Sam Crome: How to create and lead thriving school teams

Doug Lemov: What really makes teaching effective & how can we grow better teachers?

In this special episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Doug Lemov [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAAKJHcBVsCVhzzvNUggqYAZIiEpf2MXNsE]https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglemov/, author of Teach Like a Champion, to explore the foundations of great teaching, the evolution of his thinking, and what truly drives school improvement. We unpack: ✅ What effective teaching and learning actually look like ✅ The best ways to develop teachers and improve schools ✅ Balancing structure with teacher autonomy ✅ Common misconceptions about TLAC ✅ Insights from his new book on the science of reading ✅ Global lessons on what makes teaching great Whether you're a teacher, leader, or edu-geek, this is essential listening.

Jamie Clark: The Power of One-Pagers in Teaching & Professional Development

In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Clark [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAv4yqsB1Pgfl4y_8I38-1kqbKA-sRqlncA]https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieleeclark85/ the educator and author behind of the most widely-used one-pagers in schools today. We explore how these concise, research-informed guides are transforming both classroom practice and professional learning. 🧠 Topics we unpack include: ✅ Research informed practices ✅ How schools are using one-pagers to support CPD and improve consistency ✅ Cognitive science and memory ✅ Tips for designing your own effective one-pagers ✅ Common misconceptions and how to overcome them

Sam Gibbs: How do you build high-quality professional learning across multiple schools?

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and opportunities of trust-wide CPD with Sam Gibbs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAABeE15ABc4xz0zqZUBZyUYpRDnAc2NuRdcE]https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-gibbs-01418ab0/ an experienced leader shaping development across a multi-academy trust. We explore: ✅ What defines high-quality CPD at scale ✅ Balancing consistency with contextual relevance ✅ Supporting both ECTs and experienced staff ✅ What works: coaching, mentoring, lesson study & more ✅ Designing sustained, iterative, and evidence-informed CPD ✅ Measuring impact and responding to feedback ✅ Building a culture of continuous learning ✅ Leadership lessons and practical advice for those setting up CPD across schools Whether you’re a school leader, CPD lead, or educator passionate about teacher growth, this episode is packed with insight.

Dr Haili Hughes: Authenticity, Agency & CPD

I’m joined by the inspiring Haili Hughes—teacher, author, and expert in mentoring and professional learning—for a rich conversation that blends authenticity, research, and practical wisdom. Across the episodes, we explore: ✨ Why authenticity is at the heart of impactful teaching 🎯 The key ingredients that make teaching and learning truly effective 🏗️ How to build a strong, positive school culture 🎓 The role of teacher agency and how leaders can empower it 📚 What effective professional development looks like in practice 🔍 Why subject-specific CPD is non-negotiable—and how to find time for it 🌱 How to mentor Early Career Teachers (ECTs) with care, structure, and impact 🚀 Advice for leaders starting out in new schools or trusts 💬 And Haili’s inspiring final message to educators at every stage of their journey Whether you’re a teacher, mentor, or school leader, this series is packed with practical insights and uplifting encouragement to help you grow and lead with purpose. 🎧 Tune in and let us know your takeaways—this is one for every educator's playlist. #HailiHughes #AuthenticTeaching #TeacherCPD #MentoringECTs #EducationLeadership #SubjectSpecificCPD #TeacherAgency #SchoolCulture #InstructionalLeadership #EduPodcast #ProfessionalLearning #EducationMatters

Sam Crome: How to create and lead thriving school teams

I’m joined by the brilliant Sam Crome to explore what it really takes to build, lead, and sustain high-performing teams in schools. From pastoral teams to senior leadership and multi-school networks, Sam shares a wealth of experience and practical strategies for creating strong, collaborative cultures that drive school success. Across the series, we explore: 🤝 How to get the most out of pastoral teams and support a culture of care 🌟 The key qualities that define high-performing teams—and how leaders can develop them 🚀 Practical advice for middle and senior leaders to boost team performance and collaboration 🏫 How to lead effectively at scale—across trusts, clusters, or multi-school settings 🎯 Strategies for building team alignment, belonging, and shared purpose ⚙️ How to manage team dynamics and ensure operational efficiency over time Whether you're leading a department, part of SLT, or working across multiple schools, this series is full of actionable insights to help you build resilient, purpose-driven teams that make a real impact. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and let us know your reflections! #SamCrome #HighPerformingTeams #SchoolLeadership #PastoralLeadership #SLT #TrustLeadership #TeamCulture #TeacherCPD #LeadershipDevelopment #SchoolImprovement #EduPodcast #TeamworkInSchools