#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!JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE 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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20:35
#124: What to do when you’ve tried it all (and behaviour is STILL a battle).
You’ve followed the advice. You’ve implemented the strategies. You’ve worked your heart out – and still, that one student just isn’t responding. It feels hopeless. Like nothing’s shifting. Like all your effort is for nothing. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I’ve tried everything, and it’s not working,” this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why your strategies are working, even when it doesn’t feel like itThe importance of patience when working with our most vulnerable studentsWhy “keep going” is sometimes the most powerful adviceWhat we can control – and what we have to let go ofSo if you’re in that place right now – doing all the right things and still feeling stuck – I hope this episode gives you a bit of clarity and reassurance. You are making an impact, even if you can’t see it yet. Keep showing up, keep connecting, and be kind to yourself along the way. Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE 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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11:22
#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 young, new, or not naturally loud or assertive. And I’ll walk you through some of the exact strategies I used to build confidence in my classroom management without changing who I am.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why behaviour hits us so hard (and what nobody prepares us for)How to feel confident even if you’re quiet, calm, or brand newThe 3 non-verbal strategies that completely shift your presenceHow to “embody the credible” and model calm, consistent leadershipHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE 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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16:21
#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 this dynamic is so frustrating – and so commonHow to break the cycle with a calm, clear class resetWhat to say when students start calling out behaviour decisionsWhy standing firm isn’t unkind – it’s part of compassionate, credible teachingThis is a perfect example of the approach I teach.Yes, we lead with compassion. Yes, we value connection. But that doesn’t mean we don’t stand firm, hold boundaries, and have strong expectations. In fact, doing both is exactly what builds credibility and buy-in with our students.Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE 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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13:27
#121: 4 steps to building confidence in your classroom management
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 clear path forward.In this episode, I’m walking you through the four steps of my Classroom Compass Approach – a simple structure I designed to help teachers move from overwhelmed to in control. It’s the exact approach I’ve used to help over 1,000 educators take back the reins in their classroom.IN THIS EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why classroom confidence doesn’t always come with time – and what actually helpsThe four steps of my Classroom Compass ApproachWhat to focus on before behaviour even happensHow to respond and resolve without escalatingWhy this is the stuff that truly transforms your practiceHere’s the beauty of this whole approach: it puts you back in the driver’s seat.We can’t control behaviour. But we can control how we show up, how we plan, how we respond, and how we connect.Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE 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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