Teaching as a Second Language

Is the traditional approach to student suspensions truly effective, or are we just offering students an unintended break? Join us as we unpack this controversial subject with Cara, a head of department and dedicated Roosters fan, who offers her unique insights into the world of educational discipline. Together, we challenge the common narrative portrayed in the media, advocating for alternatives that could transform classroom dynamics for the better. Cara sheds light on the impact of suspensions on all involved parties—teachers, students, and their families—while we debate whether internal suspensions or educational interventions might be a more constructive approach.Managing student behavior is no small feat, especially for those who don't fit into the conventional classroom setting. We explore the vital role that parents play in this scenario, as well as the frustrating bottleneck they face due to long waiting lists for professional help. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the transitional challenges between primary and secondary schools, emphasizing the need for seamless support systems. We also reflect on societal influences and the collaborative efforts necessary between educators and parents to foster meaningful change in student behavior.Cara helps us dissect the logistics of student suspensions, pondering whether these measures truly deter misbehavior or merely serve as a temporary fix. We discuss innovative approaches to internal suspensions, including engaging students in community-building activities within the school. The discussion also touches on the merits of fostering accountability through face-to-face apologies, questioning how schools can implement such practices despite logistical hurdles. Wrapping up with a lighthearted nod to the power of inspirational quotes, we underscore the importance of humility, authenticity, and positive action in reshaping the educational landscape.

In this episode Stew and Mark sit down to chat with Guidance Officer Roxy. We ask the hard hitting questions like "What even is a guidance officer?" and "What does a guido do?"Roxy is a legend and has so much experience and is a consummate professional.

In today's episode, Stew and Mark are joined by Kasey, a psychologist who has a lot of experience working with children. Neurodivergent students (not to be confused with Neurodiverse students) are super challenging in both behaviour management, but also academic domains. We hope our chat with Kasey today will help you understand a little bit more about Neurodivergent students, and how you can best support them in the classroom.

In this episode Stew and Mark discuss the importance of "giving a shit" as a teacher, but focus on the fact we have a limited number of "shits" to give. We discuss where we can invest our time and energy most effectively in order to maximise our impact as teachers, whilst maintaining self-care and avoiding the dreaded burnout.