Teachers Talk Radio

Famida Choudhary is in conversation with educator Crystal Frommert as we explore what it really means to be a teacher in an ever-changing educational landscape. From the unseen work of constantly learning and adapting to becoming connectors who bring authentic voices and real-world experiences into the classroom, we examine how teaching reaches far beyond curriculum and assessment. We reflect on the influence educators may never see, what students teach us in return, and how the teacher’s role is evolving in the age of AI. Because some of the most powerful outcomes of teaching cannot be measured and its impact may travel further than we ever know.

Join Toby and Piers Gledhill as they discuss their hopes and dreams for the new academic year. What changes do they expect and how can they make them happen?

A 10-year-old autistic boy who brought a replica butterfly knife into school has had his permanent exclusion quashed by the High Court. The object was passed to another pupil during a playground altercation but caused no significant injury. The judge questioned whether the school’s decision was proportionate and emphasised that permanent exclusion should be used only as a last resort. Was permanent exclusion justified in this case and what does “last resort” really mean? How should autism, SEND or unmet needs affect the consequences for serious behaviour? Should the response depend on the nature of the object, the child’s intentions or the potential risk? When inclusion conflicts with the safety and education of other pupils, whose rights should take priority? The Points of View panel debates whether the ruling provides essential protection for vulnerable children or risks school leaders being second-guessed when making difficult safeguarding decisions. Are mainstream schools properly equipped to support children with complex needs and could making permanent exclusion harder lead to more suspensions, managed moves or informal exclusions instead? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Rae Whitehouse, JP and guest Andrew Old. 

Almost half of teachers surveyed by the Liberal Democrats say they are considering leaving the profession within the next five years, while more than three quarters report feeling frequently or constantly burnt out. The party says schools are approaching an “existential crisis” and is calling for fully funded pay rises, limits on teacher overtime and greater access to flexible working. The government, however, says teacher departures are at one of their lowest levels since 2010 and that record numbers are returning to the classroom. So how serious is the retention crisis? Are workload and working conditions still driving teachers out or do the headline figures give a misleading picture? And what emergency measures, if any, would genuinely persuade teachers to stay? Ollie Bayliss, Tom Rogers and JP discuss on Teachers Talk Radio’s Points of View.

In this show, Darren discusses how perfectionism can stand in the way of being a great teacher, and how we shouldn't prioritise lived experience of the classroom over academic research but ask more questions to ensure the two can live in harmony.

In the week where the saga of “Oreogate” hit our social media feeds, former Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith has entered the debate, calling for more “draconian” rules regarding packed lunches to ensure children are eating healthily. From September, stricter rules are coming into force regarding healthier food standards in schools, and Benedict’s Law mandates that all school staff are trained in allergies and anaphylaxis. But Dame Leith suggests that the only way to entirely ensure healthy food options is to ban packed lunches. But is this a reasonable proposition? What are the cost implications of such a measure? And is this an inclusive approach? To what extent has policing packed lunches gone too far? And… as new terms start across the UK, how important is the language that we use inside our classrooms in terms of setting expectations? An article in the TES specifies five phrases to ban from the classroom… are there any we can add?

Primary school teacher and senior leader Oliver Hembrough joins the Twilight Show to give his thoughts on what effective school leadership looks like. Where is the line between supporting and holding to account? Is training for school leaders sufficient? Are leadership vacancies attracting the best candidates? All this and more!

Join Michael Wright for his first show of the academic year, where he discusses his experiences from a recent sabbatical. He also shares lessons learned from his time away from the full-time grind, along with observations about his career thus far and the current state of education.

In this first episode, PSHE lead and educator Clare Price discusses the use of Meta Glasses and considers how this can be used to cover consent, disability, misogyny, marketing and influencers in the PSHE classroom. She considers the 2026 RSHE Statutory Guidance and tips on how this could be taught to young people. 
Articles referenced are:
Culture Debrief: Even Kylie Jenner Can't Get Me Onboard With 'Pervert' Glasses
Restaurants, pubs and theatres ban Meta’s ‘spy glasses’ over privacy fears | Meta | The Guardian
Smart glasses controversy sidelines the benefits for disabled people | Meta | The Guardian
Smart glasses: 'I was secretly filmed and trolled online' - BBC News
 

On this week's show, Darren explores the lliterature behind holiday rest and considers what we can do to protect our wellbeing in the first few weeks back to school. This is a companion show to "It's Like We Were Never Away" from January.