting even more birds…), Jen and Francis return for Season 2 as newly qualified teachers.In this episode, we share our summer highlights, talk about preparing for ECT life, and reflect on the nerves and excitement of starting the new school year. From timetables and routines to behaviour management tips, conference takeaways, and Nic Morgan’s “Bin, Bag, Celebrate” approach, we dive into what’s on our minds as we head into our classrooms for the first time.We also introduce a new feature for this season: taking one teaching standard at a time and exploring how we’re putting it into practice.Whether you’re starting your PGCE, stepping into ECT1, or just need a bit of teacher solidarity, join us for honest reflections, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not in this alone.

We’ve made it. In this final episode of Season One, we’re joined by the brilliant Jeremy, our PGCE Maths lead and the person who’s been with us since Day One (even if he did reject Jen the first time. Spoiler alert, don't worry, it worked out. Together, we reflect on the highs, lows, and learning curves of the year. Jeremy shares what he looks for in future teachers, why small cohorts make a big difference, and how placements are (thoughtfully) matched. We also chat about the importance of getting into schools before applying and why no one is ever the finished article.Expect stories, laughter, a little imposter syndrome, and one very flattering cartoon mug.📦 This one’s a full-circle moment, for us, for Jeremy, and for anyone who’s just finished their PGCE. Thank you for being part of our journey.🎧 Season Two begins soon, with the ECT Era…

As we near the end of our PGCE year and out of placement so after some tearful goodbyes to our pupils, emotions are running high and what better way to unpack them than with a blob tree? In this reflective episode, Jen and Francis explore the highs, lows, and everything in between from Placement B. From moments of self-doubt to newfound confidence, we discuss how contrasting school contexts shaped our teaching identities, challenged our assumptions, and helped us grow.We chat:How our teaching ‘fractions’ have shifted The discomfort (and value) of being the "new person"Metacognition, emotional intelligence, and developing our teacher voiceWhy second placements matter even when they’re toughWhether you're wrapping up your own training or just love a good teacher reflection, this one’s for you. Oh and stay tuned for a very special guest next episode 👀New episodes every Thursday at 5am 🎙️☕#FractionOfATeacher #PGCEPodcast #TeacherTalk #TraineeTeacherLife #ReflectivePractice

In our first transatlantic episode, Jen and Francis are joined by Jocelyn Greene, founder of Child’s Play NY and theatre education specialist. Together, we explore how drama games can build classroom connection, boost student confidence, and support meaningful learning, both in and beyond the maths classroom.From strategies for welcoming new Year 7 form groups to ideas for creative project-based learning, this episode is full of playful, practical takeaways for any teacher looking to reimagine the start of the school year. We talk about permission to play, why “bubble moments” matter, and how role-play might just be your next teaching superpower.💬 Featuring creative tips, personal reflections, and a whole lot of laughter — this is one to save and share.#FractionOfATeacher #ChildsPlayNY #TeacherTraining #DramaInEducation #PGCE #FormTutorLife #CreativeClassrooms #JocelynGreene

This week it’s just the two of us – laptops open, drinks poured, and deep in reflection mode. We're taking a look back at our PGCE year: Why we chose the PGCE routeWhat we did to prepareWhat we’ve learnt(hindsight being what it is) the questions we wish we’d asked at interviewWe’re sharing honest thoughts, unexpected lessons, and the bits we’re proud of, all while getting a little nostalgic that the finish line is finally in sight.Whether you’re heading into your own training year, halfway through, or simply love a bit of PGCE realness, well then this one's for you.New episodes every other Thursday at 5am 🎙️☕#FractionOfATeacher #PGCEPodcast #TeacherTalk #TraineeTeacherLife #ReflectivePractice

This week, we’re joined by Adam; our PGCE history fellow trainee, timeline enthusiast, and deliverer of at least one decent joke. From Elizabeth I to the American Gold Rush, Adam brings the past to life while reflecting on what it really means to teach history in today’s classroom.We talk showmanship at Key Stage 3, taking a backseat at Key Stage 4, and why critical thinking matters more than memorising dates. Expect reflections on lesson planning, reading reluctance, vocabulary gaps, and why Year 8s are his nemesis. Oh, and yes — he does attempt a history joke. You’ve been warned.Plus: one fruitcake joke, one fractions pun, and a perfectly honest answer to "What fraction of a teacher are you?"🎧 Listen now — and see if Adam’s joke makes the cut.#FractionOfATeacher | New Episodes every other Thursday

In this episode, Jen, Francis, and returning guest Sophia explore the often-overlooked power of teacher-parent communication. From the nerves of a first parents’ evening to the joy of a handwritten postcard home, they reflect on how positive partnerships with carers and families can transform the classroom experience.Expect thoughtful insights, practical tips, and a few laughs as they share what they’ve learned on the journey from trainee to trusted adult.💬 Topics include:– Making parents’ evenings work for everyone– Why communication is part of inclusive practice– Creating a culture of trust through praise and presenceThis one’s for anyone building their teacher identity and looking to connect more meaningfully with the people behind the pupils.🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.#FractionOfATeacher | New episodes every two weeks

In this episode, Jen and Francis tackle that classic classroom question: “When will I ever use this in real life?” From calculating costs during a house move to navigating personal finance, they unpack the ways maths shows up in everyday decisions—and how we can help students see that too.They dive into practical strategies for making maths lessons more relevant, reflect on how their past careers involved surprising amounts of maths, and explore how real-world contexts can boost student confidence, engagement, and motivation. Plus, they dip into the philosophical: is maths more of an art or a science?✨ Whether you’re a teacher, trainee, or just someone who’s ever asked “What’s the point of algebra?”—this one’s for you.🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday (because life—and assignments—are very real too).

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis dive into the everyday chaos of teaching on the move. From lugging planners and mini-whiteboards across campus to arriving late to a room that’s not quite yours, we unpack the very real challenge of not having a permanent teaching space during your PGCE.We share our most relied-on classroom essentials, the small routines that keep us sane, and reflect on how being a “classroom nomad” shapes your teaching style. Plus, we daydream about what we’d include in our own future classrooms – whiteboards on every wall? A corner for plants? Maybe even a coffee machine…🗓️ Note: We’re now releasing new episodes every other Thursday while we juggle teaching, uni, and staying upright. Thanks for sticking with us

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into our ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) week – what it is, what we learned, and how it’s shaping us as trainee teachers. We also explore the art of questioning in the classroom, discussing our favourite types of questions, why they work, and how they help students engage with learning in a meaningful way.Plus, a quick update! 📢 To keep things sustainable while we tackle assignments, we’ll now be releasing episodes every other Thursday for the time being. Thanks for sticking with us – we love having you on this journey! 💛#FractionOfATeacher #TeacherTraining #ITAP #ClassroomQuestioning #PodcastUpdate

This week, we're diving into teaching styles, classroom confidence, and finding the balance between authority and approachability. As trainee teachers, we all discover what kind of educators we want to be. But how do we establish our presence in the classroom? How do we build relationships with students while keeping high expectations? And does your personality shape your teaching style—or does teaching shape you? In this episode, we reflect on:How our teaching styles are developing in placementThe role confidence plays in managing a classroomFinding your natural presence as a teacherBalancing high expectations with a warm, engaging environmentThe different approaches to classroom management Let us know your thoughts on Instagram & TikTok (@FractionofaTeacherPodcast) or send us an email at ⁠[email protected]⁠. 🎧 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM – subscribe, leave us a review, and join the conversation!

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Francis and Jen dive into the GCSE maths topics they love teaching (and the ones they're still working on loving!). They explore what made certain topics fun as students, how their preferences have shifted as teachers, and the creative ways they bring maths to life in the classroom.Plus, there’s big news—Jen has some news for everyone! 🎉Expect real talk, relatable teaching struggles, and plenty of ideas for making maths engaging—whether it's bringing statistics to life, using geometry to get hands-on, or finding creative ways to teach algebra.🔢 Takeaway: Maths isn’t just about equations—it’s about curiosity, discovery, and making connections. Join us as we reflect on what makes maths fun and how we can share that excitement with students.🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @FractionofaTeacherPodcast for behind-the-scenes fun!

This week on Fraction of a Teacher, we’re diving into work-life balance and how to make teaching a sustainable career. Special guest and fellow trainee teacher, Sophia, joins us to share her experience and insights, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. She is our social media wizard who does so much behind the scenes, and we are thrilled to have her on. In this episode, we talk about:✅ Finding balance – How do we avoid burnout while juggling lesson planning, job hunting, and personal life?✅ Time management strategies – From bullet journaling to shared calendars, what systems work best for teachers? ✅ Job updates! – Francis shares the outcome of his interview (spoiler: exciting news!).✅ Personal reflections – How do we track our growth as teachers, and what fraction of a teacher do we feel like right now?This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about longevity in teaching and looking for practical strategies to stay organised, energised, and motivated. Plus, expect plenty of laughs, reflections, and maybe even a debate about improper fractions!📅 New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!📲 Follow for updates: @FractionOfATeacherPodcast📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into the art and science of lesson planning, discussing how we structure our lessons, adapt to different schools, and refine our questioning techniques. We also explore the role of literacy in mathematics, reflecting on how reading, vocabulary, and comprehension impact students’ success in maths.Join us as we share our personal approaches, practical strategies, and insights from our latest placement experiences. Plus, we introduce a fun 3-2-1 reflection activity and discuss how our pets unexpectedly make their way into our teaching!Tune in for an honest, reflective, and engaging conversation about what it means to be a trainee teacher.📅 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM🎧 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @FractionOfATeacherPodcast📩 Get in touch: [email protected]

In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis dive into the complexities of job hunting as trainee teachers. With placement B underway and jobs starting to open up, they discuss what they’re looking for in their first teaching roles, from school ethos to work-life balance.They share tips on applying for positions, preparing for interviews, and managing nerves when teaching a lesson during an interview. Hear their thoughts on handling feedback, building a reflective teaching practice, and the power of collaboration.Whether you're on the same journey or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories for early career teachers. Tune in for real talk about finding the right fit!New episodes every Thursday.

In this debut episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into the chaotic yet rewarding world of trainee teaching. We reflect on the overwhelming reality of never achieving perfection as a teacher, how collaboration and camaraderie are key to success, and why reflection is a game-changer in both teaching and life. Jen and Francis share stories about what led them into teaching, their experiences with imposter syndrome, and those surprising first-day jitters. Along the way, we discuss how a simple smile can foster belonging in the classroom, practical tips for learning students' names, and the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout. Expect honesty, humour, and some good old maths jokes to close things out! Please grab a cup of tea or coffee and join us for this raw, unscripted look at life on the path to becoming a teacher. #MathsEducation #TraineeTeacher #Reflection #TeachingLife #PodcastForTeachers #MathsHumor

What’s it really like to become a teacher? Spoiler: It’s messy, stressful, rewarding, and full of surprises! Welcome to Fraction of a Teacher, where two trainee maths teachers, Francis and Jen, share their journey through the ups and downs of learning to teach.From first-day jitters and lesson plans gone wrong to discovering how to create belonging in the classroom, we reflect on everything we've learned (and unlearned). Expect honest conversations, practical tips, funny stories, and of course, a few maths jokes along the way! Whether you’re a fellow trainee, an experienced teacher, or just curious about the wild world of education, join us for new episodes every week.Subscribe now to Fraction of a Teacher wherever you get your podcasts. Because sometimes, teaching is just about surviving... one fraction at a time!