Teachers Talk Radio

Carl chats to Dr Nuala Burgess about whether this is the right time to phase out the remaining grammar schools.

The Panel discusses the BBC reporting that staff at two primary schools in Greater Manchester have gone on strike over claims their reports of violence and daily assaults are being ignored by senior leadership. Teachers at Lily Lane Primary School in Moston and Ravensfield Primary School have walked out following claims that pupils have been biting and kicking staff, throwing furniture and, bringing knives to school. One of teachers told the BBC nothing is being done to protect children and staff. Members of The Teachers' Union (NAWUST)are set to strike three days a week throughout January.

In their first show of 2026, Michael Wright and Jen Hurst discuss CPD, the relevancy of it for career development, effective CPD and how good CPD should be transformative, galvanise teaching staff and be focused towards improving teacher practice for the students only. 

With guest Coshia Belvet, the show explores the realities behind the holidays from the teachers’ perspectives. It highlights the need for teachers to work throughout the holidays to meet the demands of the curriculum, students’ needs and external agencies. Whether or not there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, or room for work life balanced was also discussed.

In this show of Teachers Talk Radio, host Famida Choudhary is joined by English educator Kais Saidi to explore the impact of reducing Teacher Talking Time (TTT). Together, they unpack why talking less can lead to deeper learning, stronger student independence, and more effective differentiation. A practical, reflective conversation on structure, student agency, and designing lessons where learning does the work.