Teachers Talk Radio

At the heart of change - The human work of leadership: The Twilight Show with Louise Marie

Louise Marie meets with Shane Leaning to discuss how to lead, coach and implement change effectively.

SEND in the Storm, what the white paper means for schools: The Friday Morning Break with Carl Smith

Carl chats to experienced Assistant Principal and SENCO about what the SEND proposals in the education white paper really mean for the people working in schools.

Toilet Breaks in Schools - Are schools going too far?: Points of View

Should schools restrict toilet breaks during lessons? Or are tighter policies necessary to maintain behaviour, safety and learning time? In Points of View, we explore one of the most heated and surprisingly complex debates in schools today. From safeguarding and vaping concerns to dignity, medical needs and student trust, where should the line be drawn? Are strict policies about consistency and standards? Or do they risk undermining student wellbeing? As always, we platform different perspectives and invite respectful challenge. Expect strong opinions, practical realities, and plenty for teachers, leaders and parents to reflect on.

What Real Progress In Lessons Truly Means: The Saturday Lunch Show with Famida Choudhary

Famida Choudhary is joined by Cat Chowdhary for a thought-provoking discussion on what real progress in lessons truly means. Moving beyond task completion and content coverage, the conversation explores progress as a shift in thinking — from “then” to “now.” Drawing on research, the gradual release model, adaptive teaching, and evidence-informed feedback practices, the show examines how clarity, questioning, and student response drive meaningful learning. A reflective and practical discussion for teachers and leaders committed to ensuring progress is measured by understanding — not just performance.

'If you want to succeed, read': The Late Show with Sarah Wilkinson-Crute

Fewer children are reading for pleasure than ever before. Screens are louder. Notifications are faster. Attention is shorter. So in a world of endless scrolling, does sitting down with a book still matter?In this World Book Day special, we ask the difficult questions: Does reading for pleasure really shape success? And do events like World Book Day create lasting change - or just a moment of enthusiasm?One bold claim. An honest debate.If you want to succeed, read.

Cultivating Collegiality: The Saturday Breakfast Show with Darren Lester

Darren discusses how collegiality is not the same as congeniality, and it something that must be deliberately fostered in the workplace.

The homework shift - Making it a part of (not apart from) the lesson: Thursday Late, Late Show with Chris Wilkinson

Join Chris as he challenges the way we think about homework, reframing it from an afterthought into a powerful part of learning. In this episode, he explores how purposeful, well-designed homework can build confidence, deepen understanding, and turn small moments of practice into real progress.

The truth behind teaching: Did they learn It or did you just say it?

The Truth Behind Teaching: Did They Learn It or Did You Just Say It? is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Michelle Hinds that cuts through classroom performance and gets to the heart of real learning. With honesty, insight, and a touch of humour, Michelle explores what actually happens between teaching and understanding  why great lessons don’t always equal deep learning, how to spot genuine progress, and what teachers can do to bridge the gap. Expect sharp reflections, practical strategies, and candid conversations about the realities of teaching that every educator will recognise.
 
 
 

Expectation is Everything: The Morning Break with Liz Webb

Guest Matt Miles joins The Morning Break team to discuss how high expectations are crucial to student outcomes and high levels of engagement in the classroom.

Michael Gove Unfiltered - Curriculum, EBacc, Behaviour, Ofsted & Teacher Retention: TTR Special

Michael Gove joins Teachers Talk Radio for a wide-ranging, unfiltered conversation with teachers on the biggest issues in English education and the legacy of his time as Education Secretary.
We cover:• What Gove says he “got wrong” — and why he thinks reforms didn’t go far enough• “The Blob”: regrets, meaning, and who he says it referred to• Curriculum & EBacc: impact on arts, vocational routes, and “knowledge-rich” schooling• SEND & inclusion: reasonable adjustments, direct instruction, and ambition for all pupils• Teacher retention: why 40–50k leave and what he thinks is driving it• Behaviour & violence in schools: exclusions, alternative provision, phones/social media• Ofsted, Amanda Spielman, safeguarding judgements — and the Ruth Perry case• Plus: a quick-fire ending (including Brexit…)
Featuring teacher questions from Liz Webb (English teacher, 20 years) and Yasmin Omar (assistant headteacher).
Thanks to our show partners AQA and Hachette Learning for supporting Teachers Talk Radio.
👍 Like, subscribe, and comment with what you agreed/disagreed with most.🎧 Listen back: ttradio.org📍Teachers Talk Connect (Manchester, 14 March): ttradio.org/connect2026