More Teacher Talk

About this podcast

Devoted to professional development, teacher wellbeing and all things positive in education - The aim is simple: to share the positive voices of teachers and school leaders from around the world. Each podcast covers a different topic, with guests sharing personal stories and their views on what can help. Although based in the UK, the themes of curriculum, assessment, pedagogy, behaviour and pastoral support are universal and can help to promote connected open dialogue with teachers around the world.

More Teacher Talk

Episodes

2021
Opening Doors to Quality Writing, with Bob Cox
In this episode, award-winning author Bob Cox talks about his life, the books that influenced him and the strategies behind his 'Opening Doors' series for teachers. He shares his thoughts on using high quality texts in the classroom, using 'classics' in the curriculum and how we can help all our pupils achieve excellence in an inclusive, inspirational way. Bob also explores the idea that approaching texts and the curriculum with a pioneering spirit can support well-being for both teachers and pupils alike. He shares examples of the impact of his work and provides a fantastic reading list which will help any teacher or parent if they aim to 'open doors' for their children.
February 15, 2021
52 min
Reforming RE: creating a worldviews curriculum, with Kate Christopher
In this episode I speak to Kate Christopher, a secondary RE teacher and independent RE advisor. Kate teaches part time in a Secondary school in East London. She also works as an independent RE adviser. Kate’s interests are curriculum design and the capacity of RE, or religion and worldviews, to offer a more textured and critical understanding of the world for 21st Century children and young adults. She is an editor for the Reforming RE blog - https://reformingre.wordpress.com/ @ReformingRE
February 5, 2021
25 min
Reforming RE: But it's Contested! with Kate Christopher
Originally featured in the Reforming RE blog, this is a bonus feature to Season 2 Episode 1 of More Teacher Talk - Powerful Knowledge: Reforming RE, with Kate Christopher. "Do you have a Masters degree? Or a Doctorate perhaps? If so, try to forget that you ever studied for them. Your first degree – visualise letting it go. Now A levels, GCSE – say goodbye to them, for a while. Imagine stripping yourself of all the accumulated knowledge and cultural capital that makes you a good teacher, reducing yourself to a state where everything you know now, all your confidence in the subject, and all the complex critical perspectives you can afford to have, are closed to you. That’s where your pupils are. Stay there for a moment. Somewhere, a teacher is writing a scheme of work on religion and worldviews. They have to write down something that they want the pupils to know. Let’s take a few examples …" Written by Mark Chater (@MarkChater1) - author of 'Jesus Christ, Learning Teacher' Original blog at https://reformingre.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/but-its-contested-so-what/ [1] Barbara Wintersgill, 2018, Big Ideas for Religious Education. https://www.reonline.org.uk/news/big-ideas-for-religious-education/#:~:text=In%20November%202017%20the%20University%20of%20Exeter%20published,the%20RE%20curriculum%20and%20to%20assessment%20without%20levels. Accessed 5 October 2020. [2] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2.https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/425618/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_Science.pdf Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 12, 18, and 29. [3] DfE, 2013, Science National Curriculum for Key Stage 3. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335174/SECONDARY_national_curriculum_-_Science_220714.pdf Accessed 5 October 2020, pp 8 and 12.
February 5, 2021
7 min
2020
Reforming Religious Education: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum, with Mark Chater
In this episode I talk to Mark Chater about his brilliant new book that diagnoses the reasons why RE urgently needs radical reform, and looks ahead to a time when the subject will have a new identity based on a clear democratic purpose. The book shines a light on how key leaders can make this happen, and how the new good practice is already breaking through. It is edited and authored by experts and leading change agents in RE, who offer a well-informed and provocative vision and programme for change. “Every school leader must read this book. What pupils learn in their curriculum is pivotal in any school’s theory of change. The recommendations of the Commission on Religious Education, if properly understood and enacted, would transform the academic role and status of RE in every school. The chapters in this book reveal the proper contours of the subject, the basics every leader needs to understand if the knowledge and practice of their RE teachers is to be nurtured, valued and renewed.” Christine Counsell, Writer and speaker on curriculum and leadership “Religious Education is one of the great achievements of British education. But it hangs in the balance. There is a real possibility it will simply shrivel away through lack of attention. Or it could rise phoenix-like in response to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Reforming RE is a welcome contribution to showing how that resurrection might happen. Here we have experienced practitioners and deep thinkers signalling a new direction that will inspire our pupils in their understanding of Religion and Worldviews. This book is a really exciting contribution.” Professor Trevor Cooling Chair, Religious Education Council of England and Wales Reforming RE: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum is published by John Catt Education - https://www.johncattbookshop.com/reforming-religious-education
November 14, 2020
17 min
Hope and Fear: leadership during a global pandemic, with Robert Ford
In this epsiode I talk to Robert Ford, Director of Heritage International School in Moldova. Episode 10 of More Teacher Talk coincided with the beginning of the global pandemic and captured thoughts and responses from him as a school leader and ambassador. Now, seven months later, we return to find out how school, and life, has changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss Marcus Rashford, Dame Alison Peacock, Geoff Barton, Lyfta Education, the British Council and some of the other voices of hope that have lifted our collective efforts and sense of belonging. We also share some thoughts on Trump, toilet rolls and the impact of capitalism without morals... You can find out more about Rob Ford and his work at Heritage International by following @HIS_Moldova on Twitter
October 29, 2020
78 min
Paul Laurence Dunbar's 'Sympathy' and exploring poetry, with Leah Crawford
In this episode I talk to Leah Crawford, an English in Education consultant, tutor with Let's Think in English and Opening Doors author. She explores how educators can teach poetry and the callenging aspects of pattern-finding, interpreting mood, music and rhythm. Leah also introduces us to the poem 'Sympathy', by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Through this rich and challenging text, pupils can explore different layers of meaning and begin to see how they could use similar linguistic devices in their own creative writing, poetry and storytelling. We talk about differentiation vs whole-class teaching, 'catch up' and the effectiveness of some of the approaches Leah has experienced through her role. You can find out more about Leah by following her on Twitter - @think_talk_org or contact her via her webiste - leahcrawford.com Leah is also a co-author of the Opening Doors series of books, published by crownhouse.co.uk You can find a video lesson for this poem at the Reading School.org website: https://www.thereadingschool.org - on Twitter @SchReading
October 28, 2020
45 min
Creativity: a tribute to Sir Ken Robinson, with Toria Bono & friends
This was originally produced for Toria Bono's Tiny Voice Talks podcast and is published here with kind permission: an extended tribute to Sir Ken Robinson from the #EduTwitter community, featuring a collection of creative educators who were all moved to share their thoughts and reflections on creativity. Includes: @one_to_read @CreativityMrs @ladeidiomas @aini_butt @bluebellmatt @mrpfoodie @VictoriaPendry1 @ColeFey @trackerthecat @MrFortuneTeach Credit: Sir Ken Robinson clip from ‘The Call to Unite’ - https://youtu.be/QU4Q17t4muY Additional music: Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au
October 2, 2020
57 min
Opening Doors: The Story of the Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason, with Bob Cox
In this episode I speak to award winning author Bob Cox. We take an in-depth look at The Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason and discuss how the book could be used in the classroom. We explore reading for meaning and effective ways to teach comprehension and deeper understanding. Bob shares a compelling argument for using more challenging texts to teach reading and comprehension in primary schools. Bob shares some strategies to help children extract deeper layers of meaning and recognise key themes. You can find Bob at https://searchingforexcellence.co.uk You can find out more about Andri Snaer Magnason at https://www.andrimagnason.com/books/the-story-of-the-blue-planet/
September 30, 2020
58 min
Back to Global: Belouga, with Evin Schwartz
In this episode Tatiana Popa speaks to Evin Schwartz, the inspirational CEO of Belouga, home of collaborative educational series & shows aligned to subject areas, standards and the global goals. Belouga was founded in 2017 with the mission of making education impactful and accessible on a global scale through peer-to-peer and classroom connection, communication and collaboration. Realising the rapidly changing landscape of technology and education, Evin and his team at Belouga looked to create a central location which takes the heavy lifting out of global education, and provides teachers and students with a personalized learning experience through community and content without sacrificing creativity or curriculum needs. You can find out more about Evin and Belouga at https://belouga.org/
September 21, 2020
31 min
Gangs, Social Media and Belonging with Pete O'Shea
In this episode we revisit the conversation with Pete O'Shea from 'Gloves not Gunz', an organisation based in Croydon and South London that aims to prevent and divert young people from crime, antisocial behaviour, exclusion from education and 'care'. Recorded to coincide with Children's Mental Health Week, Pete talks about how positive relationships, education and diversion activities can make a difference to some of our most vulnerable, and often challenging, children and young people. We also talk about strategies for teacher wellbeing in the face of what can seem, at times, like a helpless struggle to support our children against the pressures of gangs, social media, drill music and increasingly disconnected lives.
September 7, 2020
37 min
Koen Timmers: Climate Action Project and what makes a global teacher
In this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Koen Timmers. Koen is an award winning educator, lecturer, researcher, author and speaker. He is the founder of global educational projects like the Kakuma Project, Climate Action project and the Innovation project. In 2018 Koen launched the Innovation SDG labs in collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall. He is a founding SDG ambassador and was a Global Teacher Prize top 10 finalist in 2018 and top 50 finalist in 2017. Tatiana explores how Koen's passionate commitment to global education has had worldwide impact. By taking education to some of the most challenging learning environments Koen has shown the way for others to follow. His work with refugees is an inspiration to educators everywhere and demonstrates how the universal language of learning knows no borders or limitations. Credits: https://youtu.be/PVRIRTQg14s Climate Action Project -Koen Timmers; https://youtu.be/en4qEy0DQYg Kakuma Project; Dr Jane Goodall's message for Climate Action Project @BacktoGlobal - Tatiana Popa Additional music: Divine Life Society - Jesse Gallagher
August 10, 2020
31 min
A Bucket of Coal, with Les Jones
A Bucket of Coal is a rare opportunity to explore the life and career of Les Jones. From the North Welsh coalfields, the pits and through the heartbreak of the Gresford tragedy, Les went on to receive a scholarship to attend Magdalen College, Oxford - taking his voice and passionate commitment to social justice with him. In this podcast he shares some of his experiences and explains how he became a teacher. His wisdom, knowledge and humour shed light on a range of topics including equality, global citizenship, wealth, wellbeing, academic life, love and and the eternal bonds of friendship. Thank you to Rob Ford and Tatiana Popa for bringing this project to life. Artwork - thank you to Shaun Slifer for kind permission to use his original artwork 'Original Redneck, 1921' - for prints and to see Shaun's work visit https://justseeds.org/product/original-redneck-1921/ Additional music - thank you to Dowlais Male Choir, Grimethorp Coliery Band, The Pheonix Welsh Male Voice Choir, clip from “How Green Was My Valley” thanks to Rick Davi.
August 6, 2020
78 min
Back to Global: Lyfta, with Serdar Ferit
In this episode of Back to Global Tatiana Popa talks to Serdar Ferit, co-CEO of Lyfta about the virtual platform and how online teaching and learning can support all our pupils in developing resilience, empathy and global citizenship. They discuss how Lyfta can help educators worldwide to promote skills, values and mutual understanding of the connected world in which we live.
July 30, 2020
23 min
Stories from Lockdown, with Mark Furzland
In this episode we borrow from 'TheReading School' to share a light-hearted, nostalgic look at some of our favourite story maps from children's literature. We reminisce over Pooh, Willows and the colour palette of a 1970s Austin Princess. The top 10 reveals some surprises, including a bit of 80's fandom and a great way to lose friends along the way...
July 28, 2020
42 min
Back to Global: the digital teacher, with Daniela Munca-Aftenev
In this pilot episode of the Back to Global podcast Tatiana Popa talks to digital education pioneer Daniela Munca-Aftenev about teaching and learning in the digital age. They discuss the impact of social networking on continuous professional development for educators worldwide and the growing need for teachers to reinvent and reassess many long-held beliefs about technology, teaching and the science of learning.
July 28, 2020
35 min
The Knowledge Gap: transforming teaching and learning for disadvantaged pupils, with Natalie Wexler
In this episode Natalie Wexler shares a wealth of insight into her book 'The Knowledge Gap: the hidden cause of America's broken education system - and how to fix it.' In doing so we learn about the distinct parallels between the US and UK education systems when it comes to overcoming the 'achievement gap' that exists between disadvantaged pupils and their more affluent peers. We also discuss 'The Reading Wars', Knowledge vs. Skills and the important features of a knowledge building curriculum. Covering Dewey, Piaget, teacher training and more, we look at the impact of this approach for schools in the USA and UK and find out how pupils and teachers are re-discovering a love of education and the profession. (Credits: Natalie Wexler - www.nataliewexler.com, Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au, Tom McGuire - tomandthebrassholes.com)
April 28, 2020
48 min
Guided Reading: Treasure Island, with Mark Furzland
In this episode we hear from Mark Furzland from our sister podcast 'The Reading School'. He shares some inspirational ideas for guided reading and how to take learning from the classroom into the home. He reads an extract from 'Treasure Island' and describes how teachers and parents can use texts to inspire all children to develop a love of books. There is fun and laughter too - along the way we talk about Bob Hoskins, glass eyes, and much more! You can discover more about The Reading School at www.thereadingschool.org (Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com; additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)
April 25, 2020
48 min
Teaching for Mastery: Shanghai Exchanges and the impact of Maths Hubs, with Kate Mole
In this episode we hear from Kate Mole, the Primary Maths and Teaching for Mastery Lead for London SW. She shares her journey into the world of international collaboration through mathematics teaching and describes the impact of Maths Hubs and the NCETM's successful Teaching for mastery programme. We also talk about life during lockdown, tips for home learning and details about the the five big ideas of coherence, representation and structure, mathematical thinking, fluency and variation. (Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com; additional music by Scott Buckley: www.scottbuckley.com.au)
April 23, 2020
44 min
Creating Outstanding Primary Science in the Classroom and at Home, with Tom Holloway
In this episode we hear from Tom Holloway from the Primary Sciece Teaching Trust. He shares a wealth of ideas to inspire and engage pupils in outstanding Science learning. We discuss a range of topics, including teaching the Sustainable Development Goals through Science, Biomimicry and finding the true purpose of Science education for all. (Credits: Tom McGuire and the Brassholes - www.tomandthebrassholes.com, additional music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au)
April 4, 2020
44 min
PFAS: The Great Human Crisis, with Erik D. Olson
In this special edition podcast we talk to Erik D. Olson from the NRDC. He talks about PFAS and the impact of toxic 'forever chemicals' on the environment, on products and packaging that are all in general use. Erik highlights the research evidence that demonstrates links to cancers and other serious health concerns. We consider what this means for a variety of products including school uniforms, toys, astroturf and food packaging and explore ways in which teachers, parents and pupils can take positive steps to help change happen. Dedicated to teachers, support staff, key workers and our wonderful NHS staff (Credits: Music by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au; Greta Thunberg c/o https://www.fridaysforfuture.org/greta-speeches)
April 1, 2020
26 min

More Teacher Talk

About this podcast

Categories

About this podcast

Categories

More Teacher Talk

Episodes

Opening Doors to Quality Writing, with Bob Cox

Reforming RE: creating a worldviews curriculum, with Kate Christopher

Reforming RE: But it's Contested! with Kate Christopher

Reforming Religious Education: Power and Knowledge in a Worldviews Curriculum, with Mark Chater

Hope and Fear: leadership during a global pandemic, with Robert Ford

Paul Laurence Dunbar's 'Sympathy' and exploring poetry, with Leah Crawford

Creativity: a tribute to Sir Ken Robinson, with Toria Bono & friends

Opening Doors: The Story of the Blue Planet by Andri Snaer Magnason, with Bob Cox

Back to Global: Belouga, with Evin Schwartz

Gangs, Social Media and Belonging with Pete O'Shea

Koen Timmers: Climate Action Project and what makes a global teacher

A Bucket of Coal, with Les Jones

Back to Global: Lyfta, with Serdar Ferit

Stories from Lockdown, with Mark Furzland

Back to Global: the digital teacher, with Daniela Munca-Aftenev

The Knowledge Gap: transforming teaching and learning for disadvantaged pupils, with Natalie Wexler

Guided Reading: Treasure Island, with Mark Furzland

Teaching for Mastery: Shanghai Exchanges and the impact of Maths Hubs, with Kate Mole

Creating Outstanding Primary Science in the Classroom and at Home, with Tom Holloway

PFAS: The Great Human Crisis, with Erik D. Olson