Sir You Look Tired - The Unofficial CPD for Exhausted Teachers

Every teacher knows the Sunday night fear. But that first week back after summer? It’s like Sunday night fear… but worse. In this episode, Martin and Dan unpack why back-to-school anxiety hits so hard - from worrying you’ve forgotten how to teach, to the chaos of brand-new classes, to the pressure of “being ready” when you’re anything but. They share honest stories from the classroom, practical ti...

September is the real New Year for teachers. The fresh stationery, the big plans, the “this term I’ll finally…” promises. But here’s the problem: 83% of teachers drop their health goals by week three. In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired , Martin and Dan dive into why habits collapse so quickly, the chaotic reality of teacher life (hello messy desktops and copy-of-copy Canva files 😂), and the s...

Teachers give enough during term time - so why are so many still handing over ten hours a week of their summer for free? In this episode, we dig into the hidden cost of “getting ahead” over the holidays, from laminating marathons to cupboard clear-outs that don’t last two weeks. We share our own wake-up calls - including the summers we finally stopped working - and how putting ourselves first made...

In this episode, we dive into the guilt , burnout , and people-pleasing that haunts teachers all summer long. From laminating on holiday to buying IKEA baskets in July , we unpack why switching off feels so hard – and how school culture often rewards martyrdom over rest . We talk about the pressure to prep , the fear of judgement from colleagues, and the myth that working in summer somehow buys yo...

Teaching has never been harder — and if you’re stuck in the burnout loop, this episode is for you. We tackle 3 of the biggest questions we get from teachers every week:  ✅ Can I get fitter and lose weight without tracking everything?  ✅ How do I break the all-or-nothing cycle with food and training?  ✅ Is it even possible to change my routine when I’ve only got 20 minutes a day? Whether you’re...

What do you do when teaching has taken over your whole life… but you’re still smiling through it?  In this brutally honest episode, Martin and Dan talk burnout, binge eating, toxic staffrooms, and what happens when you lose all your hobbies — and yourself - to the job. We cover: ✅ That weird grey zone where you’re not “burnt out”… but you’re definitely not okay ✅ Emotional eating, post-school bi...

Feeling stuck in the “I’ll start on Monday” cycle? You’re not alone. In this brutally honest episode of Sir, You Look Tired , we dive into what’s really behind teacher burnout, weight gain, and why willpower isn’t the answer.  From chaotic classrooms to exhausting behaviour battles, from impossible parent expectations to the guilt that keeps you up at night - we’re unpacking it all. 🎙️ Expect stor...

In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired , we dive into real messages from real teachers who are running on biscuits, coffee, and fumes. From snapping at students to skipping meals and zoning out after school, we unpack the quiet signs of burnout - and why it's more common than you think. We talk food habits, fatigue, and the myth of "just powering through." You’ll hear honest stories, hard-won advi...

In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired! , we’re calling out the culture that keeps teachers burnt out, guilt-ridden, and overworked. From late-night marking to skipping lunch just to stay afloat, it can feel like teaching demands everything .  But here’s the truth: 📌 Teaching is a job. 📌 It’s not your whole identity. 📌 And it’s not a life sentence. We’ve both been teacher martyrs in the past –...

Ever been thrown into an interview and thought, what is happening right now? Same. In this episode, we’re swapping stories about the most ridiculous teaching interviews we’ve ever had — from being handed five books and a pen and told to “get on with it”, to being grilled by a full horseshoe of governors, to literally landing a job off the back of a cheeky Facebook message. We talk about when to tr...

Apparently, we just colour in all day. That’s the perception - and it’s doing serious damage. Because when people think teaching is easy, they also think we don’t deserve fair pay, resources, or even respect. And worst of all? Some teachers start to believe it too. In this episode, we get fired up about the myths around teacher pay , the culture of martyrdom , and the manipulation tactics that con...

Report season is here – and we’re not doing it the hard way. In this episode, Dan and Martin dive into the chaotic world of school reports: recycled comments, comma queens, clip art disasters, scented buff paper, and the unspoken truth that no one’s reading all four pages anyway. We talk about how AI can (and should) save teachers HOURS, the madness of being told you’ve “printed too much,” and how...

In this raw and honest episode, Martin and Dan dive headfirst into the burnout that nearly broke them — and the slow, messy, powerful journey of pulling themselves out. They talk about what burnout really looks like in teaching (spoiler: it’s not just being tired), how COVID reshaped classrooms and pushed teachers to the brink, and why so many of us don’t realise we’re burnt out until everything s...

In this episode of Say You Look Tired , Martin and Dan dive deep into the sleep-deprived, caffeine-fuelled world of teaching - from dragging marking to the pub to running on Red Bull and resentment.   They unpack why teachers can’t switch off, how poor sleep wrecks your mood (and your classroom management), and what lockdown forced them to face about their own wellbeing. Dan shares how staying up...

From phantom Ofsted visits to soggy chicken tikka sandwiches - anxiety in teaching shows up in ways you’d never expect. In this episode, Martin and Dan get real about the hidden stress of classroom life: the panic before lesson observations, the pressure to be perfect, and the guilt that creeps in when you lose your temper. They share their own stories of burnout, snack drawer coping mechanisms, a...

Martin and Dan dig into the quiet, creeping burnout that hits teachers before their careers have even started properly. It’s not the kids — it’s the crushing weight of school politics, policies, and pressure. We talk:  – Why 57% of teachers have thought about leaving  – How early-career burnout is becoming the norm  – That moment you realise you’re showing up… but you’re not really there  – The hi...

In this powerful episode, Martin Malone shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to face an Ofsted inspection.  From the mounting anticipation to the emotional and physical toll inspections can take, Martin opens up about the myths, pressures, and realities teachers face in the current system. You’ll hear relatable anecdotes, raw reflections, and practical strategies to he...

In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the critical role of boundaries in teaching and personal wellbeing.  They share their contrasting experiences with boundaries, the influence of school culture, and the importance of leadership in setting examples. The conversation also delves into effective planning and the philosophy of continuous improvement, emphasizing that small changes can lead to sign...

In this honest and relatable conversation, Dan and Martin open up about the true realities of being a teacher — the exhaustion, the burnout, and the constant feeling of being stretched too thin. They share personal stories about long days, skipped lunch breaks, and the pressure to do it all, both inside and outside the classroom. Together, they explore the emotional toll of report writing and the...

In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the pervasive issue of teacher burnout, exploring its causes, effects, and potential solutions. They share personal experiences and insights on the pressures faced by educators, the impact of social media, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain mental health and wellbeing. The conversation highlights the need for systemic change in the educatio...