Teachers Talk Radio

What is 'Pedagogy without Elbows'? Listen to my conversation about Learner Autonomy with Kirstie Jackson Wilms to find out. 

Host Tony Harwood is joined by Scott Lyons, union officer and former teacher, for a no-holds-barred conversation about violence in schools and its impact on teachers. Drawing on data from recent surveys and first-hand experiences, they explore the growing concerns around pupil-on-teacher aggression, the challenges of restorative practice, and the blurred lines between school and parental responsibility. The discussion also touches on the rise in misogynistic behaviour, the effects of the pandemic on pupil development, and the future of education in a world shaped by AI and shifting demographics. Sponsored by: John Catt Educational – visit the John Catt Bookshop and use code JCTTR2425 for 20% off professional development titles.

Join Famida Choudhary in this energizing episode of Teachers Talk Radio as she explores the power of action research with two insightful guests—Philip Anderson and Neha, both educators deeply invested in reimagining what impactful teaching looks like. From bridging classroom gaps to cultivating school-wide cultures of reflection, this conversation dives into how small, intentional changes can lead to lasting transformation. Whether you’re new to action research or looking to deepen your practice, this episode will leave you inspired to see yourself as a researcher—and your classroom as a lab of endless potential.

Rae and Lianne discuss how to settle into a new school as a teacher.  In this honest and entertaining show, our hosts dive into what it’s really like to start at a new school—whether it’s your first teaching job or you’re a seasoned educator switching settings. They swap stories about the emotional rollercoaster of being the “new person,” including staffroom anxieties, forgotten passwords, and the overwhelm of induction admin. Topics include how to build authentic relationships across the school (hint: get friendly with the caretaker and kitchen staff!), how to manage the mountain of new logins and systems, and why it's essential to keep an eye out for red flags in school culture—especially in your first weeks. There’s also plenty of humour and warmth, from tales of holiday adventures and hay fever woes to the trauma of tarantulas in Caribbean classrooms. Perfect listening for anyone preparing to start a new role, feeling nervous about fitting in, or just wanting a relatable slice of real-life teaching chat.

In this special sponsored episode of Teachers Talk Radio, hosts James Radburn and Darren Lester spotlight the crucial role of language accessibility in modern classrooms—powered by Pocketalk, a leader in AI-enhanced translation solutions. They’re joined by Kayleigh Hughes, an English teacher and Deputy SENCO, and Jessica O’Dwyer, General Manager at Pocketalk Europe, to discuss how translation technology is breaking barriers for EAL (English as an Additional Language) students. Hear classroom stories, parental engagement wins, and insights on how tools like Pocketalk help create more inclusive and connected learning environments. Learn more about how Pocketalk is reshaping education at pocketalk.com

Tom Rogers is joined by headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh to discuss her plans for a 'march for children' (to take place soon) and the arguments behind it. These include ideas around smartphone use, teacher training, curriculum, uniforms and more. 

In this urgent show, we confront the rising tide of violence and aggression facing teachers and school staff across the UK. Host Tom Rogers is joined by veteran educator and behaviour specialist Andrew Old, and leadership and inclusion expert Chuma A., for a frank discussion about why violence in schools is escalating — and what must be done to stop it. We also hear a powerful call-in from April Steffeck, who shares her frontline experience of the emotional toll that classroom aggression can take. From policy reform and mental health support to cultural change and school leadership, our guests explore practical, systemic, and sometimes controversial solutions to ensure that educators can do their jobs in safety and with dignity.

With my guest teacher, Junny Lee, we discussed stress in schools, teacher and pupil burnout and how to deal with the pressure of teaching.

On today's show, I spoke to Emily Bryson about how teachers can combine teaching with other types of work to form a portfolio career. Emily has been successfully doing this for some time now, which has enabled her to spend the last year or so travelling though Latin america.

Tod and Morgan are joined by Jake Cowling to explore the power of explicit vocabulary instruction and how it intersects with oracy. The conversation highlights how AI tools can lighten teacher workload while improving the precision and timing of vocabulary delivery, making it easier to build word-rich classrooms that support deep understanding and confident expression. We unpack practical strategies for supporting oral language, embedding academic vocabulary across subjects, and designing instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners. Toward the end of the episode, we zoom out to consider the broader implications of language and vocabulary for equity, access, and student agency. Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or education innovator, this is a timely look at the language foundations of learning and how technology can help.