Tom Oakley

Tom Oakley, a deputy headteacher from Bury St Edmunds, reflects on his three years in leadership. He shares powerful insights on supporting teachers through change and the importance of a well-being curriculum. Tom discusses navigating school growth, managing challenges from transitioning schools, and the significance of effective coaching. He emphasizes tailored emotional support for students and how to bridge gaps in literacy and classroom dynamics, highlighting the real needs of the school community versus ideal scenarios.

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, Tom Oakley, a Deputy Head Teacher, dives into persistent classroom issues and effective strategies for tackling them. He identifies key challenges teachers face, especially in math education, and emphasizes the importance of variation theory. Tom highlights innovative methods like self-explanation to deepen student understanding and retention. He also addresses the specific hurdles disadvantaged students encounter, advocating for tailored approaches to bridge learning gaps. Tune in for insightful solutions and fresh perspectives!

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.

Educators Christopher Such, Adam Smith, Neil Almond, Shannen Doherty, Tom Oakley, Elliot Morgan, and Tom Brassington come together for a Christmas special episode. They reflect on their learning in 2021, share aspirations for 2022, and express gratitude for their sources of inspiration. Topics include professional development, teaching strategies, podcast community impact, and personal inspirations.