On the latest installment of the Mr Barton Maths Podcast, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner assume the roles of guests and engage in a lively discussion. For this special episode, Craig Barton and Ollie Lovell are joined by Emma Turner and Tom Sherrington to discuss coaching, the view from the back of a lesson, pre-testing, implied competencies, and more! Access the show-notes here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-6 Ollie Lovell is a maths and science teacher from Australia, an author, and my longtime, bitter podcasting rival. We have decided to get together once a month to share three things we have each learned and get the other’s take on it. This month, we have guests! We are joined by the fantastic primary specialist Emma Turner and Walkthrus guru Tom Sherrington from the Mind the Gap podcast. This episode was initially published on Mr Barton Maths Podcast. Craig Barton interviews guests from the wonderful world of education about their approaches to teaching, educational research, and more. All show notes, resources, and videos here: https://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/

Teacher training, coaching, and the challenges of implementation are explored in this episode. The guests discuss the value of listening to personal experiences, the need for a holistic approach to teacher training, and the role of instructional coaching. They also highlight the challenges of implementing coaching in schools and the potential benefits of integrating coaching into the early stages of a teacher's career.

Alom Shaha, a teacher with over 25 years of experience, joins hosts Tom and Emma to discuss his journey into teaching and the challenges faced by educators. They also touch on topics such as his upcoming children's book, the importance of nurturing curiosity, and the need for accessible science education for non-scientist teachers.

Caroline Derbyshire, an education advocate and expert in creating a positive and supportive environment for educators, joins Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss the importance of cultivating excellence and empowering teachers. They highlight the significance of creating a culture of excellence in education, granting teachers independence and assistance for professional development, and the challenges in education policy and funding. The importance of school audits and expressing gratitude to the audience is also discussed.

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington, and Emma Turner have the pleasure of being joined by Hywel Roberts, a highly accomplished author, educator, storyteller, and humorist. This episode provides a holistic perspective on how to create an effective learning environment in the classroom. The trio discussed the importance of enthusiasm, engagement, imagination, protection, storytelling, and agile education to make abstract concepts accessible and captivate students. They explored the use of warmth, humor, and storytelling to draw students in, the need for imagination pedagogy and protecting students in learning, and the empowering elements of storytelling and imagination in education.  Lastly, the conversation highlighted the need to develop the ability to imagine processes and embrace agile education for a more innovative approach to teaching and learning. About the participants:  Hywel Roberts has been a teacher for over thirty years. His reputation has grown hugely since he stepped out of the full-time classroom. Hywel has found an incredible and innovative niche in the world of model teaching, contributing to and advising curriculum designers and innovators from Barnsley to Brussels, from Cairo to Cleethorpes. Hywel leads the PGCE program in Drama at Huddersfield University and contributes to the Master's program in Drama and Creative Writing at Leeds Beckett University. Hywel is a regular contributor to conferences, including The Sunday Telegraph Festival of Education, Northern Rocks, Practical Pedagogies, and The University of Belfast Thinking Conference. Hywel is the author of Oops! Getting Children to Learn Accidentally and Uncharted Territories. He writes a regular column for the Times Educational Supplement about his encounters as a ‘traveling teacher’ and a weekly show ‘Hywel’s Teacher Stories’ on Teacher Hug Radio. Hywel’s number one Bestseller on Amazon, Botheredness was published this year. Hywel is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Charted College of Teaching. Follow Hywel on Twitter: @hywel_roberts Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership, and Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

In this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom and Emma reflect on past guests and Emma’s new book Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum. Tom and Emma discuss the lack of shock within the profession regarding the amount of stress people feel and how it potentially can lead to such tragedies is surprising. We must look at the high-stress system to make it more supportive and encourage leaders to improve. Our guests, emphasized the importance of finding the right match for a school, leading with passion, worth, and a deep sense of achievement. This episode also touched on the concept of multi novice status, recognizing that children arrive at secondary school with more proficiency in certain subjects, while still developing in others. It can be challenging to teach standalone subjects in primary school, especially with children still novice in multiple areas simultaneously. Thus, the primary curriculum should be taught in interconnected ways rather than as isolated subjects. Overall, this episode offers critiques, reflections, and insights into the education profession while providing resources for teachers and school leaders to improve their practice. About the participants: Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

In this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom and Emma are joined by Vic Goddard. The group discusses Vic’s position in British Education, particularly his role as a leader and a role model for head teachers and school leadership across the UK. Vic’s first foray into thought leadership was the BAFTA-nominated documentary series Educating Essex, a seven-part series following a group of GCSE students and the staff who teach them. Since then, Vic has continued as a thought leader in British education and provided opportunities for leadership connections.  Overall this episode highlights the strengths of bold leadership. In this case, bold does not mean brash or dominative; it means empathetic and caring, and open to different perspectives. Particularly in education, as this conversation shows, boldness in leadership can help students, teachers, and a community thrive.  About the participants:  Vic Goddard is the Principal of Passmores Academy and star of the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 documentary Educating Essex. He is a proud South Londoner, having been raised on a council estate, then going on to train as a PE teacher and eventually becoming the nation's best-loved Headmaster thanks to his undeniable dedication to his school and the young people inside it. Follow Vic on Twitter @vicgoddard Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.Watch this episode on edCircuit.

For this episode, special guest Jim Knight joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss his research and experience in professional development. The conversation focuses on instructional coaching, teacher professional learning, and recent research to improve teaching and learning.  In part one of this episode, the group discusses the differences between two of Jim’s books: The Impact Cycle and Seven Factors for Success. As Jim explores, his most recent book, Seven Factors for Success, focuses on a much more broad context for becoming a successful professional learner in teaching.  In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the challenges, strategies, and realities of instructional coaches. Adaptation is a major key to making teachers better. Instructional coaches must understand factors like expertise, vocabulary, and background are essential to master effective coaching.  Overall this episode highlights the multifaceted nature of professional development and instructional coaching. Jim’s research-based frameworks are truly revolutionary, and by adopting them, schools can improve teaching and increase the successful outcomes of their students. About the participants:  Jim Knight is ​​a founding partner at Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning, effective teaching, and instructional coaching. Knight has written several books, most recently, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success with John Catt Educational. His articles on instructional coaching have been included in publications such as The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Teachers Teaching Teachers. Follow Jim on Twitter @jimknight99 Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75. Watch this episode on edCircuit.

For this episode, special guest Sufian Sadiq joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss CPD, community engagement, and leadership in education. The conversation focuses on the interplay between meticulous planning and passionate engagement. It is clear throughout the conversation that Sufian has mastered the ability to engage and plan to make schools, communities, and learning thrive.   In part one of this episode, the group discusses Sufian’s role at the Chiltern Teaching School, primarily the CPD they provide and the community stewardship they take on in the communities they serve.  In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the true definition of community engagement, particularly understanding the community you serve. As Sufian explores, DEI is a significant part of his work. Often overlooked factors in those conversations include discussions of class and background.  The episode closes by discussing the difference between knowledge acquisition and aspirational curriculum. Sufian explores that when given the right tools and resources, you can create learning environments for students to thrive. However, if you engage students and understand their backgrounds, you can begin to inspire them to broader long-term success.  As Emma points out, adding an interpersonal approach to learning adds a sustainable element to every lesson. There may be days when a lesson doesn’t particularly engage every student; however, when thinking and teaching aspirationally, you can connect with every student.  About the participants:  Sufian Sadiq is the Director of the Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, responsible for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching Schools are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally. He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity, and inclusion. Sufian is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors Fellow. He plays an active role in numerous charitable organizations as a Trustee and holds key governance roles within educational organizations. Follow Sufian on Twitter @unleashing_me Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

For this episode, special guest Aisha Thomas joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss representation. The conversation focuses on Aisha’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work and expertise in training educators to increase representation, develop inclusive curriculum, and create a framework for anti-racism/anti-prejudice environments. In part one of the episode, Aisha explores how she came to her ideas on why representation matters through stories of her lived experiences, exercises, and pedagogy surrounding DEI. In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses addressing identity in the classroom. This part of the discussion focuses on what students and teachers take into the classroom. Aisha discusses how curriculum, classroom practices, and student engagement can make a difference in students’ value of themselves and their education. About the participants: Aisha Thomas is a teacher, author, speaker, and leader. In September 2016, Aisha became an Assistant Principal at an inner-city secondary school in Bristol. She is also an educational activist specializing in race and anti-racist practice. She founded Representation Matters, an organization dedicated to challenging the lack of representation and inequality in schools. Aisha is the author of Representation Matters: Becoming an anti-racist educator. Follow Aisha on Twitter @itsaishathomas. Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.