Helping Teachers Thrive

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem shares practical advice for trainee teachers who want to make the most of their training year, build stronger evidence for qualifying as a teacher and stand out to schools. She explains why initiative is the quality heads of department look for most, how to spot problems and bring solutions, and why you shouldn’t wait for your teaching t...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem reflects on a heartfelt thank-you card from a student that captures the heart of her work: creating classrooms where learning feels fun and exciting, where students know their teacher will never give up on them, and where school feels like home. She explains why psychological safety is the foundation of real learning, how mutual respect...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem shares practical strategies for effective lesson planning so teachers can start the new academic year prepared, confident and free from overwhelm. She explains how to plan to the top for high attainers, build in progressive challenge tasks, use simple scaffolds that work for everyone, structuring lessons clearly and keeping planning effi...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem explains adaptive teaching and scaffolding - practical ways to support a wide range of learners in one lesson without creating multiple lesson plans. She shows how planning to the top (for high attainers) then scaffolding down in the moment reduces workload while helping every student access the learning. Tem shares clear techniques incl...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem explores how teachers can work more effectively with teaching assistants, colleagues, and teams to reduce workload, prevent burnout, and improve outcomes for students. She shares practical strategies for clear task delegation based on strengths, sharing resources across departments, giving constructive feedback, re-evaluating workload, a...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem shares clear strategies for staying regulated and responding effectively when a situation starts to heat up, helping you to reduce panic, and giving you reliable options you can use straight away. Tem also discusses how teachers can make a strong first impression with students and explains why students need boundaries to feel safe, how t...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem shares practical classroom management strategies to help teachers start the new academic year with confidence, less overwhelm and a calmer, more productive classroom. She explains why establishing clear classroom rules, routines and high expectations from day one can create a safer learning environment, reduce low-level disruption and help students understand exac...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive, Tem explores how teachers and educators can shift their approach to classroom behaviour and behaviour management by looking for the positives in every student. Rather than focusing only on disruptive behaviour, teachers are encouraged to identify what helps students feel safe, motivated, engaged and successful. Tem explores how understanding...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem explores what it really means to create a safe classroom, and why the moments where students feel comfortable enough to let their personality shine are proof that safety, not strictness, is what builds trust. She shares real classroom stories and explains why shutting those moments down can do more harm than good. Tem breaks down how to hold high expectations and...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode of Helping Teachers Thrive , Tem shares essential strategies for new teachers, including how to build positive relationships with students, establish healthy professional boundaries, collaborate effectively with colleagues, communicate confidently with parents and prioritise your own wellbeing. Discover why asking for help is a strength, how free CPD through podcasts c...

DESCRIPTION: In this summer episode of Helping Teachers Thrive , Tem encourages teachers to truly prioritise their wellbeing during the holidays. Reflecting on a conversation about teachers continuing to work while away, Tem acknowledges that everyone has different needs, but reminds listeners that rest is something they have earned. The episode also previews upcoming August webinars designed to h...

DESCRIPTION: In this opening episode, Tem encourages teachers to make the most of their summer break without guilt. She explores the balance between rest and preparation, emphasising that wellbeing looks different for everyone. Whether that means getting organised for the new academic year early or focusing on personal goals and hobbies, the key message is to use the holidays intentionally, avoid...

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem encourages teachers to look back on the year and recognise the difference they've made in the lives of their students. From building confidence to helping young people feel safe, supported, and valued, many of the most important achievements in teaching can't be measured by data alone. Tem also explores the importance of reflecting on our own wellbeing, identifyin...

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...