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!
Show episodes
#123: How to stand tall and confident in front of your class (even in the midst of some tough as heck behaviours)
One thing nobody tells you before you step into a classroom is just how much behaviour will challenge you. Not just your strategies. You. Your nervous system. Your confidence. Your sense of self. In this episode, I’m talking about what it really feels like to manage behaviour in the moment – especially when you’re youn
#122: “Miss, that deserves a detention!!” When students tell you how to do your job.
Students telling you who deserves a detention or questioning why you didn’t sanction someone? It’s frustrating, undermining – and it adds to the noise when you’re already handling behaviour. If this culture is creeping into your classroom, this episode will guide you on what to do next! IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why
If you’re drowning in behaviour… If you’re thinking, “I actually can’t keep doing this”… If you’re exhausted from trying everything and nothing’s sticking… You are not alone. And you are not the problem. Confidence in classroom management can come with time and experience. But often, it doesn’t. That’s why I created a
#120: Your teaching IS your classroom management. Here are 3 ways to make it work for you
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 hap
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 learnin
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 g