Teachers Talk Radio

For years, teachers have been highlighting the need for steps to be taken to reduce workload. Lip service has been paid to this concept, with promises and plans made to do so, but with little real impact. 

This week, Lucy Powell has suggested a move to a four-day working week for teachers: a suggestion welcomed by many in education, but criticised by parents. While schools would remain open five days a week, teachers would work a compressed week, with alternative arrangements made for the fifth day.

But what would this look like in practice? Could greater flexibility help tackle teacher burnout, improve recruitment and keep experienced staff in the classroom? Or would it create fresh challenges for school leaders, timetabling and pupils’ learning?

Join David Brown, Carl Smith, Lucy Trimnell and Liz Webb on the panel.

Join Michael Wright for a special episode as he sits down with Steve Willshaw to discuss his book, The Functionally Fluent Teacher.

In this insightful conversation, Michael and Steve explore key ideas from the book, what it means to be a functionally fluent teacher, and how these principles can support effective teaching, positive relationships, and successful classroom outcomes.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, trainee educator, or simply interested in educational practice, this discussion offers valuable reflections and practical insights drawn from Steve’s work.

Chris is joined by guest James Nichols to explore the importance of political education in schools. How can we help young people understand democracy, engage with current affairs, question what they hear and form their own informed opinions? The discussion explores how schools can encourage political awareness and critical thinking while remaining impartial, and why equipping the next generation to understand the world around them matters more than ever.

We talk facing up to the facts and how acceptance could help you in the classroom and beyond.

In today's show, Darren looks at the leadership data to consider what type of headteachers teachers best respond to and why, ultimately, being a nice person is the most important thing of all.