Teachers Talk Radio

My guest for this show is Konstantinos Pappas, Course Leader and serious entertainer! As he puts it, sometimes teachers have to be actors, even clowns. And he has a point. Last time we talked about voice; now let's talk about performance. How do we grab attention and keep it through a long lesson? How do we make dry concepts come alive? And is this approach really practical for teachers? Where’s the line - and do we even need one? Let's talk about all of it.

TES reports parent allegations against teachers have risen by a third in just one year. Some 12.2 per cent of state school teachers were the subject of an allegation from a parent in 2024-25 - up from 9.1 per cent in 2023-24, the research suggests. The number of allegations against teachers made by students, while lower, has also increased, rising from 8.1 per cent to 9.5 per cent over the same time period. This survey was carried out by Edapt. The panel discusses this issue in schools - Featuring Yasmin Omar, Rae Whitehouse, Christopher Vowles.

Tom Rogers is joined by Matt Stone and Oliver Caviglioli to discuss coaching in schools, showcasing their new book Coaching WalkThru's, in partnership with Hachette Learning.

Dave is joined by Sam Gibbs to talk all things CPD, ECT and Didagogy and how you schools can give better agency to teachers in terms of their ongoing development. 

Dr. Marcos E Barreto, an Associate Professor in data science, and Dr. Casey Kearney, an Assistant Professor in public policy, delve into the transformative effects of AI in education. They discuss the GENIAL project, focusing on generative AI's role in curriculum design and the importance of authentic student interactions with AI tools. Insights include the 5R learning framework, contrasting shallow and deeper AI use, and the need for process-focused assessments to maintain cognitive challenges. Their research highlights the potential for responsible AI integration in teaching.

Darren looks at the concept of psychological capital which suggests the better able you are to regulate your emotions, the higher the quality of your working life.

In this mental health hour, we are getting festive and talking it out!

In this discussion, Tom Bennett, founder of ResearchED and former DfE advisor, and Emma Clarke, Primary PGCE Programme Lead at the University of York, delve into the controversial topic of isolation rooms in schools. Bennett debates the terminology around 'removal' vs. 'isolation' and emphasizes the need for safeguarding and educational support. Clarke expresses concerns about the long-term impact of isolation on students' sense of belonging and advocates for systemic reform. Both highlight the importance of context, staffing, and providing supportive alternatives.

Join Michelle Hinds and guest Michael Senior, experienced Head of English, as they explore how humour can elevate teaching, deepen connections, and energise the classroom. A quick, insightful dive into why a good laugh might just be a teacher’s most powerful tool.

Tom Rogers is joined by Duncan Verry and Kate O'Neill from BETT Global to discuss what teachers can look forward to at BETT 2026 this January 21st-23rd in London. Teachers Talk Radio will be there - will you? Visit https://uk.bettshow.com/ to grab your free ticket today.