Sir You Look Tired - The Unofficial CPD for Exhausted Teachers

Martin and Dan talk about the weird, frustrating and completely normal stuff that happens in schools every day, even though none of it really makes sense.

Teaching doesn’t always stop just because school does. In this episode, we talk about why holidays can feel hard to actually enjoy when your brain is still in school mode. From reports hanging over you at Easter, to checking emails when you should be with your family, to that guilty feeling of needing to stay productive even when you’re meant to be resting. We also get into boundaries, why so many...

Teachers count down to the holidays for a reason. In this episode, Martin and Dan chat about the Easter break, the after school crash, why so many teachers spend term time just surviving, and how easy it is to build a life that revolves around making it to the next break. They talk about guilt, exhaustion, doom scrolling, school reports, and the reality of trying to look after yourself when teachi...

In this episode, Martin and Dan talk about one of the most common habits in teaching. Skipping breakfast, grabbing coffee on the go, then spending the rest of the day absolutely starving, exhausted, and picking at whatever is easiest. They get into why this happens so often in schools, how it affects your energy, mood, and food choices, and why breakfast is about a lot more than being “healthy”. I...

Join Martin and Dan for another episode of the pod.

Join Martin and Dan on another episode of Sir You Look Tired!

In this episode, Dan McFarland and Martin explore the often underappreciated world of supply teaching, discussing its challenges, the importance of respect, and how it can improve the overall education system. They share personal experiences, practical tips, and advocate for greater union support for supply teachers and TAs.

Join Martin and Dan as they explore the realities of teaching, the impact of technology, and the urgent need for systemic change in education. This episode offers candid insights, practical tips, and a call to action for teachers and policymakers alike.

Summary In this episode of "Say You Look Tired," hosts Martin and Dan reflect on their recent holiday experiences and the challenges of returning to work after the festive season. They share personal anecdotes about their Christmas celebrations, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and enjoyment during the holidays. The conversation shifts to the pressures teachers face in January, h...

Summary In this episode, Martin and his guest reflect on the year 2025, discussing the rapid passage of time and the importance of recognizing personal growth amidst challenges. They share personal anecdotes about overcoming difficulties, the joys and trials of parenthood, and the balancing act of teaching and personal life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and the l...

Summary In this conversation, Dan and Martin reflect on the rapid passage of time as the year comes to a close, discussing personal milestones and the pressures of the teaching profession. They delve into the role of AI in education, emphasizing its potential as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for teachers. The discussion highlights the undervaluation of teaching assistants and the exc...

In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges of parenthood, the dynamics of teaching, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. They explore gender roles in education, the significance of fun in teaching, and the festive spirit in schools during Christmas. The conversation also touches on their podcast's growth and listener engagement, highlighting the importance of comm...

In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired, we discusses the potential impact of AI and tools like ChatGPT on the teaching profession. The conversation touches on how AI can both alleviate and create workloads for educators, the importance of human oversight in using AI-generated content, and the existing challenges faced by teachers. https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plansCode: TEACHERSPT this w...

In this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired,' Martin and Claire dive deep into the importance of putting yourself first as a teacher or business owner. They discuss strategies like effective planning, setting boundaries, and the bravery required to say 'no.' The conversation also touches upon the significance of knowing yourself, maintaining a healthy diet, and how critical self-awaren...

In this episode of 'You Look Tired,' host Martin is joined by the co-founder of Classroom Secrets, who shares her journey from being a teacher to building a successful educational business. Discover the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how she transformed her small idea into a well-known brand that serves thousands of schools. Whether you're an educator or an aspiring...

Join Martin on this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired' as he welcomes Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets. With Dan away, Martin dives into a candid conversation with Claire about the challenges and joys of teaching, her transition from secondary to primary education, and the personal reflections brought on by the impending arrival of his baby. They discuss the struggles of work-life...

In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges and experiences of their teaching careers. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, the impact of habitual behaviour on well-being, and their preferences for avoiding takeaways in favour of dining out. They also delve into the educational system's flaws, the importance of teacher well-being for student success, an...

Join Martin and Dan as they dive into an important and emotional topic that affects many educators: the intense stress and burnout associated with teaching. Discussing personal experiences and eye-opening statistics, they explore how the pressures of the teaching profession have led to significant mental health issues, including burnout and even self-harm. They share poignant stories, including Da...

In this episode of "Sir, You Look Tired," Martin and Dan take you on a nostalgic and honest journey through their school days - from Halloween debates and graveyard shortcuts to the teachers who changed their lives. They open up about growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, the challenges of being diagnosed, and how small moments of support made all the difference. The conversation dives deep...

Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired" with Martin and Dan! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Ofsted inspections, the realities of school grading, and the impact on teachers and students. From hilarious stories about purple pens and marking policies to honest conversations about burnout, stress, and what really matters in education, this episode is packed with insight, humor...

Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories about classroom chaos, teacher burnout, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. From hilarious nativity mishaps to the realities of school budgets, behavior management, and the joy of seeing kids learn, this episode is packed with relatable tales and practical...

Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired"! In this episode, Martin and Dan dive deep into the realities of teaching—tackling negative self-talk, burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries. They share honest stories from the classroom, from early career anxieties and staff room politics to the everyday pressures that come with the job. Whether you’re a new teacher struggling with compa...

Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan get real about the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories from the trenches - especially those early years as ECTs. From toxic school cultures and impossible workloads to the importance of setting boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughs for teachers ev...

Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the chaos of the new school year, sharing real talk about teacher stress, workload management, and the art of setting boundaries. From the great glue stick debate to meal prep hacks, delegation tips, and the infamous "do, delegate, delete, delay" mantra, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of lau...

The first week back should feel like a fresh start - but for most teachers, it’s where the burnout begins. Research shows 67% of teachers say their mental health declines significantly within the first seven days of term. In this episode, Martin and Dan break down why the first week hits so hard: the new class that feels like 30 strangers, the pointless environment walks, the obsession with curly...