Teachers Talk Radio

Masculinity, Misogyny, and the Manosphere - What Schools Need to Know: The Late Show with Tom Rogers

What do Andrew Tate, incel culture, and TikTok trends have to do with your classroom? More than you might think!
In this Teachers Talk Radio show, host Tom Rogers is joined by Matt Pinkett and Tommy Michael to explore the growing influence of the manosphere on boys in our schools.
We break down how online misogyny spreads, why certain messages about masculinity are so appealing to young men, and what teachers can do to respond—thoughtfully, firmly, and without alienating the very students we want to reach.
From assemblies to everyday classroom interactions, we ask:
How do we spot the warning signs?
How do we open up safe, meaningful conversations about gender and identity?
And how can schools strike the right balance between challenge and compassion?
Whether you're a classroom teacher, a head of year, or just wondering why so many students are quoting Tate, this is a must-listen show on one of the most pressing issues facing education today.

Tom Rogers interviews Pepe Di’Iasio on OFSTED: TTR Special

Tom Rogers talks to Pepe Di'Lasio, the general secretary of the ASCL, for an insight into most recent discussions within the union on recent and impending changes at OFSTED. 

Freelance and Finance: The Saturday Lunch show with Graham Stanley

Nicola Prentis joins me to speak about options of working freelance as a teacher and how best to manage your finances.

Amanda Spielman, Teacher unions, Bridget Phillipson, Curriculum Review: Points of View

Dave Brown, Carl Smith, Tarjinder Gill and Tom Rogers discuss the biggest stories from the week gone by in education. 

Bringing Talent to the Fore – The Saturday Lunch Show with Famida Choudhary

Join Famida Choudhary as she explores how educators can nurture creativity and leadership in students, featuring an inspiring conversation with singer-songwriter and student leader Jovita Bhaumik. From embracing vulnerability to building resilience through music and competitions, this episode highlights practical ways to empower young voices and unlock hidden potential.
 
 
 
 

Learners Leading Learning - Self-regulated learning: The Saturday Social with Will Mercer

How can teachers get their children more engaged and enthusiastic about their education? Will is joined by Dr James Mannion to discuss self-regulated learning.

Bandura’s Self Efficacy Theory in Action: TTR Special - Ben White with Dr Neil Gilbride

Dr Neil Gilbride makes a compelling case for how Bandura’s self efficacy theory can help refine how we understand and support our students AND how we design and teach our lessons. There are plenty of pedagogy ‘how tos’ alongside reflections about our role in shaping how students feel about their ability to ‘do it’ in our particular domain - be that maths, English or cake baking. Along the way Neil shares his views on the dangers of PowerPoint, the ultimate purpose of teaching - and who he’d invite (along with Bandura) to a pedagogical dinner party. This show is brought to you in partnership with John Catt Educational, get Neil's book and explore the full range of titles here. 

Predicting Grades: Striking the right balance - Thursday Late, Late Show with Chris Wilkinson

Join Chris as he explores the challenges of grade predictions, balancing aspiration with realism, and how they shape student success, inform teaching and accurately provide key data

How prepared are excluded students for lifelong success?: The Twilight Show with Michelle Hinds

Join Michelle Hinds on the Wednesday Twilight Show with Gerry Robinson (Executive Headteacher, HLP) and Emmanuel Awoyelu (Inclusion Specialist) as they explore the unconscious biases behind exclusions, their academic and emotional impact, and the challenges faced by alternative provision (AP) schools. Amidst the struggles, they also celebrate the resilience and successes of excluded students. Are they truly prepared for lifelong success? Tune in for an eye-opening discussion!

Raising attainment and engaging students in the language classroom - Lessons from one of the UK's leading Mandarin programmes: TTR Special hosted by Darren Lester

In this episode, we look into the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP)—a groundbreaking initiative that is transforming language learning in schools across England. With over 16,000 students benefiting from its immersive and intensive approach, the MEP is setting new standards for language education and opening doors for young learners.
Joining us are three experts deeply involved in the programme:
🔹 Julian Metcalf, Headteacher at Dartford Grammar School, shares how his school has embraced the MEP and even developed its own Japanese Excellence Programme, demonstrating how schools can apply MEP principles beyond Mandarin.
🔹 Matt Schofield, Programme Manager at the IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, provides insights into the structure, impact, and future of the MEP, including the logistics behind the largest-ever school trip to China, which took nearly 1,200 students abroad.
🔹 Beth Fleming, an MEP Chinese teacher at Macmillan Academy, tells her inspiring story of going from student to teacher and how the programme supports the next generation of language educators.
We explore key topics such as:
✅ How the MEP has significantly boosted GCSE results and student attainment✅ The life-changing opportunities it provides, especially for disadvantaged students✅ How cultural immersion and overseas experiences enrich language learning✅ Practical takeaways for MFL teachers and school leaders looking to replicate MEP's success
Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or language enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable lessons on how to enhance language learning, increase student engagement, and create global citizens.
🎧 Tune in now to discover what makes the Mandarin Excellence Programme a model for success!