Teachers Talk Radio

University Employment in South Korea: The Sunday Social

In this week's show, Martin Sketchley has a chat with Joseph Steven Van Dorn about what university teachers should consider when working in South Korea.

Telegraph article claims ‘left wing policies’ risk keeping violent pupils in schools: Points of View

This show responds to a Telegraph exclusive claiming progressive policies of managed moves, pressure not to exclude and inclusion practices may keep violent pupils in mainstream schools. The hosts discuss media bias, teacher safety, the limits of inclusion, and how managed moves and alternative provision actually work.
They explore possible fixes including clearer boundaries, better funding and support, earlier intervention, and nuanced policies that balance safeguarding staff and students with routes for rehabilitation and redemption.
On the panel: Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, JP and Rae Whitehouse. 

How far should schools go in addressing needs that sit outside education?: The Twilight Show with Tom Rogers

Deputy head Rachel, working in a primary school in Newham, discusses how schools are responding to needs beyond education, including poverty, food insecurity, toileting and family instability.
She outlines practical approaches - home visits, strong induction, clear behaviour policies that involve parents, pastoral teams, wellbeing programmes and community partnerships - and argues that building relationships and embedding mental health support helps attendance, learning and overall pupil wellbeing.

Pressure what Pressure?: The Sunday Breakfast Show with Phin

We talk mental health (of course) and how we can be more compassionate in the classroom, alongside all those regular features you know and love.

Laugh & Learn - How Humour Transforms Higher Education: The Twilight Show with Timea Kadar

In this show, Timea talks with lecturer Rafael Dos Santos about the role of humour in higher education: why it works (neuroscience, dopamine, belonging and retention), how to use it intentionally (timing, storytelling, affiliate/self‑deprecating humour, props, games and icebreakers), and how to avoid pitfalls (sarcasm, cultural sensitivity and targeting humour). They share practical tips for starting small, building confidence and using tools like AI to brainstorm suitable, safe ideas.
The show also highlights partners and resources, including AQA examiner opportunities and Hachette Learning professional development titles; catch the full episode and other Teachers Talk Radio shows at ttradio.org.

The phone call home - Problem or Partnership?: The Late Show with Sarah Wilkinson Crute

In this show, Sarah speaks with Head of Year Jack Macey about transforming the dreaded phone call home into a tool for building relationships and improving student outcomes.
They discuss practical tips for teachers - especially early career teachers - including making positive calls, keeping conversations factual and brief, scripting key phrases, using colleagues for support, and handling defensive or disengaged parents. The episode highlights research linking parental engagement to better progress and stresses that consistent, warm communication can build trust between school and home.

The Role of Personality in Online Language Learning: The Saturday Breakfast Show with Darren Lester

Darren looks into recent research published by Liang et al into the role that personality plays in online language learning and considers how we can apply the concept of "personality types" to our own teaching and learning. 

Who Would want to Be a Head of Year...Seriously?! : Friday Morning Break Show with Carl Smith

Carl chats to experienced Head of Year, Adam Perry about what they job is really like. A really interesting insight for anyone who is or has been head of year, is thinking they might like to be a year head or is in need of appointing one. 
Is it the toughest job in the school?
Why do people still do it?

What is effective school governance?: The Late Late Show with Lee Pace

Lee Pace and guest Andy Chell explore modern school governance: what governing bodies actually do, how to distinguish strategic oversight from day-to-day operations, and why effective challenge and triangulation matter.
They discuss the roles of chairs, clerks, link governors and parent trustees, recruitment by skills, learning walks, horizon scanning for future policy changes, and practical tips for clearer reporting and stronger governor–school relationships.

Stricter home schooling rules prompt warnings about overstretched councils: Points of View

Stricter home schooling rules are on the way but are councils anywhere near ready? This week on Points of View, we unpack the government’s plans to introduce a national register of home-educated children and tighter oversight of families. Supporters say it’s about safeguarding vulnerable children and preventing tragedies. Critics warn it risks intrusive state overreach and puts impossible pressure on already overstretched local authorities. With rising numbers of children leaving schools - many linked to SEND pressures and mental health concerns, we ask: Are schools failing too many children? Is home education becoming a necessity, not a choice? Can councils realistically monitor thousands more families? And where should the balance lie between parental rights and child protection? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Lucy Trimnell and Carl Smith.