Teachers Talk Radio

In their first show of 2026, Michael Wright and Jen Hurst discuss CPD, the relevancy of it for career development, effective CPD and how good CPD should be transformative, galvanise teaching staff and be focused towards improving teacher practice for the students only. 

With guest Coshia Belvet, the show explores the realities behind the holidays from the teachers’ perspectives. It highlights the need for teachers to work throughout the holidays to meet the demands of the curriculum, students’ needs and external agencies. Whether or not there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, or room for work life balanced was also discussed.

In this show of Teachers Talk Radio, host Famida Choudhary is joined by English educator Kais Saidi to explore the impact of reducing Teacher Talking Time (TTT). Together, they unpack why talking less can lead to deeper learning, stronger student independence, and more effective differentiation. A practical, reflective conversation on structure, student agency, and designing lessons where learning does the work.

Darren explored different models of self-directed learning and considers why we should think about our own self direction as more and more CPD moves online.

We talk apathy at this time of the year and what to do to keep your motivation topped up as a teacher. How do you get through that January blues? Dodecadecompress! We talk it out here.

Tim talks to guest Daniela Schillaci, a current Head of Sixth Form and teacher of DT, to discuss all things Post 16. From the Curriculum Review and the pressures faced by Sixth Forms to the impact Sixth Form can have on the resilience of our young people. Together Tim and Daniela will look to the future and then Daniela will face the terrifying Quick-Fire Quiz.

Timea Kadar sets the scene for 2026 by spotlighting the current and emerging higher education trends worth watching. She's been digging into papers and articles from HE organisations, government, and regulatory bodies, as well as insights from mastermind groups. Join Timea and add your thoughts on what trend in higher education you think will matter most in 2026.

Tom Rogers is joined by two school leaders who have recently experienced OFSTED inspections under the new grading system. What was it like? What information would help other school leaders? What were the positives and problems with the inspections in their current form? Has anything really changed? Guests are Steve Ellis, current MAT CEO, and Simon Botten, Executive Headteacher.

In tonight's episode, Darius Lee, a primary school teacher and avid video-gamer, and I, discuss the appeal of video games. Why are they so addictive? Do young gamers do well at their studies? The answers will surprise you.

The Times report that parents whose children have moderate mental health and developmental needs are set to be stripped of their legal right to certain supports under plans being considered by ministers. Legal documents that guarantee extra support for children with special needs are to be restricted to those with the most severe and complex requirements. Under the proposals, the legal rights granted to parents over their child’s support would instead be taken over by schools, which would deal with councils and the government directly. Our panel discusses on Points of View: Liz Webb, Lucy Trimnell and Tom Rogers.