Staffroom Soapbox

In the final episode of seasons 1, Ian speaks to the amazing Jo Brassington who talks about Bottled Book and how speaking about our feelings is so important for the mental health of our young people. Jo (they/them) is a trans, non-binary former primary school teacher, who now supports schools, universities, charities and businesses to create more LGBTQ+ inclusive space, with greater awareness of t...

In this episode Ian talks to Andrew Lowery about the importance of teaching grammar, and how the website 'Rollama' can help students rehearse their grammar skills. Andrew taught Secondary English and then KS2 for 15 years in England, Malaysia and China. In 2021, his school in Shanghai was facing some challenges with EAL, so he wanted to make English SPAG more fun for his students to practi...

In this episode, Ian is joined by George White, a trans catholic teacher who shares his experience growing up and transitioning during his time as a teacher. About George: I am a Catholic & transgender teacher of Religious Education. I completed a PGCE in Secondary Religious Studies at the University of Cambridge in 2016/17. I am currently a Teacher of Religious Education & Diversity and I...

This week Ian talks to James A Lyons, author or Paper Boy, about becoming a self-published author, the importance of inclusion and diversity in our libraries, and a random segment about erotic cakes!! James A Lyons was born in Oxford, England and now resides in Bournemouth. He has long had a passion for equality and rights of those in the LGBTQ+ community and writes LGBTQ+ fiction for young adults...

Join Mike Glavin and Ian where they talk about who the classroom belongs to and how we can change our practice to give ownership to the pupils.  Mike has a proven track record of significant improvement at many levels within education, including: Mae gan Mike enw da am welliant sylweddol ar sawl lefel mewn addysg, gan gynnwys Teacher  Athro Headteacher Pennaeth NPQH tutor Tiwtor CPCP Sys...

In this episode, Ian has an emotional and thought-provoking talk with T.J. Hoogsteen about the challenges of working in rural schools in Saskatchewan, Canada, and particularly how the historical treatment of indigenous populations continues to impact on students today. T.J. Hoogsteen has worked in public education since 2008.  He has spent his entire career working in rural schools in Saskatchewan...

On St David's Day, Ian talks to Joe and Angharad about why learning Welsh is so important in schools and how they led their department to improve both attitudes to and results of the Welsh language.  Joe Woodland and Angharad Jones work in Chepstow School, Monmouthshire and are passionate about learning the Welsh language. Joe is an Assistant Headteacher and Head of the Welsh Department and A...

In our last episode for LGBT+ history month 2023, Ian talks to Catherine Lee about what life as an LGBT+ teacher was like during the time of Section 28, her new book Pretended: Schools and Section 28, and advising on the BAFTA nominated film, Blue Jean.  Professor Catherine Lee has an MBE for services to equality in education. She is also a National Teaching Fellow in recognition of her work to im...

In this episode, Ian talks to James Mayhew, illustrator and author, about his experiences growing up hiding his sexuality, and his journey to become an author, illustrator and champion of promoting diversity through picture books.  James has been creating books for children for over 30 years. His many titles include the classic best-selling Katie series, Ella Bella Ballerina, Once Upon A Tune...

In this episode Ian talks to Catrina who talks us through the challenges of being a neurodivergent teacher, but also why neurodivergent teachers can be an asset to schools.  Catrina founded Neuroteachers to help educational settings work with their autistic and neurodivergent learners to find simple solutions for inclusive practice. Catrina is neurodivergent herself, having the dual diagnosis...

In this episode, Ian talks to Ian Eagleton, author of books that include LGBT+ themes and characters, about the difficulties he had being gay in school, and what lessons we can learn to ensure effective LGBT+ inclusion today.  Ian was born in Essex. Having 13 years as primary school teacher, which has included being an English Coordinator, Phase Leader and member of Senior Management he...

In this episode, Oliver and Ian talk about the importance of us valuing our staff, but also valuing ourselves, and banning words such as 'just' and 'only' in order to empower every member of the school community. Oliver Wright is the sector manager for Senior Leadership at Twinkl. He has over 20 years’ teaching experience, including eight years as a headteacher. He has worked in a range of primary...

In the first episode of Staffroom Soapbox, I talk to Dr Adam Brett, who talked about growing up not knowing about LGBT history, about discovering this history later in life, and the importance of LGBT+ inclusion today (and the possibility of a Girls Aloud Episode). 

In this episode, Ian talks to Sue Sanders about the origin of LGBT+ History Month, and why it is important now, more than ever.  Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders of the Harvey Milk Institute is an “out and proud” lesbian. She is co-chair of Schools OUT, an education charity founded in 1974 whose aim is to educate out prejudice, making schools safe and inclusive for everyone. As co-chair with Pa...

Coming February 2nd: Staffroom Soapbox. The new 15 minute Podcast where people in education get on their soapbox and tell us what is important to them, and why you should care about it