How can school leaders genuinely reduce teacher workload?





Our 129th interview is with, David Lowbridge-Ellis, former deputy head teacher of Barr Beacon School and current deputy director of school improvement at the Matrix Academy Trust...



Two years ago I connected with David (in his role as deputy head teacher) at Barr Beacon. I was attracted to a claim that his school did 47 things to reduce teacher workload and support teacher wellbeing!  It was so good, I referenced all the ideas in my 'Just Great Teaching' research.



One month ago, I checked back in with David to see how things were going throughout COVID; particularly to focus on those 47 things published to understand if they actually lived out to be true, rather than as a list on paper...

Listen to the podcast (45 minutes)

https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Podcast-129.-David-Lowbridge-Ellis.mp3

In this podcast, listen to David and Teacher Toolkit founder, Ross McGill discuss:





David’s initial thoughts and documenting on teacher workload

David’s own memories of school and pathway into teaching

Why his school does not produce lesson plans for review, and many others!

The importance of school leaders being visible in schools

Giving teachers the freedom to find their own pupil feedback strategies

(Spaced) Scheduling for teacher professional development

Removing written reports for parents and what to replace them with

Contact-tracing in schools during COVID-19 and,

Reducing senior leadership workload.



Watch the conversation?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIH0GSl4eQ0