In this episode, Lee Parkinson, also known as Mr. P, is joined by Professor Julia Waters – Professor of French at the University of Reading, with over 30 years of teaching experience in Higher Education. Julia spoke to TTS, however, as the sister of Ruth Perry, the headteacher who took her own life in January 2023 as a result of a ‘rude and intimidating’ Ofsted inspection that the coroner described as ‘lacking fairness, respect and sensitivity’. Together, they discuss teacher mental health with regards to school inspections, as well as shine a light on Ruth Perry’s legacy. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of TTS. Please be warned that this episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health. If you need to seek support, please visit the NHS website to find help.
Lee Parkinson, also known as Mr. P, is joined by another exciting and insightful guest, Dr Martin Brunet. Martin is a GP and Medical Educator, who has combined his passion for teaching with an interest in mental health. Throughout this episode, Lee and Martin continue the discussion around the theme of mental health in teaching. They start by looking at burnout, the concept of moral distress and the steps teachers can take to set effective boundaries in their day-to-day lives. They then dive into how the teaching calendar means that unlike many professions, teachers are all running a joint long-distance sprint as opposed to a relay race with their colleagues. They also explore other common teaching mental health concerns including anxiety and imposter syndrome, and how to manage these difficult feelings.
Lee Parkinson, also known as Mr. P, is joined by our incredibly inspirational and insightful guest, Ben West. Ben is a Mental Health campaigner, best-selling author & social media influencer, and one of the most engaging and inspiring young male voices in the UK today. Together, Lee and Ben discuss a range of big topics around the theme of mental health in teaching. They begin by looking at the steps teachers can take to protect their own mental health and wellbeing, as well as the warning signs to be aware of and look out for. They then dive into the mental health of our pupils, including the impact of social media, the positive moves we can make to support them both in the classroom and working with parents, and the role the education system plays. TW: this episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health
In this series 1 finale, Steven Bollar and education consultant, Matthew Savage conclude the wellbeing data topic with a discussion around identifying the marginalised children in your school and what to do about it. Exploring “Why should we shift the margins?” Matthew explains that when we change things to support marginalised students, it often benefits everyone else too. To learn more about Matthew Savage’s work, visit https://monalisaeffect.me/ 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 19 of the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast, Steven Bollar and educational consultant, Matthew Savage, look at the importance of contextualising the wellbeing data that you collect. Matthew discusses the concept that, too often, behaviour and problems are looked at in isolation. He opens up the idea that rather than trying to solve the obvious problem, teachers should look at the bigger picture to see what else is impacting the child at this time. Often, the system needs to change rather than the child. 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
Steven Bollar and educational consultant, Matthew Savage return to the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast to introduce the concept of the wellbeing data wheel. Every child is different so it’s important to measure wellbeing in different ways. The wellbeing data wheel covers 5 spokes to offer a different lens on wellbeing in school. Observation Check-in Surveys Counseling data Everything else 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
Steven Bollar, accompanied by education consultant Matthew Savage, returns to delve into a new topic, adopting a more analytical approach to wellbeing. This episode introduces one of the main challenges to judging wellbeing – schools being a “performative” space leading to children masking their true feelings and selves. Steven and Matthew discuss the meaning of being “performative”, why people might mask their true selves, and methods for encouraging authenticity. 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 16, Steven Bollar and Iantha Ussin conclude the classroom management topic with a closer look at why an effective and engaging lesson plan is the best classroom management tool. What makes up a quality lesson? Use technology as a tool within the classroom Hook them in with a great opener Engage them by focussing on something that matters in their world Develop a diverse teaching plan Reflect and improve 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 15 of the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast, Steven Bollar and Educational consultant, Iantha Ussin reconvene to share their advice on being firm and taking charge of the classroom in a positive way. Firm, mean or angry? Iantha defines what teaching techniques look like when you move from firm into mean and then angry, plus the importance of remaining professional and in control of your emotions. Leaning on their past experiences, Steven and Iantha discuss ways to maintain those boundaries, including: Set expectations Understand when to take a moment Let the silence do the heavy lifting And more 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In this episode of the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast, Steven Bollar and educational consultant, Iantha Ussin share practical ways to maintain healthy relationships with students and why this is important for positioning yourself as the leader in the classroom. “It is the role of the teacher to be a friendly adult, not an adult friend”. Join Steven and Iantha as they discuss what healthy relationships mean to them and their solutions for gaining mutual respect. From creating student index cards, to taking an interest in their world, and asking questions, explore easy tips for developing positive relationships with students. 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
Hosting a new segment on classroom management, Steven Bollar joins the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast alongside educational consultant, Iantha Ussin. In this episode, Steven and Iantha discuss the importance of rituals and routines in the classroom, including using the EDGE technique, setting and practicing expected behaviours, and more. With the mantra “we have all year to teach, we don’t have all year to set order”, Iantha walks through her guidance for those crucial first days of a new school year. 📌 To shop for classroom resources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 12, Mark Steed and Chris Birch, the Head of Key Stage 2 at Citizens School in Dubai, conclude the STEAM topic with a deep dive into the F1 in schools challenge. Leaning on his experiences as a F1 in schools co-ordinator, Chris shares what the challenge involves and why he’s so passionate about the initiative. 📌 To shop for STEAM resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In this episode, Mark Steed and Chris Birch, the Head of Key Stage 2 at Citizens School in Dubai, reconvene to look back at STEM at the foundation stage. Chris discusses the importance of STEAM from an early age, encouraging children to be curious, creative and fostering hands-on opportunities. 📌 To shop for STEAM resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 10 of the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast, Mark Steed is joined again by Chris Birch, Head of Key Stage 2 at Citizens School in Dubai, to discuss AI (Artificial Intelligence) in education. Dispelling the myth that it is cheating to use artificial intelligence; Chris shares the impact that it’s making in his classroom, from lesson plan ideas to student agency. 📌 To shop for STEAM resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Mark Steed is joined by Chris Birch, the Head of Key Stage 2 at Citizens School in Dubai. Chris brings 11 years of experience in teaching at various international schools in the UAE. Sharing his passion for multi-disciplinary learning, Chris discusses why he believes schools still need STEAM and why art is so important for instilling creativity and inclusion. Embedding a STEAM programme Chris shares his considerations when embedding a STEAM programme into a school: What you want to achieve What skills you want to develop Get input from students from the start Reflect and review 📌 To shop for STEAM resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 8 of the TTS Talking Teachers' podcast, Mark Steed and Noha Gaafar from the British International School in Cairo reconvene to explore how schools can provide support for children facing mental health challenges. Prioritizing mental health Mental health has emerged as a crucial topic in education, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. Mark and Noha delve into the strategies implemented at their schools, such as annual staff training, mental health first aiders, and peer-to-peer support. Noha also offers valuable insights on identifying students who may be struggling and shares effective approaches employed by staff and parents to aid them. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Mark Steed is joined by Noha Gaafar, Assistant Director of Sixth Form at the British International School in Cairo. Drawing on her experience in both pastoral care and academic progress, Noha shares her insights into the profound and inherent connection between wellbeing and academic performance. Supporting learners at all levels Mark and Noha delve into the various support systems implemented in their schools to alleviate academic pressures. These include: Intervention programmes Staggering and effectively communicating deadlines Mindfulness lessons Wellbeing toolkits And more! 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In episode 6 of the TTS Talking Teachers’ podcast, Mark Steed and Bobby Wilson, Head of House at Harrow International School, return to discuss the importance of teacher wellbeing. Bobby and Mark take a closer look at the challenges to wellbeing teachers face when working abroad before covering practical advice for looking after your mental health and being an advocate for your wellbeing. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
In this TTS Talking podcast episode, Mark Steed is joined by Bobby Wilson, Head of House at Harrow International School in Bangkok. Sharing her experience in pastoral care across multiple international schools around the world, Bobby touches on what wellbeing means to her and the key considerations for an effective wellbeing program. 📌 To shop for resources relevant to this week's episode, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.
Technology is constantly improving and with it the lives and jobs of people all around the world are regularly adapting. Many schools want to ensure that we set children up with the skills they need to be successful in a world that may be different to what we see today. In this episode, Mark Steed is joined by Andy Tallett and Liam Murphy, Digital Technology Lead, and Innovation Lead at Kellet School in Hong Kong, to discuss why skills learned through coding are essential for setting children up for success. Throughout the episode, Andy and Liam share some of the skills their children are practicing day-to-day and how they balance technology with traditional learning. Some of the benefits they identify include: Bringing learning to life Enhancing the student experience Agency to make a change to their world Plus, much more! 📌 To shop for relevantresources, click here. Listened and loved it? Sign-up here for exclusive follow-up content and be the first to hear about new episodes. (The views expressed throughout this podcast are the speakers' own, and TTS does not take responsibility for the views and guidance highlighted as part of this recording.) Please note: When referencing the speakers views, theory and work for development of your own materials, please ensure academic reference of the speaker is cited.