Teachers Talk Radio

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.

An honest discussion with an experienced SENCO, Ms Marie Dennis, to explore the challenges of providing a truly inclusive education system. This show goes behind the scenes of a day in the life of a SENCo- the rewards and challenges.

Julia Waters, the sister of Ruth Perry, sits down with Tom Rogers to discuss the latest with regards to OFSTED.  Julia Waters joins us to discuss the latest developments surrounding Ofsted's proposed inspection reforms and the emotional and professional toll the system continues to take on school leaders. Julia, who became a campaigner following the tragic death of her sister, headteacher Ruth Perry, shares candid reflections on the Department for Education's consultation process, her meetings with Ofsted Chief Inspector Martin Oliver, and the open letter calling for urgent reform. Julia challenges the logic of the proposed "report card" system, raises concerns about teacher well-being and accountability, and urges leaders to listen, act, and protect those at the heart of education.

In this show, The Sunday Social, Martin is joined by EFL teacher and blogger Joanna to explore her journey from engineering into English language teaching. Together, they reflect on the transition from in-person to online teaching, the challenges of hybrid classrooms, and how Joanna discovered her passion for teaching through unexpected opportunities. The conversation explores lesson planning, the use of AI as a creative aid, and the importance of personalisation and relationship-building in online classes. Joanna also shares honest insights into managing workload, digital fatigue, and the realities of impostor syndrome. With plenty of practical tips for freelance educators, including managing revenue streams and boosting productivity, this episode offers a candid window into the modern life of an independent online teacher. Brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational – publishers of professional development books supporting great teaching and learning worldwide.

In this episode of Points of View on Teachers Talk Radio, Yasmin Omar, Lucy Trimnell and Rae Whitehouse tackle some of the most pressing and complex issues facing education this week. They begin by discussing the rise of misogynistic attitudes among young people, exploring the impact of pornography, social media influences, and figures like Andrew Tate, while debating the roles of parents, schools, and wider society in addressing these challenges. The conversation also covers the increasing burden placed on schools to manage societal problems and the limitations teachers face without sufficient support or resources. Later, the panel examines a case from the United States where a school stabbing incident raises urgent questions about teacher responsibility during violent events, the expectations placed on staff, and how schools can and should respond to serious safeguarding issues. Throughout the show, the hosts offer honest reflections on their professional experiences, frustrations, and hopes for a more supportive and realistic approach to safeguarding and education in an increasingly complicated world. Brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational – supporting professional development for educators worldwide.

Ben hosts his latest Classroom Chronicles as he delves into the debate on smartphones in education with guest Damian McBeath. 

Find out about more about the Science of Learning with special guest Dr Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel from the University of Glasgow. We speak about how teachers can apply this to their classrooms, particularly when it comes to spaced practice and retrieval practice.

Carl talks to guest Brian Lightman about the New Ofsted. The Ofsted consultation deadline is on Monday 28th April but an exciting new vision has been proposed by some of the country's leading educationalists. This show explores their recommendations with one of its authors and considers whether this is something the profession get really get behind.

Join Clara Hawking and guests Darren Coxon and C. Huron Böke as they discuss AI in education.