Teachers Talk Radio

“This Is a School, Not a Workhouse” - Inside Union Claims in the Llantwit Major Dispute: TTR Special with Tom Rogers

Industrial action at Llantwit Major High School has brought issues of workload, behaviour and funding into sharp focus. The NASUWT has raised concerns about staff safety, excessive workload and working conditions, while school leaders and the local authority point to financial pressures, falling pupil numbers and ongoing negotiations. In this show, we speak to a NASUWT representative Sharron Daly to explore the claims behind the dispute, the response from leadership, and what this situation tells us about wider pressures across the profession.

What Job Should You Have in Korea?: The Sunday Social

In this week's show, Claudia Tumba and Martin Sketchley chat about what job English teachers should consider when applying to work in South Korea.

Violent pupil behaviour ‘under-reported’ and AI generated teacher harrassment: Points of View

The panel (JP, Rae Whitehouse, Lucy Trimnell, Yasmin Omar and Tom Rogers) explore various stories emerging from the upcoming NASUWT annual conference. Reports of rising violence in schools – and claims that incidents are being under-reported or even discouraged – have sparked serious concern across the profession. The NASUWT warns that some teachers face regular physical injury, while inconsistent behaviour policies and leadership responses may be compounding the problem. But it’s not just behaviour in classrooms under scrutiny. New data suggests nearly one in five teachers now faces an “unmanageable” volume of parent contact, with growing expectations to call home for behaviour and attendance issues. Some schools reportedly require calls for every sanction, raising questions about workload, boundaries, and whether teachers are being turned into “call centres.” At the same time, a new threat is emerging: AI-driven digital harassment, with fears that manipulated videos and recordings could damage teachers’ reputations and safety. In this week’s Points of View, we ask: How widespread is violence in schools? Are reporting systems failing staff? Is parental contact becoming excessive? And are schools prepared for the risks of AI misuse?

'We will never acquiesce to the quiet curse of low expectations' - Our thoughts on the framework: The Twilight Show with Tony Harwood and Yannick Berland

On 13th March, Sir Martyn Oliver defended robust criticism from many in the profession that the new OFSTED framework unfairly penalises schools in disadvantaged areas. He says context should not trump outcomes. Tony talks to his guests about their opinions on the comments and the framework.

Vulnerabilities in Teaching, Part II - Putting yourself out there: Late, Late Show with Chris Wilkinson

Join Chris as he explores the vulnerability of putting yourself out there in teaching, from applying for promotions to stepping into leadership roles. This episode reflects on the discomfort, self-doubt, and awkwardness that can come with being seen differently by colleagues, and why these moments often matter more than we realise.

The Good, the Bad and the Nerdy - Are Teacher Stereotypes in Popular Culture Divisive?: The Morning break with Liz Webb, Rachel Gilyeat and Kate Tully

From a young age, we are constantly exposed to depictions of teachers in books, films and TV series: the nurturing Miss Honey, the chaotic maverick Dewey Finn, the firm-but-wise Mr Feeny… but how accurate - or constructive - are these depictions when it comes to understanding the real people inside the profession? The Morning Break team are back to talk shop - join the conversation!

Gamification: What can Zelda teach us about learning? The Wednesday Late Show with Graham Stanley

What can Zelda teach us about learning? Listen in for more about gamification and teaching and learning.

Whose curriculum is it anyway? Western Models In Global Contexts: The Wednesday Twilight Show with Michelle Hinds

Who really decides what our students learn and why?
In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Martin to unpack one of the most pressing questions in international education: Whose curriculum is it anyway? Together, we explore the global dominance of Western education models and what this means for identity, culture, and power in schools around the world.
Are these curricula a gateway to opportunity and global mobility or do they quietly sideline local knowledge and perspectives? And as international schools continue to grow, who benefits most from the systems we’ve inherited?
This is a thought-provoking conversation for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in the future of global education.

Do we expect enough of our primary school children? The Sunday Late Show with Christopher Vowles

Christopher talks with infant school headteacher Simon Sharp about the differences between English schools and international schools; the importance of outdoor learning for infants; and the government's latest proposals for inclusion.

Why Relationships Matter More Than Systems: The Sunday Lunch Show with Michael Wright

Join Michael Wright for the Sunday Lunch Show with special guest Natasha Chalk, as they discuss the importance of building and maintaining relationships over systems, how to develop good relationships with staff and students and what to look out for if both relationships break down in school systems.