The Unteachables Podcast

You’re trying to support every student – but the second you lean in to help one, the rest of the class starts to drift. The volume rises. The off-task behaviour begins. And you feel pulled in every direction.
It’s overwhelming. It’s exhausting. And it’s not sustainable.

In this episode, we break down why this keeps happening – and what to do instead.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why teaching and behaviour management can’t be se...

Calm corners look great online – but in reality? Students can ignore them, misuse them, or turn them into a hangout spot. You’re left wondering if they’re even worth it in a busy secondary classroom where time, space, and structure are limited. You want to support emotional regulation, but not at the expense of learning.

I’ll take you through how I create calm spaces that actually support self-regulation – without turning your class...

You’re not failing at behaviour because you’re “just not cut out for it.” And no, it’s not because you don’t have that magic voice or commanding presence either. The truth? Most of us simply weren’t taught how to manage behaviour effectively. And it shows – not because we’re not trying hard enough, but because no one gave us the tools to begin with.

In this episode, I’m taking you right back to where it all began for me: the whoppin...

You're in the middle of a lesson, focused on delivering content, when a student walks in displaying behaviours that signal things are about to escalate. Maybe they look angry, and you know they have the potential to become physical. Maybe they’re swearing, laughing, and trying to draw in the rest of the class. Maybe they walk in and tip over a chair.

Your brain immediately goes into survival mode. You feel the pressure to fix t...

When I engage with students about their behaviour, it’s often just a conversation between us. But sometimes, having a structured reflection task can make a huge difference.

Reflection is a skill that needs to be taught, modelled, and practised. These tasks help students problem-solve, build self-awareness, and develop emotional regulation. In this episode, I’m sharing five different reflection strategies that can guide students thro...

Check out my Brain Break Bundle!

As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of brain breaks. The pressure to get through content and prepare students for exams felt too overwhelming to justify stopping for “games.”

But my classroom culture was suffering. Students were stressed, disengaged, and burnt out—especially during heavy writing sessions leading up to exams. So I decided to try something different.

When I s...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple yet powerful transition technique that can help you regain student attention without raising your voice or using unnecessary energy.

Transitions can be one of the trickiest parts of classroom management. Picture this: students are engaged in a group task, there’s movement, chatter, and productive chaos, but now you need to bring them back to whole-class instruction. Rather than calling for at...

One of the most powerful shifts we can make when addressing student behaviour is to stop lecturing and start leading. Instead of telling students what they did wrong, we need to ask the right questions to guide them toward reflection, accountability, and change.

Lecturing rarely leads to buy-in. It is one of William Glasser’s seven disconnecting habits, and without realising it, we often fall into this trap—especially in the heat of...

There are strong opinions when it comes to consequences in schools. Some believe in strict enforcement—"do the crime, do the time"—while others advocate for restorative conversations and plans. Regardless of approach, one thing remains essential: we need student buy-in for consequences to be effective.

Without buy-in, consequences lose their impact. The students who struggle the most are often already expecting punishments...

In this episode, I reflect on my recent move from New Zealand to Australia and the unexpected lessons it reinforced about classroom management. Moving is always challenging, but relocating with a toddler highlighted the profound impact of predictability and structure on behaviour. 

This experience reaffirmed a key classroom management principle: predictability is the brain’s best friend. I explore how structured routines, such as en...

Feeling overwhelmed by endless lesson planning and grading?
Struggling to maintain work-life balance?
Unsure how AI can help lighten your workload?

In this episode, I chat with the incredible Angela Watson, veteran educator, instructional coach, and creator of the Truth for Teachers podcast. Angela has spent years helping teachers streamline their workload and reclaim their time.

We discuss her 40-Hour...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal story that shaped how I approach behaviour and relationships in the classroom, and how a single moment of connection can shift everything.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• A deeply personal story from my school days: How one teacher’s unexpected response broke down my tough exterior.
• Why connection is key: The profound impact of showing care and curiosity over control.
• Practical ways to connect...

WARNING: This episode has a lot of swearing in it!!

Dealing with the challenging behaviours are never easy, especially when they feel personal.

That's why in today's episode, I wanted to talk through one of my own experiences, how I dealt with it, and the lessons we can take away.

SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:

1. Connection First: Even when behaviour feels personal or triggering, priori...

Do you feel stuck in a constant cycle of addressing challenging behaviour in the classroom?
What if there was a small, intentional act that could shift the focus, rebuild trust, and nurture the emotional wellbeing of your most challenging students?

In this episode of Quick Wins, we explore a simple yet powerful strategy called Positive Post-Its. This small action has the potential to create profound changes for both you and your...

Exit tasks
Exit slips
Plenaries
Whatever you want to call them...
...they are SO much more than just a tool to consolidate learning or tick off reflection and self-assessment boxes.

When used effectively, they:
👉 Reinforce engagement and behaviour expectations.
👉 Encourage work completion by becoming part of your routine.
👉 Show students you care if they engage or finish their work!!

However, ...

In this episode, I explore one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in your emotional piggybank investment toolkit: positive phone calls home. These small acts of connection can have a monumental impact!

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why positive phone calls are a game-changer, including how they build trust and transform relationships with students and their families.
• The impact on students who display challenging behaviours, ex...

Does this sound familiar? The final moments of your lesson feel chaotic... unfinished, rushed work, students hovering by the door, mess everywhere, disruption, noise, and disorganisation leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated?

If this sounds all too familiar, you are not alone. The good news is that with consistent, simple exit routines, you can transition out of your lesson calmly and purposefully without feeling like a bou...

This week’s challenge is all about warm welcomes. While it sounds simple, doing it with intention and consistency can completely transform the culture and community in your classroom.

IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why warm welcomes matter, and how greeting each student contributes to their emotional piggy bank, boosts buy-in, and improves behaviour.
• The power of routines, and why predictability helps students come to class more regu...

Do you have a student who feels impossible to reach? You're not alone. As the summer holidays wind down, you might find yourself thinking about that student. They’re the one you’ve struggled with before, or the one whose reputation precedes them. It’s tough, and it’s okay to admit that. The good news is that you have the power to press the reset button and make this year better for them and for you.

In this episode, I’m sharing...