Chris Such

Lyn Stone, an inspirational educator and linguist, joins Chris Such, an expert in teaching practices, for a deep dive into the intricacies of English spelling. They discuss the writing system's complexities, exploring morphology and spelling patterns. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for teaching spelling to diverse learners, including those with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Their insights on the necessity of tailored instruction and visual support pave the way for enhancing literacy skills in primary education.

Zach Groshell, a teacher and advocate for evidence-based instruction, joins Chris Such to explore the ins and outs of explicit teaching. They discuss the evolution of Zach's perspective and tackle the misconception that explicit methods stifle creativity. The duo highlights the importance of mastering effective explanations and overcoming common misunderstandings in teaching. They also delve into strategies that enhance classroom management and the debates surrounding explicit approaches, encouraging educators to refine their practices for better student engagement.

In this insightful discussion, educators Chris Such and Neil Almond tackle pressing issues in primary education. They explore the significance of personalized 1:1 reading strategies to address individual student needs. With AI's growing role, they discuss its potential benefits and challenges in classrooms, including data privacy. The duo also examines the hurdles facing the new Labour government and the DfE regarding educational reforms and assessment methods, raising crucial points for the future of teaching.

Adam Smith, a dedicated Year five teacher in London, joins Chris Such, an author and part-time ambition instituter, alongside Deputy Head Tom Oakley from Cambridgeshire, and German teacher Sebastian Donath. They dive into the necessity of taking charge of one’s professional development. Key discussions include the balance between personal life and teaching, maximizing time through productivity tools, and the role of mentorship in growth. The conversation also touches on leveraging social media for learning and the joy of engaging formats like podcasts for professional advancement.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Such, an advocate for innovative primary education, and seasoned educator Kieran tackle unseen mathematics questions. They explore the challenges of teaching foundational arithmetic and the critical role of vocabulary in math education. Key topics include strategies for improving numerical confidence, effective use of bar models, and the importance of flexible teaching methods. Their insights aim to empower educators and enhance student understanding, making the complexities of primary mathematics more approachable.

In this discussion, Chris Such, a champion of evidence-informed practice, Tom Oakley, who bridges research and classroom practices, and Cassie Young, focused on integrating research into teaching, tackle compelling issues in education. They share their favorite research books and highlight the barriers faced when engaging senior leaders with evidence. The trio dives into the impact of accountability on teaching methods, critiques flawed phonics research, and emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful implementation of evidence-based approaches to enhance student outcomes.

Chris Such and Neil Almond highlight sources of subject knowledge in primary curriculum subjects. Topics include reading, mathematics, grammar, history, geography, science, music, RE, languages, art, and design. Resources discussed range from books to YouTube channels, offering valuable insights for educators looking to enhance their teaching skills.

Math educators Chris Such and Neil Almond tackle the issues of struggling mathematicians, discussing common knowledge gaps, reasons for struggles, interventions, and the importance of early support. They delve into recognizing struggling students, effective teaching strategies, personalized interventions, and tools like Numbots and Times Table Rockstars to enhance mathematical skills and build confidence in students.

Career development enthusiasts Chris Such, Shannen Doherty, Neil Almond, and Elliot Morgan discuss their career ambitions and recent interview experiences. They touch on when to progress in a career, aligning personal values with school values, transitioning in teaching roles, emphasizing coaching and teacher development, navigating leadership interviews during COVID-19, making informed school visits, and asking tough questions in job interviews.

Chris Such and Amy Bills delve into the world of Education Book Clubs, discussing the value of professional reading, fostering continuous learning, building psychological safety in dialogues, and exploring biases in educational leadership. They share insights from impactful books, emphasize the importance of feedback, reflection, and creating a supportive environment for growth in the education sector.