#129: The exact one-liners I use in the classroom when responding to defiant or challenging behaviour (and why every teacher needs these!)
What to do when a student flat-out says NO[Get the FREE Calm Scripts Guide: https://www.the-unteachables.com/calmscripts]Let’s talk about the moment every teacher dreads:You’ve asked a student to follow an instruction… and they just say “No.”Or ignore you.Or crank the volume on their phone.Or knock the work off the table.Whether it’s passive defiance or full-on “get out of my face” energy, the stress response this triggers in us? Whewww. It’s real. And it’s raw.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to respond to student defiance in a way that’s calm, regulated, and actually works. No yelling. No power struggles. No public meltdowns. Just 20 plug-and-play CALM SCRIPTS that help you hit pause, protect your values, and keep your credibility in check — even in the heat of the moment.Whether you’re dealing with low-level noncompliance or outright oppositional behaviour, these phrases will help you hold firm boundaries without escalating the situation. They are a nervous system life raft — for you AND the student.Let’s get into it.What You’ll Learn:Why defiance hits teachers like a threat — and what your brain is doing in that momentWhy “just staying calm” isn’t always realistic (and what to do instead)The #1 way to de-escalate student defiance without losing face20 word-for-word calm scripts you can start using tomorrowHow to practise these in low-stakes moments before things go off the railsWhy protecting the nervous system is the secret sauce to credible classroom leadershipHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#128: 4 ways imposter syndrome shows up for teachers in the classroom (and what you needed to know YESTERDAY to overcome it)
The imposter syndrome episode every teacher needs. You’re in the classroom, trying your best, showing up with good intentions… but there it is. That sneaky voice that whispers: “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”Sound familiar? Yeah. Me too.In this episode, I’m walking you through four of the biggest ways imposter syndrome has crept into my teaching life — from crying over curriculum codes to having students find me on Tinder (yes, really). Because if you’ve ever felt like the only teacher in the building who doesn’t have it together, this is your reminder: you’re not alone.More importantly, this isn’t a “rah rah you’ve got this” fluff pep talk. This is real-talk about the systems that set you up to feel like a fraud, why your self-doubt makes total sense, and how to reframe those fears into fuel.If you’ve been feeling like a walking imposter in your own classroom — this one’s for you. Let’s roll the tape.What You’ll Learn:The four most common (and painful) ways imposter syndrome shows up in teachingWhy feeling confused by curriculum or acronyms doesn’t make you incompetentHow a group of Year 12s and Tinder nearly sent me into hiding (true story)Why behaviour challenges aren’t proof that you’re failing — just that you need better toolsThe difference between good and crap leadership when you’re strugglingHow to stop measuring your worth by how quiet your classroom looksResources Mentioned:The Pedagogy of Poverty episode Join The Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#127: I met the King, and he asked me a question about the work I do with classroom management I was NOT expecting
Wait, did I just explain classroom management to the King?! Yep. That happened. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most bizarre, surreal, and pinch-me experiences of my life — being invited to Buckingham Palace and getting to literally talk to King Charles about what we do as educators.But more importantly, I want to unpack why it was so powerful. Not because it was fancy or royal or Insta-worthy (though…yes, yes it was). But because what I shared with him? It wasn’t shiny. It wasn’t new. It wasn’t revolutionary.It was real.The simple, human-first, practical work we do in our classrooms every day — the stuff that doesn’t come with buzzwords or fancy acronyms — THAT is what got me standing in front of the actual King. And I want to tell you why that matters. Because this episode is for you.If you’ve ever doubted whether your small routines make a difference… If you’ve ever wondered whether this values-led way of teaching is actually working… If you’ve ever felt like what you’re doing is “just good teaching” and not enough to be noticed…Let me tell you: It’s radical. It’s rare. And it’s working.So, shall we roll the tape?What You’ll Learn:The wild story of how I got invited to Buckingham Palace 🏰What I said to King Charles (and the curveball question he asked)Why actionable classroom practice IS innovative (even if it doesn’t feel like it)How teaching with clarity, consistency, and compassion is changing lives — literallyThe empowering reminder that things like your entry routine are literally changing livesWhy “just good teaching” is more than enoughHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#126: How to support staff mindset shifts around behaviour approaches
This episode is in response to a great question: How do you support staff through mindset shifts?Whether you’re leading a team or just quietly modelling a new way of doing things, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why change feels so threatening – and what’s really underneath the resistanceHow to lead culture change without lecturing or pushingWhy the most resistant staff are often just burnt outWhat actually helps shift mindsets: stories, modelling, and showing what’s possibleThis work doesn’t start with policy. It starts with presence.You don’t need to change everyone’s mind overnight. You just need to hold your ground, model what’s possible, and lead with calm consistency. That quiet modelling? That’s what creates the ripple effect.Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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#125: Q&A: Dealing with the class clown, when students gang up on you, and motivating unmotivated learners.
This week I’m doing something a little different – answering your questions! I asked over on Instagram what you needed support with when it comes to behaviour, and wow… you delivered.In this episode, I’m giving practical advice for three of the big ones: What to do when students gang up on you How to motivate learners who refuse to try How to manage the class clown without losing the roomThese aren’t fluffy hypotheticals – they’re the actual struggles you’re navigating day to day, and I’m so excited to support you through them. And don’t worry, these are just the beginning – if you love this format, I’ll keep them coming!Drop any questions to [email protected] or over on Instagram!Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resources Join The Behaviour Club My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change' Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables Check out my website
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 LabMarie 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 authorAnd 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!
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