Teachers Talk Radio

We talk how to make meaning out of stress. Join me!

In this show, Darren explores the psychology of being observed as a teacher. Drawing on research by Ali et al., he examines why lesson observations can provoke stress and anxiety, how being watched changes classroom practice, and what the evidence tells us about the impact of observations on teacher performance and wellbeing.

Why do so many girls disengage from sport during their school years and what can schools do to change that? In this special Teachers Talk Radio show in partnership with the Football Association (FA), hosts Tom Rogers and Rae Whitehouse are joined by Stacey Mullock, Head of Development at The FA, and secondary teacher Helen Tonks to explore the barriers still holding girls back in sport and school life. Whether it be misogyny and exclusion to body confidence, periods, kit anxiety and the fear of judgement, this honest and practical conversation looks at the real experiences many girls face and why these issues extend far beyond the football pitch. Drawing on insights from the FA & Barclays Made for This Game: Breaking Barriers campaign, the panel discusses how schools can create environments where girls feel confident, included and able to belong. The conversation explores what misogyny looks like in schools today, how teachers can open difficult conversations with confidence, and the small cultural shifts that can make a big difference. With 90% of schools now offering girls equal access to football, progress is real but access alone isn’t enough. This show looks at what comes next and how teachers can help girls build confidence, resilience and a lasting sense of self-worth.

Lee will be joined by Tom and Keiran, teachers in an SEMH school for boys. They will be considering behaviour policies in schools, how to find a sensible balance whilst keeping expectations high.

A teacher who “pulled a sickie” to attend a stag do in Portugal, lied about illness, and later ripped pages from his passport to cover his tracks has avoided a teaching ban - but should he have? This week on Points of View, we ask what this case says about trust, professionalism and pressure in teaching. We’ll also debate flexible working in education. Should schools be more open to flexible leave and personal requests to help retain staff and improve wellbeing? Or are schools already under too much pressure, with staffing shortages making flexibility difficult and unfair on colleagues left to cover? On the panel: Dave Brown, Rae Whitehouse, Lucy Trimnell.

In this thoughtful and practical discussion, Toby and Jo Hrabi will consider the pressures neurodiverse learners may face in busy educational environments, from sensory overload and anxiety to organisation, communication and confidence. They will also reflect on the wellbeing of teachers and support staff, asking how educators can create inclusive, calm and responsive classrooms while also protecting their own energy and mental health.Tune in for a supportive, human conversation about neurodiversity, inclusion and wellbeing in education.

We talk stress and self-esteem. Are the two linked? Can one get better without the other? Let's talk it out...

Yannick and Tony conclude their discussion on the perceived increase in demand of the profession on teachers . They draw on surveys of UK teachers as well as their combined 50+ years of experience, to make a final, balanced conclusion. Is teaching really getting harder?

In this show, Darren explores the relationship between parental self-efficacy and student exam stress. How much does a parent's confidence in supporting their child's education influence how that child experiences assessment and exam pressure? Drawing on psychological and educational research, Darren examines the evidence linking parental beliefs, family support, academic resilience, and student wellbeing.

Carl asks why so many young people are economically inactive according to the Milburn report. He explores whether schools or teachers are to blame or whether it is in fact the system they operate in that has caused the problem. He also suggests what might be done to make things better.