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!
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 22 minutes
- Episodes
- 140
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
#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.…
#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 f…
#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 throu…
#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!”
…
#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 frien…
#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 mos…
#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…
#92: The (seemingly) simple strategy that has the power to MAKE or BREAK the start of your lesson.
You’ve finally set the stage for a productive lesson… and then the chaos begins!
This month on the podcast, we’re honing in on those critical first five minutes—the bedrock of an engaging and settled …
#91: BEHAVIOUR BITE: Let the visuals do the talking to avoid confrontation, change the tone, and increase buy-in!
Do you often find yourself reminding the same students about the same expectations? It’s draining, and it can start to feel personal, leading to unnecessary confrontations.
Here’s a simple shift that …
#90: What to do when students come to class late (whilst still keeping things cool, calm, and collected!)
You’ve FINALLY gotten your students settled and started at the start of the lesson… cue… the disruptive latecomer!
This month on the podcast, I'm focusing on the first five minutes of each lesson—the …
#89: BEHAVIOUR BITE: On average, teachers pause for... (🤚 Guilty)
Today’s Behaviour Bite is all about a simple yet powerful practice: asking and pausing—for much longer than you (probably) already do.
IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:
- The common tendency among teachers to …
#88: How to nail the first 5 minutes of every lesson by controlling what you CAN control!
Are you struggling with having a settled start to the lesson? Battling dysregulation and high energy?
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the importance of the First 5—those critical first five minute…
#87: Struggling to have some students even START their work? Here’s what to know (and do)
In today’s episode, we’re diving into how building a growth mindset culture can be transformative in our classrooms. We’ll look at how fixed mindsets hold students back, especially when past experien…
#86: BEHAVIOUR BITE: Avoid locking horns.... at ALL costs. Here's how.
Welcome to the second Behaviour Bite! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip that you can put into action immediately to help you crush you…
#85: Teach students THIS about behaviour to help them reflect, take accountability, and feel empowered to make lasting positive change.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, "Behaviours are students meeting a need." In this episode, I’m diving into what that actually really means for your classroom and how understanding the needs behind …
#84: BEHAVIOUR BITE: Students will always follow our example, before they follow our instructions.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Behaviour Bites! Every Thursday (in addition to my main-course episode on Tuesday) I’ll be delivering one quick tip each week that you can put into action immediat…
#83: How to craft a strong teaching presence that transforms those constant low-level disruptions (almost like flipping a switch, no exaggeration!)
In this episode, I’m diving into one of THE most transformative strategies for managing low-level disruptions—almost like flipping a switch. I'll explore how your teaching presence, especially throug…
#82: Discover your teacher type! AND find out what this means for your classroom management.
Take the quiz! What's your teacher type?!
Ever wondered why some classroom management strategies work wonders for others but fall flat for you? In today’s episode, we’re delving deep into the heart o…
#81: 3 common mistakes that fuel low-level disruptions, and the immediate fixes that transform behaviour!
Take the quiz - What's your teacher type?! (Putting this right up top because I know that's why you came to the description)
In today's episode I’ll be walking you through three mistakes you might unk…
#80: The low-down on low-level behaviours: Why they are so tricky and why the advice around them sucks!
In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the frustration of low-level behaviours in the classroom—why they are so tricky to handle and why the advice out there often falls flat.
This is episode 1 of …