Helping Teachers Thrive

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem discusses innovative teaching strategies that foster student engagement, critical thinking, and deeper understanding through planned misconceptions, student debate, and fostering a culture of error in the classroom. If you would like to enquire about trauma-informed training, please contact Tem at tem@helpingteachersthrive.com or book a call: https://calendly.com/...

DESCRIPTION: As another academic year draws to a close, Tem reflects on the incredible impact teachers have on the lives of their students every single day. This heartfelt episode is a reminder to pause and recognise the difference you've made this year, not just through lessons and assessments, but through the care, encouragement and support you've provided along the way. From building confidence...

DESCRIPTION: In this special Thank a Teacher Day episode of the Helping Teachers Thrive Podcast , Tem takes a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible work teachers do every day that often goes unseen and unappreciated. The true impact of teaching goes far beyond academics. Teachers build confidence, create safe learning environments, support student wellbeing, identify additional needs, w...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem explores why teacher self-regulation is essential, how our responses can either escalate or de-escalate situations, and the powerful role trauma-informed practice plays in creating supportive learning environments. Drawing on real classroom experiences, she shares practical insights into building positive relationships, promoting resilience, and helping students d...

DESCRIPTION: What if the most important thing you teach this year isn't on your scheme of work? In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive , Tem shares a recent conversation with a student that completely stopped her in her tracks and reminded her why teaching matters so much. As educators, we're often consumed by data, accountability, behaviour, assessments and workload. It's easy to measure grad...

DESCRIPTION: Has teaching become harder than ever before? In this thought-provoking episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem explores how the teaching profession has changed over the years and why so many teachers are experiencing burnout, overwhelm and increasing pressure in today’s classrooms. From behaviour management and teacher workload to mental health support, student needs, data tracking, p...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem explores why behaviour policies on their own rarely lead to meaningful change in schools, and what actually makes the difference in creating calm, consistent and supportive classroom environments. Too often, schools invest time and energy into refining policies, tightening rules, or rewriting expectations, yet behaviour challenges persist. The missing link is rare...

DESCRIPTION: Does shouting in the classroom actually work? In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, we explore behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, and whether raising your voice leads to genuine behaviour change or simply short-term compliance. This episode is designed for trainee teachers, ECTs, and experienced educators looking for effective classroom management strategies that bu...

DESCRIPTION: Are you a teacher feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or questioning your future in the classroom? If so, this powerful episode is just for you, where Tem is joined by career transition expert Lisa Harding, founder of the Teacher Career Transition Academy and host of the Beyond the Classroom podcast. Together, they explore why so many teachers are considering leaving the profession, espec...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Billie Jean Sandiford shares her journey from teaching to coaching, offering practical advice for teachers considering a career transition. Discover how to leverage your skills, manage mindset, and find support during this pivotal change. If you would like to enquire about trauma-informed training, please contact Tem at tem@helpingteachersthrive.com or book a call: ht...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem interviews Karen Simpson, a former primary school teacher who transitioned into a successful tutoring business. Karen shares her journey of balancing teaching with family life, the challenges she faced, and how she built her tutoring business, My Primary and Secondary Tutor. She discusses the importance of creating a supportive community for tutors and the role of...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem interviews Laura Cross, a former primary school teacher and founder of Inventors and Makers. They discuss Laura's transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of creativity in education. Laura shares insights on franchising her business, the role of 'inventioneers', and how teachers can leverag...

DESCRIPTION: In this first episode in the Life After Teaching series, Lucie Jedlicka shares her journey from being a teacher in the UK to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the language teaching space. She discusses the challenges of burnout in the education system, the transition to self-employment, and the importance of finding a niche that resonates with both her and her clients. Lucie empha...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Gemma Scotcher from Education Support discusses the critical importance of mental health and wellbeing for teachers and education staff. She highlights the unique challenges faced by educators, including chronic stress and burnout, and emphasises the need for support systems. The discussion covers practical strategies for teachers, the stigma surrounding seeking help,...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem revisits the structured talk method sharing her experience and insights on how to effectively implement this technique in lessons, emphasising the importance of clear instructions, sentence starters, and active student engagement. Tem also highlights the need for differentiation in questioning based on students' abilities and the significance of planning to ensure...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem discusses the concept of forensic monitoring in education, detailing its implementation and benefits in the classroom. She shares practical techniques for monitoring student work, providing immediate feedback, and adapting strategies for diverse learners. The discussion emphasises the importance of structured monitoring to enhance lesson pacing and student engagem...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem discusses the concept of structured talk in education, emphasising its role in enhancing student learning and engagement. She explains how structured talk builds on traditional methods like think-pair-share by providing specific guidelines and roles for students during discussions. Tem shares practical examples of implementing structured talk in the classroom, hig...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem discusses the critical impact of language when interacting with students, particularly those who are dysregulated or misbehaving. She emphasises that the words educators choose can either escalate or deescalate a situation, significantly affecting the student's emotional state and the overall classroom environment. Tem shares a personal experience where she disagr...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Kate and Kavi from Teacher Horizons discuss the evolving landscape of international teaching, emphasising the importance of values, character traits, and networking. They highlight the need for thorough research before applying for positions and the significance of wellbeing for both students and teachers. The discussion also touches on the...

DESCRIPTION: Kick off the new term with confidence using these 5 practical, classroom-ready tips for teachers returning to school in January. This episode from Helping Teachers Thrive focuses on rebuilding routines, managing workload, and protecting your wellbeing after the holidays. Perfect for trainee, newly qualified, and experienced UK teachers who want a calm, organised, and successful start...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive , Tem focuses on how teachers can ease back into a new term without burnout, pressure, or unrealistic expectations. This episode explores why teachers often feel flat or low in confidence during the first week back, why “hitting the ground running” isn’t necessary, and how small, practical self-care habits can protect teacher well-being at th...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive , Tem speaks honestly about teacher well-being at Christmas, the guilt that often follows the end of term, and why rest is not something teachers need to earn. This episode is for teachers who are struggling to switch off, feeling pressure to plan, mark, or “get ahead”, and wondering why they still feel drained after such a long and demanding...

DESCRIPTION: In this powerful episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, former teacher, SENCO and Deputy Head turned burnout coach Rowena Hicks shares her journey through burnout and the lessons she now teaches thousands of educators. We explore the hidden habits and school cultures that push teachers towards exhaustion, and the practical mindset shifts that help you reclaim your wellbeing. Rowena offer...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem chats with Cliff and Eva from the Parenting Autism & ADHD podcast about the challenges neurodiverse children face in mainstream schools and the transformative impact of specialist education. Eva shares her personal experiences of being misunderstood in a traditional classroom and the ways point systems and social expectations often failed to support her and we...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Lara Barnes, from The Brain Development Podcast, shares her personal journey with her son Archie, highlighting the importance of understanding brain development and foundational reflexes in children. She discusses the impact of sensory circuits in educational settings and offers practical strategies for teachers to support students struggling with learning and emotion...