The Unteachables Podcast
The Unteachables Podcast is a resource for teachers seeking practical classroom management strategies and support. Host Claire English, a former secondary teacher and mentor, shares actionable advice to handle disruptions and engage students. The show features insights from renowned experts in education and behavior. It aims to help educators build confidence and create positive learning environments.
Episodes
#178: What good support from senior leadership actually looks like when a teacher says I'm drowning, with Aaron Johnston
This is the final one. My last episode live here at EduTech 2026, and I cannot think of a better way to wrap it up.Joining me is my teachergram turned real life friend Aaron Johnston, who popped his head into the booth yesterday and got roped into coming back for an interview. If you don't already know Aaron, you should. He is a deputy principal at Talara Public School, now in his 18th year o
#177: Educating the 'whole child' beyond the academic buzzword. Andrea Vandenbohl on building a school culture where every child feels seen
I am still here at EduTech 2026, and today's conversation has completely lit me up.I'm sitting across from the wonderful Andrea Vandenbohl, deputy principal at Northam Grammar School, where she has spent the last five years leading initiatives that weave wellbeing science and character education into every part of school life. Andrea's work is built on the belief that educating youn
#176: Kate Stockman on student voice, empathy, and why so many students stay silent.
This one almost didn't happen, and I am so glad it did.Today's guest literally walked past my booth at EduTech 2026 to introduce herself, and within about two minutes I knew I needed her energy on this podcast. Her name is Kate Stockman, and she is deeply passionate about helping young people find their voice and helping schools build cultures where communication actually thrives. Kate i
#175: From fostering an unhoused teen at just 22, to leading trauma-informed practice in schools. A conversation with Avril Waite.
Joining me is Avril Waite, a secondary science teacher from regional New South Wales who is leading the integration of artificial intelligence across her school, while also being a strong advocate for trauma-informed practice and student wellbeing. Avril also coordinates the New Marine Pathways program, helping create university access opportunities for students pursuing marine studies across New
#174: Is your school quietly killing curiosity? Carmel McGee on what it looks like for curiosity to thrive (and why this matters).
Joining me is Carmel McGee, a Tasmanian educator and certified lead teacher who has spent much of her career chasing one question: how do we actually create the conditions for curiosity to thrive? Carmel works at Riverside Primary School in Launceston, where she helps build classroom cultures where kids are curious, capable, and courageous. Her thinking has been shaped by some seriously impressive
#173: Finally answering the biggest questions you've sent in. Can you be too nice? How to get on top of the chattiness? The number one hill I'll die on with classroom management? + MORE!
Okay, so this one's a little different. I'm not the one asking the questions today.I'm coming to you live from EduTech 2026, booth 1216, and before I put a single educator, leader or keynote speaker in the hot seat, my best friend and fellow teacher Jess decided it was only fair I sit in it myself first.Jess grabbed all the questions you've been sending me on Instagram and in m
#172: Starters CAN be your classroom management superpower (here's how to do them right)
If you can grab them in the first five minutes, everything feels easier. That's the magic of a great starter activity — and this episode is Claire's full Q&A on how to do them well.Starter tasks are one of Claire's absolute favourite things (her words). Done right, they communicate your expectations before you've said a single word, shift whatever energy students are walkin
#171: If you want students to take REAL accountability for their behaviours, here's the 4 things you need to do.
Teachers are constantly being told to move away from punitive approaches — but rarely given the actual, practical skills to replace them with. And that gap? It's leaving teachers feeling disempowered, lost, and like restorative practice just doesn't work.This episode is Claire's answer to that.She's breaking down her exact framework for helping students build real accountabilit
#170: 5 classroom management moves I am obsessed with (and you can use immediately)
Classroom management can feel like this big, intangible, confusing beast that no one can seem to nail down. Claire gets it — and this episode is her antidote to that.Five non-negotiable moves. Five things she'd hand you immediately if you came to her tomorrow and said "I'm struggling, what do I do?" No fluff, no theory — just the actual things that are within your control and t
#169: 4 whole-class recall games that will have students begging to learn right up until the summer break
Mentioned Resource: The Engagement BundleEngagement slumping? You're not alone. Whether you're in the final push to summer or just hitting that mid-year wall where motivation has quietly packed its bags, this episode is for you.Claire shares four no-prep (or low-prep) whole class games that gamify your lessons, bring back buy-in, and make the last stretch of the year actually fun, for yo
#168: What schools get profoundly wrong — with Andy Hargreaves
What does it actually mean to be a professional in teaching? Not just "treated like one" — but what does professional knowledge, professional growth, and professional community actually look like in practice?I got to sit down with one of the most cited education scholars alive — the incredible Andy Hargreaves — and honestly, I could have talked to him for hours. Andy is an author or edit
#167: The ‘boring’ differentiation strategy you need to be using in 2026 to improve low-level behaviours | The Differentiation Series: Part 3
Okay, I'm going to say something that might surprise you.The most powerful differentiation strategy I know is also the most boring one.No fancy tech. No elaborate lesson design. No creating multiple versions of anything. Just one simple, evidence-backed approach that, when you actually use it, has the power to dramatically reduce the low-level disruptions, work refusal, and off-task behaviour
#166: Why telling teachers to ‘just differentiate’ is helping nobody (and what we need to do instead) | The Differentiation Series: Part 2
Let me be real with you for a second, the word "differentiation" has a bit of a reputation problem.For most teachers, hearing it conjures up images of three separate lesson versions, colour-coded ability groups, and a to-do list that never ends. No wonder it sends a shudder up your spine.But here's the thing: that version of differentiation? It's not what I'm talking about
#165: The "brain builder" mindset shift every teacher needs. Jessica Sinarski on dysregulation, teacher burnout, and the neuroscience behind behaviour
Every teacher has been there. The class that makes you want to crawl under your desk. The student who seems hell-bent on dismantling every lesson you've planned. And the horrible, shameful moment when you realise you've snapped, yelled, or just completely lost the plot… and it didn't help at all.Here's the thing: it's not because you're a bad teacher. It's becaus
#164: Why your students won't do the work (even when it's really doable) | The Differentiation Series: Part 1
When a student pushes a piece of work off their desk, puts their head down, pulls out their phone, or starts cracking jokes, it can feel personal. Like, really personal. Especially when you've poured your heart into that lesson.But here's the thing: none of that behaviour is random. And it's definitely not about you.In this episode, I'm giving you a front seat to something I wi
#163: What does real inclusion look like in the classroom? Supporting neurodivergent students | Interview with Verity Harvey
What if the biggest shift you could make for your most complex students had nothing to do with behaviour charts, consequences, or reward systems — and everything to do with the way you see them?In this episode, I'm sitting down with the incredible Verity Harvey — an educator with over 20 years of experience in inclusion and disability, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, and one of the
#162: How to Turn Your Teaching Into a Classroom Management Machine
What if the reason classroom management feels so bloody hard… is because you were never actually taught how to do it in a way that works and aligns with your values?In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to a live training I recently ran called Turn Your Teaching into a Classroom Management Machine — and honestly, it was too good not to bring onto the podcast.If classroom management has ever
#161: What we get wrong about classroom management, low-level disruption, crafting a strong teaching presence + more
A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of jumping on the Teacher Takeaway podcast for a proper behaviour-nerd chat… and the second we wrapped, I knew I wanted you to hear it too.Because if you’ve ever walked into a lesson feeling like you’re doing crowd control (and then gone home thinking, “Why am I like this?!”)… this one is for you.In this conversation, Aaron and I unpack the biggest misco
#160: The 10 quick community builder activities that will become your classes favourite
What if I told you that you could build connection, boost buy-in, reset the vibe, AND reduce low-level behaviour… in five minutes flat?No prep. Just you, your class, and a little bit of magic. ✨In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to 10 of my favourite grab-and-go community builders, the ones that get students laughing, talking, connecting, and (without even realising it) building the kind
#159: The 5 routines that are non-negotiable for teachers wanting to reduce low-level disruptions and create a beautiful, calm, safe classroom environment.
In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the teaching assistants I’ve had in my classroom for years… except they’re not people. They’re systems. Predictable, powerful routines that quietly run the room so I can actually teach with FAR fewer low-level disruptions.I’m walking you through the non-negotiable routines that have transformed my classroom from chaotic to calm, and how you can start
#158: How to build the most beautiful, positive, connected class community brick by brick (even the toughest, most disengaged of classes)
What if the class everyone labels “unteachable”… becomes your favourite group of the year?In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most formative stories of my teaching career—back when I was fresh out of uni, wildly underqualified, and somehow ended up turning the “low class” into the class that changed everything for me.This episode is a big one. It gets to the heart of how com
#157: "What if I just realllly don’t like a student?!" How to teach a kid you find really dang triggering and unlikeable.
Here’s a spicy but honest truth: sometimes, we don’t like every student we teach.And while we’re trauma-informed, values-driven, compassionate educators — we’re also human. And navigating complex behaviour, bullying, defiance, or students who constantly derail your lessons? It takes a toll.In this episode, I’m opening up the very real conversation about what to do when you find a student… unlikabl
#156: Why forced icebreakers don’t build trust or community (and what does)
In this episode, I’m giving you a front-row seat to how I break the ice with my classes without forcing kids (or me!) into anything awkward, loud, or fake.Whether you’ve got a class full of students with complex needs, or just want something low-stakes and actually useful — this is the episode for you. I’m walking you through the exact back-to-school icebreakers I’ve used for years with huge succe
#155: The first-week moves that’ll save you months of behaviour work down the track
That quiet calm at the start of the year? Yeah, it won’t last... unless you do this.Welcome back to The Unteachables Podcast. It’s still back-to-school season, and this episode is for every teacher who wants to avoid the classic Week 7 spiral when behaviours suddenly spike and everything feels a bit… cooked.I’m giving you a front seat to the real reason that early-term magic fades—and what to do r
#154: How to build back confidence and credibility after a tough year with behaviour [+ whats coming in 2026]
Feeling like last year’s behaviour battles stole your joy? Let’s change the energy at the door. We kick off the new season with a grounded, practical roadmap to reset expectations, reclaim credibility, and build calm with routines that do the heavy lifting—even if you’re returning to the same challenging group.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to:What to do when you’re dreading going ba
#152: So it's December, and your students won't stop talking... Now what?
In last week’s episode, we talked about what to do when student energy is flat, motivation is MIA, and you're pulling teeth just to get through a lesson. This week, we're flipping the script and tackling the other end of the spectrum, those wild, chatty, off-task end-of-year vibes that have you asking:🫠 “Why is everyone shouting?”🫠 “Why can’t we sit down for longer than 2 minutes?”🫠 “Is
#151: What to do when your class is bringing the 'checked out, apathetic, can't be bothered' vibes at the end of the year
We’ve officially entered the end-of-year zone... You know, the part where students are either bouncing off the walls or slumping over their desks like they’ve pulled three all-nighters in a row. And let’s be honest, we’re right there with them.In this week’s episode, I’m unpacking a common (and deeply exhausting) classroom vibe: student apathy. That “ugh, why are we even here?” energy that rolls i
#150: Students pushing your buttons? These 6 one-liners will save you!
This episode is a big warm hug and a practical roadmap for every teacher who’s ever thought: “How the heck am I supposed to stay calm when they’re pushing ALL my buttons?!”I’m diving into a juicy listener Q&A all about what to do in those real-deal, fight-flight-freeze moments in the classroom. And spoiler alert: it’s not about becoming a Zen monk who never reacts. It’s about having scripts, s
#149: 3 Thanksgiving activities to beat the November behaviour wobbles
Whether you're wrapping up the year in Australia (hi, me too!) or heading into Thanksgiving mode, this one's for the teachers out there who want to keep the vibe high, the connection strong, and the behaviour smooth as the term winds down.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the actual gratitude-based activities I use with my own students when things start taking an energetic
#148: If I had a totally unmanageable class, I'd do these 4 things immediately.
This episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most common questions I get from Behaviour Clubbers, and honestly, it’s one we’ve ALL asked at some point: “What do I do with a class that is just... chaotic?”We’re talking cultural chaos. The kind of class that leaves you emotionally wrung out, standing at the board yelling instructions to a sea of disengaged students while your nervous syst
#147: Why your classroom transitions are chaotic (and how to fix them)
The messy middle of a lesson can make or break your classroom calm.You’ve nailed your entry routines. Your exits are solid. But those in-between moments, like shifting from group work to silent writing, that’s where chaos sneaks in.If transitions have ever left you saying:“I had them… and then I lost them.”This one’s for you.In this episode, I walk you through my three essential “Ps” for smooth tr
#146: Why classroom compliance isn’t the win you might think it is
Ever found yourself sitting at your desk mid-lesson, staring at the wall while chaos erupts around you… thinking “I cannot teach like this”?Same.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most eye-opening classroom experiences I had as a baby teacher—and how it accidentally dropped me straight into something called the pedagogy of poverty.You’ll hear the story of a student called “
#145: The Halloween classroom management mistakes that turn your class into a horror movie (and what to do instead)
Ah yes, spooky season. The sugar. The chaos. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to exactly how to lean into the festive vibes of Halloween (and any holiday season) without your classroom descending into a full-blown free-for-all.This episode is packed with practical ways to keep your routines, keep your calm, all while adding just the right sprinkle of spooky magic to make it fun and fun
#144: How to actually support students with additional needs... in a mainstream classroom... with zero support...
How do you actually manage special needs in a mainstream classroom (when you’re not getting the support you need)?Ever looked around your classroom mid-lesson and thought:“How the heck am I supposed to meet 30 different needs all at once?”Yeah. Me too.This week, I’m kicking off a new mini-series answering your most-asked questions, starting with one I get all the time: “How do I support students w
#143: 5 powerful (and doable) ways to support ADHD students. October is ADHD Awareness Month!
October is officially Hectic Month™️ (Black History Month, Mental Health Day, Halloween... all of it), but nestled in the mix is something super important: ADHD Awareness Month.And look, if you’re thinking, “Well, I don’t have any diagnosed ADHD students,” think again. Not only is it likely that you do (diagnosed or not), but what helps ADHD students thrive is actually just good teaching for every
#142: My English teacher saved my life (and she will never know it). The episode you need to hear if you've ever doubted your impact.
This episode is personal. Raw. Vulnerable. And honestly… one of the most important stories I’ve ever shared.So if you’re a teacher who’s ever doubted the impact you’re having, especially with those students who seem like they couldn’t care less? This one’s for you.Today, I’m taking you back to my own high school days. Not the shiny, well-behaved student success story, but the version of me who was
#141: Tired of blank stares and the same 5 hands up? Here's how to get whole-class engagement (WITHOUT relying on cold-calling)
This tiny tweak could change your whole classroom vibe.If you’ve ever found yourself gripping onto those five students who always put their hands up while the rest of the class stares blankly out the window—or worse, starts low-key mutinies—you are NOT alone.In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to a game-changing shift I made in how I asked students to engage. It's a small upgrade tha
#140: If you've ever been told (or felt) you need to "be stricter" for classroom management success - listen to this.
We’re busting a big ol’ classroom management myth in this episode: that being kind, compassionate, and empathetic means you’re “too soft” to manage behaviour effectively.Because I’m seeing it everywhere right now - especially from all the beautiful new teachers joining me inside The Behaviour Club - this feeling of, “Am I doing it wrong?” “Am I too nice?” “Do I need to start being strict to be tak
#139: The exit routine your class [and you] desperately needs
Let’s talk about the part of the lesson where the wheels often fall off — the final five minutes. You know the one. The bell's about to go, some students are packing up early, others are zoning out, and you’re standing at the door doing your best nightclub bouncer impression. 🚪🕺In this final episode of the Kickstart series, we're talking exit routines — specifically, how to manage early
#138: Brain breaks that secretly boost behaviour (and help us reclaim a bit of teaching joy in the classroom)
Ever feel like your class is one brain snap away from absolute chaos… or just asleep at the wheel?In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most powerful — and wildly underused — classroom management tools in your toolbox: brain breaks. But not just for the sake of fun. We’re talking strategic, rapport-building, energy-resetting magic that actually boosts learning, not wastes time
#137: Feel like you need to split into 30 trying to support the whole room? This tool changes everything.
The task strategy that will change your classroom (even if you’re running on fumes)Ever feel like the second you set your students off on a task, it’s like you’ve got to split into ten different versions of yourself?In this episode, I’m walking you through one of my favourite practical strategies of all time — the humble task card — and showing you exactly how this simple tool can reduce overwhelm
#136: The entry routine that is magic for low-level disruption! The power of learning maps
Join the Kickstart: https://www.the-unteachables.com/kickstartIf your lessons feel like a sprint uphill from the very first bell... kids trickling in, backpacks still on, everyone chatting while you’re already repeating yourself, then friend, you don’t have an entry routine problem. You have an entry routine opportunity.This is part two of the Behaviour Club Kickstart, and today we’re talking entr
#135: Is your teaching presence undermining your classroom management?
Why Your Presence Might Be Undermining Your Classroom Management (And How to Fix It)Ever felt like you're being too nice... or not taken seriously enough in your classroom?Like you're walking a tightrope between being warm and relatable and being respected as the leader of the room?Whew—yeah. Been there. That’s exactly what today’s episode is all about.We're kicking off the Behaviou
#134: Bullying in the classroom?! 😖 How to talk to your students about it in a way that gets them listening, empathising, and creating change!
Ever had a student yell "I'M BEING BULLIED!" when their friend won’t let them borrow a pencil? Meanwhile, real, insidious bullying is flying under the radar?HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR ACTIVITIES + MORE 😁In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the three-part framework I use to help students identify what actually counts as bullying, how to respond safely, and how to foster rea
#133: Flipping your lid! The concept that changed everything about the way I responded to students in the middle of a meltdown.
What’s actually happening when your student flips their lid? And more importantly… what should you be doing when it happens?HEAD TO THE BLOG HERE FOR VISUALS + MORE 😁In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most game-changing concepts I've learned about behaviour and brain science: flipping your lid. You’ll hear me break down Dr. Dan Siegel’s hand model of the brain in all i
#132: The No-BS Back to School Breakdown! Exactly what I do lesson-by-lesson in Week 1 to build rapport, set expectations, and create routines that stick.
Back to school?! Whaaaaaaat?!If your first thought seeing this episode pop up was “Claire, I am still sipping margaritas and pretending I’ve never even heard of a seating plan,” I get it. 😅But if you are gearing up for the next school year or term, this episode’s for you.I’m giving you a front seat to my no-BS, non-negotiables for the first week back.Not the Pinterest fluff. Not the cheesy icebrea
#131: 4 sobering statistics that prove that teaching is the hardest, and most important job in the world.
TW: Mention of self-harm and suicideEver left school feeling completely wrung out, wondering if you’re even cut out for this job?Same. And in this episode, I’m opening the curtain on one of the most raw, real reflections I’ve ever shared—because I know I’m not the only one who’s felt that way.This one’s a mix of real talk, sobering stats, and a whole lotta love for you and the incredible, emotiona
#130: Dealing with defiance? You don't need to say a word - you just need these 3 game-changing non-verbal strategies!
When talking more makes things worse… try this.Ever felt like the more you say, the more defiant your students become? Yeah. Been there.This episode is all about the subtle magic of nonverbal strategies — those tiny, calm, game-changing tools that help you shift students out of defiance and into direction without saying a word.Whether you're dealing with low-level defiance, overwhelm, shutdow
#129: The exact one-liners I use in the classroom when responding to defiant or challenging behaviour (and why every teacher needs these!)
What to do when a student flat-out says NO[Get the FREE Calm Scripts Guide: https://www.the-unteachables.com/calmscripts]Let’s talk about the moment every teacher dreads:You’ve asked a student to follow an instruction… and they just say “No.”Or ignore you.Or crank the volume on their phone.Or knock the work off the table.Whether it’s passive defiance or full-on “get out of my face” energy, the str
#128: 4 ways imposter syndrome shows up for teachers in the classroom (and what you needed to know YESTERDAY to overcome it)
The imposter syndrome episode every teacher needs. You’re in the classroom, trying your best, showing up with good intentions… but there it is. That sneaky voice that whispers: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”Sound familiar? Yeah. Me too.In this episode, I’m walking you through four of the biggest ways imposter syndrome has crept into my teaching life — from crying over curriculum codes to having
#127: I met the King, and he asked me a question about the work I do with classroom management I was NOT expecting
Wait, did I just explain classroom management to the King?! Yep. That happened. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most bizarre, surreal, and pinch-me experiences of my life — being invited to Buckingham Palace and getting to literally talk to King Charles about what we do as educators.But more importantly, I want to unpack why it was so powerful. Not because it was fancy o
#126: How to support staff mindset shifts around behaviour approaches
This episode is in response to a great question: How do you support staff through mindset shifts?Whether you’re leading a team or just quietly modelling a new way of doing things, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why change feels so threatening – and what’s really underneath the resistanceHow to lead culture change without lecturing or pushingWhy the most resistant staff are oft
#125: Q&A: Dealing with the class clown, when students gang up on you, and motivating unmotivated learners.
This week I’m doing something a little different – answering your questions! I asked over on Instagram what you needed support with when it comes to behaviour, and wow… you delivered.In this episode, I’m giving practical advice for three of the big ones: What to do when students gang up on you How to motivate learners who refuse to try How to manage the class clown without losing the roomThese
#124: What to do when you’ve tried it all (and behaviour is STILL a battle).
You’ve followed the advice. You’ve implemented the strategies. You’ve worked your heart out – and still, that one student just isn’t responding. It feels hopeless. Like nothing’s shifting. Like all your effort is for nothing. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ve tried everything, and it’s not working,” this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why your strategies are working, eve
#123: How to stand tall and confident in front of your class (even in the midst of some tough as heck behaviours)
One thing nobody tells you before you step into a classroom is just how much behaviour will challenge you. Not just your strategies. You. Your nervous system. Your confidence. Your sense of self.In this episode, I’m talking about what it really feels like to manage behaviour in the moment – especially when you’re young, new, or not naturally loud or assertive. And I’ll walk you through some of the
#122: “Miss, that deserves a detention!!” When students tell you how to do your job.
Students telling you who deserves a detention or questioning why you didn’t sanction someone? It’s frustrating, undermining – and it adds to the noise when you’re already handling behaviour. If this culture is creeping into your classroom, this episode will guide you on what to do next!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why this dynamic is so frustrating – and so commonHow to break the cycle with a calm,
#121: 4 steps to building confidence in your classroom management
If you’re drowning in behaviour…If you’re thinking, “I actually can’t keep doing this”… If you’re exhausted from trying everything and nothing’s sticking… You are not alone. And you are not the problem.Confidence in classroom management can come with time and experience. But often, it doesn’t. That’s why I created a clear path forward.In this episode, I’m walking you through the four steps of my C
#120: Your teaching IS your classroom management. Here are 3 ways to make it work for you
You’re trying to support every student – but the second you lean in to help one, the rest of the class starts to drift. The volume rises. The off-task behaviour begins. And you feel pulled in every direction.It’s overwhelming. It’s exhausting. And it’s not sustainable.In this episode, we break down why this keeps happening – and what to do instead.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why teaching and behavi
#119: Are calm corners worth having in secondary classrooms?
Calm corners look great online – but in reality? Students can ignore them, misuse them, or turn them into a hangout spot. You’re left wondering if they’re even worth it in a busy secondary classroom where time, space, and structure are limited. You want to support emotional regulation, but not at the expense of learning.I’ll take you through how I create calm spaces that actually support self-regu
#118: The number one reason you’re finding behaviour tough right now
You’re not failing at behaviour because you’re “just not cut out for it.” And no, it’s not because you don’t have that magic voice or commanding presence either. The truth? Most of us simply weren’t taught how to manage behaviour effectively. And it shows – not because we’re not trying hard enough, but because no one gave us the tools to begin with.In this episode, I’m taking you right back to whe
#117: What to prioritise when big behaviours bubble up in the lesson.
You're in the middle of a lesson, focused on delivering content, when a student walks in displaying behaviours that signal things are about to escalate. Maybe they look angry, and you know they have the potential to become physical. Maybe they’re swearing, laughing, and trying to draw in the rest of the class. Maybe they walk in and tip over a chair.Your brain immediately goes into survival m
#116: Quick Win Challenge! 5 brilliant behaviour reflection strategies you can start using immediately
When I engage with students about their behaviour, it’s often just a conversation between us. But sometimes, having a structured reflection task can make a huge difference.Reflection is a skill that needs to be taught, modelled, and practised. These tasks help students problem-solve, build self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation. In this episode, I’m sharing five different reflection stra
#115: Brain breaks are my secret sauce for student engagement. Here are my 3 I can't live without!
Check out my Brain Break Bundle!As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.”But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy writing sessions leading up to exams. So I decided
#114: Quick Win Challenge! Use this technique for smooth, stress-free, and energy-saving transitions.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple yet powerful transition technique that can help you regain student attention without raising your voice or using unnecessary energy.Transitions can be one of the trickiest parts of classroom management. Picture this: students are engaged in a group task, there’s movement, chatter, and productive chaos, but now you need to bring them back to whole-class inst
#113: 1 powerful shift to make in your behaviour chats to create more change
One of the most powerful shifts we can make when addressing student behaviour is to stop lecturing and start leading. Instead of telling students what they did wrong, we need to ask the right questions to guide them toward reflection, accountability, and change.Lecturing rarely leads to buy-in. It is one of William Glasser’s seven disconnecting habits, and without realising it, we often fall into
#112: Quick Win Challenge! How to get students to care about the consequence (and why their buy-in definitely matters)
There are strong opinions when it comes to consequences in schools. Some believe in strict enforcement—"do the crime, do the time"—while others advocate for restorative conversations and plans. Regardless of approach, one thing remains essential: we need student buy-in for consequences to be effective.Without buy-in, consequences lose their impact. The students who struggle the most are
#111: What moving countries with a toddler reinforced about classroom management and behaviour.
In this episode, I reflect on my recent move from New Zealand to Australia and the unexpected lessons it reinforced about classroom management. Moving is always challenging, but relocating with a toddler highlighted the profound impact of predictability and structure on behaviour. This experience reaffirmed a key classroom management principle: predictability is the brain’s best friend. I explore
#110: Is a 40-hour work week achievable for teachers? Today's guest Angela Watson says YES!
Feeling overwhelmed by endless lesson planning and grading? Struggling to maintain work-life balance? Unsure how AI can help lighten your workload? In this episode, I chat with the incredible Angela Watson, veteran educator, instructional coach, and creator of the Truth for Teachers podcast. Angela has spent years helping teachers streamline their workload and reclaim their time. We discuss her 40
#109: Quick Win Challenge! When behaviour happens, stop and ask this one question.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal story that shaped how I approach behaviour and relationships in the classroom, and how a single moment of connection can shift everything.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:A deeply personal story from my school days: How one teacher’s unexpected response broke down my tough exterior.Why connection is key: The profound impact of showing care and curiosity over co
#108: "Shut up miss, you're a sh!t teacher, your lessons suck!" How to respond when behaviours get really personal.
WARNING: This episode has a lot of swearing in it!! Dealing with the challenging behaviours are never easy, especially when they feel personal.That's why in today's episode, I wanted to talk through one of my own experiences, how I dealt with it, and the lessons we can take away.SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Connection First: Even when behaviour feels personal or triggering, prior
#107: Quick Win Challenge! Put it on a Post-it.
Do you feel stuck in a constant cycle of addressing challenging behaviour in the classroom?What if there was a small, intentional act that could shift the focus, rebuild trust, and nurture the emotional wellbeing of your most challenging students?In this episode of Quick Wins, we explore a simple yet powerful strategy called Positive Post-Its. This small action has the potential to create profound
#106: Steal these 10 exit tasks for better engagement, behaviour, and calm end to the lesson.
Exit tasksExit slipsPlenariesWhatever you want to call them......they are SO much more than just a tool to consolidate learning or tick off reflection and self-assessment boxes.When used effectively, they:👉 Reinforce engagement and behaviour expectations.👉 Encourage work completion by becoming part of your routine.👉 Show students you care if they engage or finish their work!!However, in reality...
#105: Quick Win Challenge! Pick up the phone.
In this episode, I explore one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your emotional piggybank investment toolkit: positive phone calls home. These small acts of connection can have a monumental impact!IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why positive phone calls are a game-changer, including how they build trust and transform relationships with students and their families.The impact on students who dis
#104: My 3 non-negotiable exit routines to make the final 15 minutes feel less like crowd control
Does this sound familiar? The final moments of your lesson feel chaotic... unfinished, rushed work, students hovering by the door, mess everywhere, disruption, noise, and disorganisation leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated?If this sounds all too familiar, you are not alone. The good news is that with consistent, simple exit routines, you can transition out of your lesson calmly and purp
#103: Quick Win Challenge! The power of hello.
This week’s challenge is all about warm welcomes. While it sounds simple, doing it with intention and consistency can completely transform the culture and community in your classroom.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why warm welcomes matter, and how greeting each student contributes to their emotional piggy bank, boosts buy-in, and improves behaviour.The power of routines, and why predictability helps s
#102: How to make this year more positive for ‘that’ student (and of course, for you)
Do you have a student who feels impossible to reach? You're not alone. As the summer holidays wind down, you might find yourself thinking about that student. They’re the one you’ve struggled with before, or the one whose reputation precedes them. It’s tough, and it’s okay to admit that. The good news is that you have the power to press the reset button and make this year better for them and f
#101: My 3 non-negotiables for the first week back at school. How to set strong expectations students follow AND still smile before Easter!
Are you heading back to school and wondering how to set expectations that your students will actually follow, all while building a positive classroom culture?You’re not alone, my friend! This is the top question I’ve been asked by teachers! In today’s episode, I’m tackling how to balance expectation-setting and relationship-building right from the start of the school year. Spoiler alert: yes, you
#100: Goodbye, 2024!! Reflections on rest, filling our cups, and how to return to school in 2025 feeling like "you" again.
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.T
#99: The holidays aren't fun for everyone, which is why those behaviours might be on the rise!
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 m
#98: 5 questions to ask your students today to foster an attitude of gratitude!
As we near the end of the term, the classroom energy can get... let's say, a little extra. Sound familiar? 😉 That’s why this week, I want to share 5 powerful questions you can ask your students to foster an attitude of gratitude while bringing focus and positivity into the room.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why gratitude is powerful: The benefits for both students and teachers.5 key questions t
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