Teachers Talk Radio

Continuing the mini-series on teacher job satisfaction, Darren explores the literature about the satisfaction criteria for teachers and considers whether the length of time you've been in the job impacts how satisfied you feel.

Chatting, calling out, tapping and answering back: how much disruption has become accepted as part of everyday teaching?

On Points of View, we debate the cumulative impact of so-called low-level disruption on teachers and pupils. Where is the line between ordinary classroom restlessness and behaviour that stops others learning?

Are expectations clear and consistent and do teachers get the support they need to uphold them?

We reference a Teacher Tapp survey from this week. Plus, does describing disruption as “low-level” minimise the damage it can do? On the panel: Tom Rogers, Liz Webb, Beejesh Deva.

Who keeps our schools running when the classroom doors close? This show shines a light on the often-overlooked support staff who keep education moving. From dealing with frustrated parents to supporting teachers and school leaders, their contribution is vital but often unrecognised. Featuring an interview with an 18-year-old school office apprentice, the show explores the realities behind the scenes and asks a powerful question: Are the people schools rely on the most the ones they value the least?

Tim Smale is joined by executive headteacher Adrian McLean to ask why school values so often go out of the window, and why schools might need virtues instead. They also get into teacher overload and the rise in AI-written complaints to schools. Adrian has taken one question to the TEDx stage and the House of Lords: what does character ask of a leader when holding the line is the lonely and expensive option? Tim and Adrian take it on together.

Know Your Worth, hosted by Mehmet Ali Zekay, explores confidence, professional value and having the courage to ask for more. In this episode, Mehmet speaks with Dr Rebecca Taylor, a Physics teacher, about recognising your worth, career progression and why teachers shouldn’t be afraid to have conversations about pay.