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© 2024 The Unteachables Podcast
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Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. I’m your host, Claire English, a passionate secondary teacher and leader turned teacher mentor and author of 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A Holistic Approach to Classroom Behaviour Management.' I'm on a mission to help educators like you transform your classrooms, build confidence, and feel empowered.
Why am I here? Not too long ago, I was overwhelmed by low-level classroom disruptions and challenging behaviors. After thousands of hours honing my skills in real classrooms and navigating ups and downs, I’ve become a confident, capable teacher ready to reach every student—even those with the most challenging behaviors. My journey inspired me to support teachers like you in mastering effective classroom strategies that promote compassion, confidence, and calm.
On The Unteachables Podcast, we’ll dive into simple, actionable strategies that you can use to handle classroom disruptions, boost student engagement, and create a positive learning environment.
You'll hear from renowned experts such as:
Bobby Morgan of the Liberation Lab
Marie Gentles, behavior expert behind BBC's 'Don't Exclude Me' and author of 'Gentles Guidance'
Robyn Gobbel, author of 'Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviours'
Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor and published author
And many more behaviour experts and mentors.
Whether you’re an early career teacher, a seasoned educator, or a teaching assistant navigating classroom challenges, this podcast is here to help you feel happier, empowered, and ready to make an impact with every student.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode packed with classroom tips and inspiring conversations that make a real difference!
101 Episodes
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Episode 100!!! (AND the last episode of 2024) is both a reflection and a reminder—a moment to pause and think about what truly fills your cup during the holidays. Teaching can be all-consuming, and it’s vital to find ways to not just rest but to feel rejuvenated and reconnected with yourself.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why resting isn’t always enough – the difference between rest and rejuvenation.The 5 basic needs cups from choice theory – love and belonging, fun, survival, mastery and power, ...
The festive season can be a fun time for us as teachers, and our students—but not for everyone. While many of us are busy planning celebrations and gifts, some of our students face unique challenges. For them, the holiday season might bring stress, instability, or hardship. In this episode, I offer a compassionate reminder about the reality some of our students face and how we, as educators, can make a difference in their experience.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The reality of the holiday season...
Ever had a class party or more relaxed and unstructured activities spiral into mayhem??? That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, it just means you need to do it right! In today's bite I take you through how adding structure to your festive plans can keep things fun, calm, and enjoyable for everyone (yourself included!).IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why end-of-year celebrations can feel overwhelming: Understanding what makes this time of year tricky.How to pair fun with predictability: Simple...
Are you feeling the strain of the end-of-year chaos in the classroom?“My students are apathetic and completely checked out!”“Chattiness, off-task behaviours, and disruptions are at an all-time high!”“Some behaviour has majorly escalated!”Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The combination of tired students, tired teachers, heightened excitement, and a lack of routine can wreak havoc on behaviour. But with a little prep (and a few no-prep strategies), you can channel that energy effectively—and ...
Imagine being 12 years old and feeling lost in a classroom. School has always been a struggle, and instead of admitting your confusion, you become the class clown, distracting yourself and your friends. When the teacher calls you out, you know the drill—nod along and wait for the inevitable lecture. That lecture? Like water off a duck’s back!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The cycle of disengagement: Lecturing students about their behaviour often leads them to tune out, allowing them to avoid...
Are your students arriving late or missing class altogether?In this episode, we’ll explore why punitive measures often backfire and how they can alienate the very students who need connection the most.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The pitfalls of punishment: While it may seem like a way to enforce attendance, punishment can foster resentment and disconnect, driving students further away from the classroom.Understanding the reasons behind absenteeism: Many factors influencing attendance are beyon...
You’ve finally set the stage for a productive lesson… and then the chaos begins!This month on the podcast, we’re honing in on those critical first five minutes—the bedrock of an engaging and settled classroom environment.I’ll be outlining key strategies to help you create a smooth start, including how to shift students’ energy with entry routines and effective starter activities.But what happens if you don’t engage your students right away? Something else will!In this episode, we’ll explore t...
Do you often find yourself reminding the same students about the same expectations? It’s draining, and it can start to feel personal, leading to unnecessary confrontations.Here’s a simple shift that can transform this dynamic: Make it about the visual. NOT about you!Instead of verbally repeating instructions, point to a visual cue on the wall, like a poster of class expectations or a checklist. This shifts the focus from “you vs. me” to a shared goal that everyone can see.In this episode, we ...
You’ve FINALLY gotten your students settled and started at the start of the lesson… cue… the disruptive latecomer!This month on the podcast, I'm focusing on the first five minutes of each lesson—the foundation of a calm, connected start. However, even with a solid roadmap that guides teachers in creating a smooth start with key strategies, like shifting students’ energy through entry routines, engaging starters, and seamless transitions... there's one big wrench that can throw off this plan: ...
Today’s Behaviour Bite is all about a simple yet powerful practice: asking and pausing—for much longer than you (probably) already do.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The common tendency among teachers to rush through questions: After asking if there are any questions, many of us move on immediately, often before giving students a chance to respond. Research shows that the average pause is just 0.9 seconds—far too short for effective processing.Understanding different types of thinkers: Some studen...
Are you struggling with having a settled start to the lesson? Battling dysregulation and high energy?In today’s episode, we’re exploring the importance of the First 5—those critical first five minutes of each lesson. This time can make all the difference in shifting energy from the chaos of transitions to a calm, focused learning environment. We’ll dive into practical strategies for creating an “invisible barrier” that allows students to enter a space primed for learning, leaving the out...
In today’s episode, we’re diving into how building a growth mindset culture can be transformative in our classrooms. We’ll look at how fixed mindsets hold students back, especially when past experiences or fears of failure keep them from fully engaging in learning. Through this episode, Ill explore practical ways to build self-belief, helping students see challenges as chances to grow and celebrating their efforts along the way. These strategies are all about creating an environment wher...
Welcome to the second Behaviour Bite! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Avoid locking horns... at all costs.Listen in as I talk through this bite, and give you your actionable takeaway!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!Resources and links: Take the "What's Your Teacher Type" Quiz Join The...
You’ve probably heard the phrase, "Behaviours are students meeting a need." In this episode, I’m diving into what that actually really means for your classroom and how understanding the needs behind student behaviour can transform your management approach.Listen in as I discuss:Glasser’s 5 basic needs and how they drive behaviour (survival, love/belonging, fun, power/mastery, and freedom)How unmet needs can lead to challenging behaviours in the classroomCore principles of Choice TheoryThe imp...
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Behaviour Bites! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip each week that you can put into action immediately to help you crush your classroom management!TODAY'S BEHAVIOUR BITE:Students will always follow our example, before they follow our instruction.Listen in as I talk through this bite, and give you your actionable takeaway!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!Resour...
1In this episode, I’m diving into one of THE most transformative strategies for managing low-level disruptions—almost like flipping a switch. I'll explore how your teaching presence, especially through non-verbal communication, can significantly shift classroom behaviour. It’s not about doing one thing—it’s about everything you do.Listen in as I discuss:What even is a strong teaching presence?Understanding the power of non-verbal communication in classroom managementThe difference between "cre...
Take the quiz! What's your teacher type?! Ever wondered why some classroom management strategies work wonders for others but fall flat for you? In today’s episode, we’re delving deep into the heart of teaching styles and uncovering what makes you uniquely you in the classroom. I’ll be taking you behind the scenes of my "What is Your Teacher Type?" quiz and showing you how this simple tool can unlock powerful insights into your teaching strengths and challenges.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DIS...
Take the quiz - What's your teacher type?! (Putting this right up top because I know that's why you came to the description)In today's episode I’ll be walking you through three mistakes you might unknowingly be making that can fuel these low-level behaviour spotfires. Now, I say “might be,” but let’s be real—after observing hundreds of lessons, I can tell you with certainty that these sneaky habits tend to creep into even the most experienced classrooms, and yes, I’ve been guilty of them too!...
In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the frustration of low-level behaviours in the classroom—why they are so tricky to handle and why the advice out there often falls flat. This is episode 1 of a big focus on low-level behaviours this month, so be sure to follow along for the rest if this is a big challenge for you in your practice!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:My personal experiences with low-level behaviours and why I’m so passionate about this topic - hellooooo shaking our confidenc...
BY POPULAR DEMAND: You can grab the task card template here!Classroom management is more than just the behaviour, and dealing with low-level disruptive behaviours NEEDS to be more than this to be effective!In this episode, I'll be exploring (well... more like nerding out on) a simple yet incredibly effective tool to help manage and reduce low-level behaviours in the classroom: the humble task card. I know, I know, but stay with me here.Many factors contribute to disruptive behaviours, but by ...
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funny, I added a comment here a week ago. It was about the damage done to teachers who are abused by students before the relationship is built, asking how to protect teachers from this harm because, regardless of the why, being sworn at or ducking flying furniture is experiencing abuse.
Excellent points on developing relationships. However, you missed a big piece. Teachers are being abused during the weeks, months, and years it takes to do that work. During that time, teachers are expected to take abuse, accept it, forgive it, & work ever harder to help the abusers. This is causing unacceptable harm. Then comes the gaslighting "consider their perspective," "don't take it personally" etc. What is your plan to stop the harm and prevent the abuse until the relationship is working?