
They Behave For Me
Welcome to They Behave For Me, a podcast brought to you by Adam Boxer and Amy Forrester covering all things education: politics, curriculum, Teaching and Learning and much more. Join us for thought provoking ideas, concrete strategies and plenty of jokes. Press subscribe to get TBFM every Friday!
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Latest episodes

May 9, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why is CPD broken, and what can be done to fix it?
The hosts dive into the launch of an innovative online platform aimed at revolutionizing Continuing Professional Development for educators. They critically reflect on the current state of CPD, pointing out its disconnect from practical classroom needs. There's also a lively banter on measuring sizes using rulers that takes a humorous turn. Additionally, they explore shared parental leave in education, discussing its benefits and the importance of raising awareness about related policies. It's a mix of insightful critiques and light-hearted conversations.

May 2, 2025 • 54min
What's in the curriculum review so far?
In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by Jonathan Simons from Public First to talk all things education policy, with a particular focus on the Curriculum and Assessment Review interim report.

Apr 25, 2025 • 51min
How does the teacher experience compare between the UK and US, and more with Grainne Hallahan from Teacher Tapp
Adam and Amy are joined by Grainne to explore more data from Teacher Tapp. How do schools in the UK and US compare according to those who work there, how is shared parental leave used, and much more.They also pay tribute to the wonderful Dawn Cox who sadly passed away recently. Dawn was not only a lovely person, but was completely committed to education and her writings helped shift the dial on national education discourse, she is a great loss to the world.

20 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 51min
Should we show Adolescence in schools?
The hosts delve into the hot topic of showing adolescence in schools, discussing Keir Starmer's support for Netflix's plans. They navigate sensitive narratives, balancing the depiction of male violence with ethical educational practices. Insights on the impact of entertainment on young audiences spark lively debate, while reflections on inequalities between state and private schooling reveal societal pressures. Personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter keep the conversation engaging, making for a thought-provoking yet entertaining analysis of education today.

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 9min
How can lessons from the school system be helpful in prisons?
Join Natasha Porter, Chief Executive of Unlocked Graduates and ex-teacher, as she shares her insights on bridging education and prison reform. She discusses the challenges faced by students transitioning to prison life and the vital role education plays in reducing recidivism. Porter emphasizes the impact of parental incarceration on children's education and advocates for tailored interventions. Highlighting the need for community understanding, she reveals how reforming educational approaches can transform lives both inside and outside of prison.

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h
What is evidence based practice? With special guest Alex Quigley
Join Alex Quigley, an expert in evidence-based education and former teacher at the Education Endowment Foundation, as he unpacks the vital shift toward evidence-based strategies in classrooms. He discusses the rolling evolution of lesson observations from simple grading to complex evaluations. The conversation also critiques the idea that one-size-fits-all teaching methods work everywhere, emphasizing tailored approaches and the critical need for early interventions. Delightful anecdotes and insights into literacy challenges make this a must-listen for educators!

14 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 56min
Mobile phones, private schools, and the need for long term memory strategies
Discover the challenges of mobile phone access in schools and its impact on children's safety. Explore the alarming effects of social media, particularly gambling ads, on youth decision-making. Delve into the enrollment trends revealing parents' motivations for choosing private education. Learn about the critical importance of long-term memory retention in effective learning. Finally, enjoy a humorous take on the balance of creativity in education and the vital role of teachers in fostering respect and knowledge in the classroom.

Mar 7, 2025 • 58min
Are there too many education books, and should we dress up for world book day?
Celebrate World Book Day with a humorous take on the pressures of costume creation and the absurdity parents face during this quirky celebration. Dive into the chaotic nostalgia of school assembly mishaps that bring laughter to the challenges of literature promotion. The hosts contemplate the overwhelming sea of education books, discussing the need for quality texts over quantity. They share their favorites and the trials educators experience when trying to keep up with ever-evolving educational theories.

Feb 28, 2025 • 53min
How do I ask for more pay, and what's the best way to run line management meetings?
Explore the art of negotiating for higher pay with insightful strategies tailored for educators. Dive into the essentials of conducting effective line management meetings, emphasizing preparation and communication. The hosts share humorous anecdotes, including a lively discussion about limited-edition Easter treats. Tune in for tips on classroom management and addressing disruptive behaviors, alongside engaging listener-submitted songs that add a fun twist. Perfect for those seeking personal growth and professional development!

17 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 59min
Why don't schools improve? With Dr James Mannion
James Mannion, a science teacher and author of "Making Change Stick," dives into the intricate world of school improvement. He shares insights on the complexities of implementing educational programs effectively while highlighting the need for individualized tools and strategies. Mannion also critiques common perceptions of school effectiveness through the ship's wheel model, illustrating how physical, emotional, and cognitive domains intersect. Additionally, he emphasizes combating groupthink in decision-making to promote diverse perspectives for better outcomes.
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