Coffee and Whiteboard Markers Podcast

Episode 82: How We Handle These Common tricky Situations in Teaching.

Teaching is full of tricky moments that no university course fully prepares you for. In this episode we unpack some of the most common difficult situations teachers face and how we personally try to handle them in real classrooms. We discuss: * Students refusing to work * Constant low-level disruption * Defiant behaviour and pushback * Emotional student blow-ups * Difficult parent interactions * What to do when lessons completely fall apart * Managing your emotions under pressure * Holding boundaries without damaging relationships * The importance of calm consistency This is not about pretending to be perfect teachers. It’s an honest conversation about the realities of teaching, the mistakes we’ve made, and the strategies that have helped us survive and improve over time. If you’ve ever walked out of a lesson thinking, “What just happened?” — this episode is for you. Follow Coffee and Whiteboard Markers: 📩 Substack Newsletter: https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com [https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com/] ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers] 📸 Instagram: @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee and Whiteboard Markers If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with another teacher who needs to hear it

Episode 83: The Emotional Labour Of Teaching

The emotional labour of teaching is rarely talked about openly, but every teacher feels it. In this episode we unpack the hidden weight teachers carry every day: managing behaviour while staying calm, supporting students through trauma, absorbing constant emotional pressure, and still being expected to show up positively every lesson. We talk honestly about: * Why teaching can feel emotionally exhausting * The pressure of “holding it together” * Compassion fatigue and burnout * The emotional load teachers take home after the bell * How boundaries and routines can protect your wellbeing If you’ve ever finished a school day mentally drained and wondered why you’re so exhausted, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Follow Coffee and Whiteboard Markers: 📩 Substack Newsletter: https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com [https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com/] ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers [https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers] 📸 Instagram: @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee and Whiteboard Markers If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with another teacher who needs to hear it  Love your work legends and many thanks for stopping by!

Episode 81: What students truely remember about their teachers

Years from now, your students won’t remember most of the lessons you taught, but they will remember how you made them feel. In this episode, we unpack what truly sticks with students long after they leave the classroom. From the small moments of encouragement to the way we respond under pressure, we explore the lasting impact teachers have beyond content, curriculum, and assessment. In this episode, we discuss: * Why students remember experiences more than information * The power of respect, consistency, and emotional safety * The small, everyday interactions that leave a lasting impression * What this means for how we approach teaching day-to-day This is a reflective episode that shifts the focus from what we teach to how we show up—and why that matters more than we often realise. If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast on Spotify and share it with a colleague who might need the reminder. Like always we appreciate you being here!

Episode 80: Old School Teaching Practices: What Still Works and What Needs To Go

In every school, there are practices that exist simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” But in today’s classrooms, it’s worth asking: what still works and what are we holding onto that’s no longer serving students or teachers? In this episode, we take a balanced look at old school teaching practices, the routines, systems, and habits that have stood the test of time, and the ones that may need to be rethought or let go. We explore: * Outdated practices that may be doing more harm than good * Timeless strategies that still build strong classrooms * The difference between structure and rigidity * How to update practices without losing what makes teaching effective * Practical ways to reflect on what’s worth keeping in your own classroom This episode isn’t about throwing everything out—it’s about teaching with intention, not just tradition. ☕ Connect with Coffee & Whiteboard Markers ▶️ YouTube: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📷 Instagram: @CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📩 Newsletter (Substack): https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast on Spotify and share it with a colleague who might enjoy the conversation. Thanks for listening, and thank you for what you do!

Episode 79: Trauma Informed Practices In Teaching

Classrooms today are more complex than ever. Many students arrive at school carrying stress, uncertainty, and experiences that affect how they learn, behave, and connect with others. In this episode, we explore trauma-informed practices in teaching and how small shifts in our approach can make a big difference for both students and teachers. We discuss how trauma can show up in the classroom, why behaviour is often a form of communication, and practical ways teachers can respond with calm, consistency, and clarity. From the language we use, to the importance of predictable routines and giving students appropriate choices, this episode focuses on strategies that help create safer and more supportive learning environments. In this episode, we explore: * What trauma-informed teaching actually means (and what it doesn’t) * How trauma can influence behaviour and engagement in the classroom * The role of language, predictability, and choice in helping students feel safe * Practical strategies teachers can use without adding more to their workload ☕ Connect with Coffee & Whiteboard Markers ▶️ YouTube: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📷 Instagram: @CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📩 Newsletter (Substack): Coffee & Whiteboard Markers If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast on Spotify and share it with a colleague who might find it helpful. Your support helps more teachers access practical ideas and honest conversations about the realities of teaching.