The Unteachables Podcast
Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. I’m your host, Claire English, a passionate secondary teacher and leader turned teacher mentor and author of 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A Holistic Approach to Classroom Behaviour Management.' I'm on a mission to help educators like you transform your classrooms, build confidence, and feel empowered.
Why am I here? Not too long ago, I was overwhelmed by low-level classroom disruptions and challenging behaviors. After thousands of hours honing my skills in real classrooms and navigating ups and downs, I’ve become a confident, capable teacher ready to reach every student—even those with the most challenging behaviors. My journey inspired me to support teachers like you in mastering effective classroom strategies that promote compassion, confidence, and calm.
On The Unteachables Podcast, we’ll dive into simple, actionable strategies that you can use to handle classroom disruptions, boost student engagement, and create a positive learning environment.
You'll hear from renowned experts such as:
Bobby Morgan of the Liberation Lab
Marie Gentles, behavior expert behind BBC's 'Don't Exclude Me' and author of 'Gentles Guidance'
Robyn Gobbel, author of 'Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviours'
Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor and published author
And many more behaviour experts and mentors.
Angela Watson from the Truth for Teachers Podcast.
Whether you’re an early career teacher, a seasoned educator, or a teaching assistant navigating classroom challenges, this podcast is here to help you feel happier, empowered, and ready to make an impact with every student.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode packed with classroom tips and inspiring conversations that make a real difference!
Episodes
118 episodes
#117: What to prioritise when big behaviours bubble up in the lesson.
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’...
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Season 6
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Episode 117
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8:31
#116: Quick Win Challenge! 5 brilliant behaviour reflection strategies you can start using immediately
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 116
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8:23
#115: Brain breaks are my secret sauce for student engagement. Here are my 3 I can't live without!
Check out my Brain Break Bundle!As a secondary English teacher, I used to struggle with the idea of b...
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Season 6
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Episode 115
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13:29
#114: Quick Win Challenge! Use this technique for smooth, stress-free, and energy-saving transitions.
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 manag...
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Season 6
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Episode 114
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3:14
#113: 1 powerful shift to make in your behaviour chats to create more change
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, ac...
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Season 6
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Episode 113
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11:41
#112: Quick Win Challenge! How to get students to care about the consequence (and why their buy-in definitely matters)
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 essentia...
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Season 6
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Episode 112
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7:11
#111: What moving countries with a toddler reinforced about classroom management and behaviour.
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 predi...
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Season 6
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Episode 111
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14:42
#110: Is a 40-hour work week achievable for teachers? Today's guest Angela Watson says YES!
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 educat...
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Season 6
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Episode 110
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38:14
#109: Quick Win Challenge! When behaviour happens, stop and ask this one question.
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 deepl...
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Season 6
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Episode 109
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5:46
#108: "Shut up miss, you're a sh!t teacher, your lessons suck!" How to respond when behaviours get really personal.
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...
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Season 6
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Episode 108
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21:52
#107: Quick Win Challenge! Put it on a Post-it.
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 challen...
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Season 6
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Episode 107
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5:16
#106: Steal these 10 exit tasks for better engagement, behaviour, and calm end to the lesson.
Exit tasksExit slipsPlenariesWhatever 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...
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12:17
#105: Quick Win Challenge! Pick up the phone.
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:<...
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Season 6
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Episode 105
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4:15
#104: My 3 non-negotiable exit routines to make the final 15 minutes feel less like crowd control
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 ...
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Season 6
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Episode 104
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17:08
#103: Quick Win Challenge! The power of hello.
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:<...
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Season 6
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Episode 103
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7:10
#102: How to make this year more positive for ‘that’ student (and of course, for you)
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 reputat...
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Season 6
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Episode 102
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15:42
#101: My 3 non-negotiables for the first week back at school. How to set strong expectations students follow AND still smile before Easter!
Are you heading back to school and wondering how to set expectations that your students will actually follow, all while building a positive classroom culture?You’re not alone, my friend! This is the top question I’ve been asked by...
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Season 6
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Episode 101
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23:38
#100: Goodbye, 2024!! Reflections on rest, filling our cups, and how to return to school in 2025 feeling like "you" again.
Episode 100!!! (AND the last episode of 2024) is both a reflection and a reminder—a moment to pause and think about what truly fills your cup during the holidays. Teaching can be all-consuming, and it’s vital to find ways to not just rest but t...
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Season 5
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Episode 100
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14:44
#99: The holidays aren't fun for everyone, which is why those behaviours might be on the rise!
The festive season can be a fun time for us as teachers, and our students—but not for everyone. While many of us are busy planning celebrations and gifts, some of our students face unique challenges. For them, the holiday season might ...
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Season 5
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Episode 99
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6:02
#98: 5 questions to ask your students today to foster an attitude of gratitude!
As we near the end of the term, the classroom energy can get... let's say, a little extra. Sound familiar? 😉 That’s why this week, I want to share 5 powerful questions you can ask your students to foster an a...
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12:33
#97: Do your classroom celebrations turn to CHAOS?! Here's what to do to get festive without the fear of mayhem.
Ever had a class party or more relaxed and unstructured activities spiral into mayhem??? That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, it just means you need to do it right! In today's bite I take you through how adding structure to your f...
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Season 5
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Episode 97
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5:56
#96: 3 classroom games that are fun, easy, and can be used at a pinch to channel that end-of-year energy!!
Are you feeling the strain of the end-of-year chaos in the classroom?“My students are apathetic and completely checked out!”“Chattiness, off-task behaviours, and disruptions are at an all-time high!”“Some behaviour has majorly e...
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Season 5
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Episode 96
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20:57
#95: BEHAVIOUR BITE: When you chat to students about their behaviour, are you lecturing, or guiding? The difference it makes is HUGE!
Imagine being 12 years old and feeling lost in a classroom. School has always been a struggle, and instead of admitting your confusion, you become the class clown, distracting yourself and your friends. When the teacher calls you out, you know ...
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Season 5
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Episode 95
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5:08
#94: What to do when students are barely showing up to class? Breaking the cycle of non-attendance with compassion, not consequences.
Are your students arriving late or missing class altogether?In this episode, we’ll explore why punitive measures often backfire and how they can alienate the very students who need connection the most.IN THIS EPISODE, I ...
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Season 5
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Episode 94
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18:56
#93: BEHAVIOUR BITE: What messages might your classroom be sending to your students, and how can you make sure it is working FOR you, not AGAINST you!?
When we think of classroom management, our minds often jump to techniques and strategies we implement with our students. However, the most effective management often occurs even before they enter the room. In today’s behaviour bite, I’ll discus...
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5:31