Chalkboard & Chill

What Actually Makes a Good Teacher?

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill! In this episode Larissa and Tom tackle the age-old question: what actually makes a good teacher? And spoiler alert, it’s not just being terrifying enough to silence a classroom with one look. From strict teachers vs the “nice” ones, to the chaos of teaching subjects you barely feel qualified for, this episode dives into the myths, pressures, and personalities behind effective teaching. Expect honest conversations about classroom presence, student perceptions, mutual respect, and why some teachers just naturally have it… while others build it through experience (and a lot of trial and error 👀). They also unpack the balancing act between professionalism and personality, what students really notice about teachers, and whether Ofsted’s version of a “great teacher” actually matches reality. — If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast] TikTok: @Chalkboardandchill ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Teaching Isn’t Just a Job… It’s a Lifestyle

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill! In this episode, Tom and Larissa get brutally honest about the parts of teaching no one really warns you about, the constant mental load and the way the job quietly creeps into every corner of your life. From overthinking every word you say to filtering yourself in everyday conversations, this episode shines a light on the invisible weight teachers carry long after the bell rings. And it’s not just in the classroom, it shows up in friendships, relationships, and those rare moments when you’re supposed to be “switching off”… but absolutely aren’t. If you’ve ever found yourself analysing a casual conversation like it’s a lesson observation, this one’s for you. — If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast] TikTok: @Chalkboardandchill ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Lesson Plans & Life Plans

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill! In this episode of Chalkboard and Chill, Tom and Larrissa gets real about the beautifully chaotic balancing act that is teaching… while also, you know, living an entire life outside of it. From exam-season stress spirals to weddings, house moves, pregnancy, and everything in between, this episode is a candid, honest, and often very relatable look at what happens when personal life and classroom life collide. Expect laughter, a few “you couldn’t make it up” moments, and a whole lot of reassurance that if you’re feeling stretched thin… you’re definitely not the only one. — If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast] TikTok: @Chalkboardandchill ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inclusion Over Instruction: Education Needs to Fit the Child, Not the Other Way Around

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill! In this episode of Chalkboard and Chill, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most important conversations in education right now: how we create classrooms that actually work for every child, not just the ones who neatly fit the system. From SEND support and mainstream inclusion to behavior, burnout, and the difference between equity and equality, this episode unpacks what it really means to build an education system that sees students as individuals, not boxes to be ticked. We explore how SEND provision has evolved over the years, the very real challenges teachers and families face, and why understanding behavior as communication can completely change the game. Expect honest reflections, practical classroom strategies, and a big reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do in education… is adapt. Because let’s be honest, kids shouldn’t have to bend themselves to fit the classroom. — If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast] TikTok: @Chalkboardandchill ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Onesies, Observations & World Book Day

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill! This week, Tom and Larrissa dive into the chaos, costumes, and questionable outfit choices that come with World Book Day in schools. From recycled onesies and last-minute costume panic to the teachers who fully commit (top hats, face paint and all), they share their honest thoughts on dressing up for the big day — including why it’s much easier said than done when you’re actually trying to teach in the outfit. The conversation drifts into some brilliant staffroom memories: mysterious Lady Macbeth sightings, football kits masquerading as literary costumes, and the very real moment when a full Cleopatra walks into a lesson observation. Along the way they reminisce about the Scholastic book fair, childhood book choices, and the strange nostalgia of the mobile library van. They also chat about the other themed days that pop up in school life — from National Poetry Day and creative writing activities to the unexpectedly delicious arrival of Pi Day (yes, involving actual pies). As always, the episode wraps up with Peak & Pit, where Tom celebrates the unexpected joy of receiving a free pineapple from the school canteen, while Larrissa navigates the emotional rollercoaster of Year 9 options choices. Whether you’re a teacher preparing for World Book Day, a student remembering the chaos, or just someone who enjoys a good staffroom story, this episode is packed with relatable school-life moments, humour, and a healthy dose of teacher reality. — If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcast] TikTok: @Chalkboardandchill ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.