Recharge and Revive: A Teacher's Guide to Self-Care | Sir, You Look Tired
In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges and experiences of their teaching careers. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, the impact of habitual behaviour on well-being, and their preferences for avoiding takeaways in favour of dining out. They also delve into the educational system's flaws, the importance of teacher well-being for student success, and share anecdotes from their own classroom experiences. Their conversation aims to provide insights and encouragement for teachers striving to find a healthier work-life balance.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter00:59 Takeaway vs. Dining Out04:19 The Importance of Teachers05:40 Challenges in the Education System08:44 Parent Interactions and School Events16:38 Staff Meetings and School Policies18:30 Nostalgic School Memories19:26 Classroom Chaos and Management22:04 Teacher Well-being and Boundaries25:12 Making Small Changes for Big Impact33:52 Engaging with the Podcast Community34:58 Conclusion and Farewell
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41:00
Behind the Classroom Door: The Real Stress of Teaching | Sir, You Look Tired
Join Martin and Dan as they dive into an important and emotional topic that affects many educators: the intense stress and burnout associated with teaching. Discussing personal experiences and eye-opening statistics, they explore how the pressures of the teaching profession have led to significant mental health issues, including burnout and even self-harm. They share poignant stories, including Dan's struggle with mental health and weight, offering a raw and honest insight into the challenges educators face.This episode urges teachers to prioritise their well-being and seek support, while also calling attention to the systemic issues within the education system. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your teaching job, or if you're looking for ways to cope and recover, this episode is for you.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:23 The Stress of Teaching: Statistics and Personal Experiences05:34 The Turning Point: Seeking Change12:39 The Broader Issue: Teacher Workload and Public Perception25:53 Teacher Well-being and Self-care26:42 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms31:37 Support Systems and Asking for Help35:58 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
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45:14
From Graveyards to Great Teachers: SEN Struggles & Why Fun Matters | Sir, You Look Tired
In this episode of "Sir, You Look Tired," Martin and Dan take you on a nostalgic and honest journey through their school days - from Halloween debates and graveyard shortcuts to the teachers who changed their lives. They open up about growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, the challenges of being diagnosed, and how small moments of support made all the difference.The conversation dives deep into the realities of teaching today: the burnout, the paperwork, and the pressure to tick boxes - contrasted with the joy of making memories, building relationships, and letting kids be kids. They question the value of early assessments, share hilarious and heartfelt classroom stories, and offer a rallying cry for teachers to focus on what really matters.Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just love a good school story, this episode is packed with laughter, insight, and a reminder that sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the lesson plan.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Welcome Back04:48 The Impact of Teachers08:25 Personal Struggles and Triumphs13:36 The Power of a Good Teacher19:44 The Importance of Fun in Education20:05 Creative Teaching Methods21:34 Rethinking the Curriculum23:51 The Impact of Assessments30:31 Teacher Burnout and Well-being35:32 The Changing Landscape of Teaching37:08 Final Thoughts
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Surviving and Reflecting on Ofsted | Sir, You Look Tired
Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired" with Martin and Dan! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Ofsted inspections, the realities of school grading, and the impact on teachers and students. From hilarious stories about purple pens and marking policies to honest conversations about burnout, stress, and what really matters in education, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and a few rants.We also share personal experiences, discuss the ever-changing landscape of school inspections, and imagine what schools could be like if we scrapped Ofsted altogether. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or just curious about the world behind the classroom door, this one's for you.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:27 Personal Experiences with Inspectors03:52 The Role and Pay of Inspectors06:19 New Policies and Changes in School Evaluations12:19 The Impact of School Ratings17:05 Marking Policies and Teacher Stress21:57 Mock Inspections and Their Implications23:39 Final Thoughts on School Evaluations29:15 Celebrating Success and Reflecting on Change30:47 Critique of Ofsted and Education Policies50:38 Summer Camp Stories and Final Thoughts
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Finding Joy in Teaching | Sir, You Look Tired
Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories about classroom chaos, teacher burnout, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. From hilarious nativity mishaps to the realities of school budgets, behavior management, and the joy of seeing kids learn, this episode is packed with relatable tales and practical wisdom for teachers everywhere.Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, you’ll find plenty to laugh about—and maybe a few reminders of why you started teaching in the first place. Don’t forget to leave us a comment, rate us five stars, and send in your own unforgettable staff room stories!Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction00:18 Highlighting the Positives of Teaching03:54 Favourite Subjects to Teach06:06 Creative Teaching Methods14:58 Challenges and Behavior Management21:13 Behaviour Management Strategies23:24 Printing in Red: Budget Woes24:38 Inappropriate Searches and Filters29:45 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching31:09 Unexpected Classroom Moments35:10 The Reality of Teaching Adverts38:27 Student Teacher Experiences42:22 Concluding Thoughts
About Sir You Look Tired - The Unofficial CPD for Exhausted Teachers
Sir, You Look Tired is the brutally honest podcast for exhausted teachers. Hosted by Martin (ex-teacher turned coach) and Dan (still in the classroom), this is the staffroom chat you actually want to be part of. Expect laughs, rants, and real talk on burnout, behaviour, wellbeing and surviving until half-term. Unofficial CPD at its finest.
Listen to Sir You Look Tired - The Unofficial CPD for Exhausted Teachers, Coffee Break Spanish and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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