The Unteachables Podcast

Claire English
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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!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    #160: The 10 quick community builder activities that will become your classes favourite

    What if I told you that you could build connection, boost buy-in, reset the vibe, AND reduce low-level behaviour… in five minutes flat? No prep. Just you, your class, and a little bit of magic. ✨ In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to 10 of my favourite grab-and-go community builders, the ones that get students laughing, talking, connecting, and (without even realising it) building the kind of classroom culture that makes behaviour easier. A couple of episodes ago, we talked about the foundations of community, routines, predictability, felt safety, clarity, differentiation. All the behind-the-scenes cogs that make your classroom feel like a home. Today? We’re getting tangible (and fun as heck). Because here’s the thing… Community building isn’t just a “start of the year” gimmick. It’s how you: Reset a tense classFill five minutes of dangerous dead-air timeReconnect when you’re feeling resentfulHelp students feel safe enough to shareInvest in their emotional piggy bank (so you can make withdrawals later)And yes — it also helps you fall back in love with your class when things feel a bit… blah. So if you’ve ever thought:  “They don’t deserve fun right now.”  “They should just come in and learn.”  “I don’t have time for this fluff.” This episode might lovingly challenge that. 💛 Because connection isn’t fluffy. It’s proactive classroom management. Inside This Episode: Here are the 10 no-prep community builders I walk you through: Transformer Triangles – Turn a simple triangle into something creative in 2 minutes. Gallery walk optional. Laughter guaranteed.The Stare Down – Face off, no touching, no breaking eye contact. First to laugh loses. (Use your professional judgment with this one!)Teacher Portrait – Students draw you. Risky? Yes. Hilarious? Also yes. (PS: Only if you’re not sensitive about your ears like I was.)Class Debate – Throw out a juicy “Would You Rather” or controversial question and let them argue it out.Racing Rhymes – Fast-paced rhyming battle in a circle. If you can’t rhyme, you’re out. Chaos in the best way.Coin Toss Battle – Heads or tails showdown. Whole-class energy. No gambling involved, promise.Sticky Slam – Interview your partner for 1 minute, then write down everything you remember. Fact-check. Compete. Connect.Count to 20 – Whole-class challenge: count to 20, but only one person speaks at a time. Two at once? Back to one. Frustrating. Brilliant.What’s Changed? – One student leaves, something in the room changes, they guess what it is.Apple Pie – Guess who said the mystery word in a disguised voice. Year 11s LOVE this one.RESOURCES MENTIONED 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

    19 min

  2. 16 FEB

    #159: The 5 routines that are non-negotiable for teachers wanting to reduce low-level disruptions and create a beautiful, calm, safe classroom environment.

    In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to the teaching assistants I’ve had in my classroom for years… except they’re not people. They’re systems. Predictable, powerful routines that quietly run the room so I can actually teach with FAR fewer low-level disruptions. I’m walking you through the non-negotiable routines that have transformed my classroom from chaotic to calm, and how you can start implementing them immediately. What You’ll Learn: Why routines are the purest form of proactive classroom management (you'll hear me nerd out about this A LOT)How a tight entry routine sets the tone before you say a wordWhat makes a starter task actually reduce low-level disruption (and how to do it right)The early finisher routine that stops you from needing to be split into 10 different humans just to respond to the needs popping upHow to fix the messy middle with visual transition slidesWhy exit tasks are more than reflection, they’re behaviour goldHow “turn-it-in trays” help you triage learning without drowning in markingThe exit routine that prevents the Black Friday stampede🎉Looking for the link to my Routines Mega Bundle? You can find it here! 👂Have your ear on just ONE of the routines from today's episode? Check them out in my shop. 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

    29 min

  3. 9 FEB

    #158: How to build the most beautiful, positive, connected class community brick by brick (even the toughest, most disengaged of classes)

    What if the class everyone labels “unteachable”… becomes your favourite group of the year? In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to one of the most formative stories of my teaching career—back when I was fresh out of uni, wildly underqualified, and somehow ended up turning the “low class” into the class that changed everything for me. This episode is a big one. It gets to the heart of how community is actually built in classrooms (and how it’s usually not). I’m taking you back to my first couple of years in the classroom, when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but somehow stumbled into building a connected, joyful, motivated classroom culture… completely by accident. And then had crushing imposter syndrome because I didn’t know how or why it worked. We’re unpacking: Why community isn’t built through one-off icebreakers or belonging programsHow tiny, everyday moments quietly create belongingAnd what I was actually doing in that Year 7 class that transformed everythingIf you’ve ever thought: “I care so much, but this class just isn’t clicking”“I want calm and connection, but I don’t want to be fake or cringe”“Surely community shouldn’t feel this hard…”…this episode is for you. Let’s go back to the Wayback Machine and unpack what really builds classroom community. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why community isn’t built in one big moment, but in micro-momentsThe foundation every classroom needs before community can growHow predictable routines create felt safety (even when you’re new)The accidental strategies that changed my toughest classWhy in-jokes, rituals, and shared experiences matter more than programsHow to build belonging without losing authorityWhat to try this week with a class you’re struggling withResources & Things Mentioned: The Behaviour ClubThe Invisible Backpack LessonCup Fillers: 20 whole class activitiesAll community resourcesYour Next Steps: Reflect on what makes you feel like you belongPick one small thing from this episode to try this weekIf you’re a Behaviour Club member, head to this month’s resource dropHave 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

    28 min

  4. 2 FEB

    #157: "What if I just realllly don’t like a student?!" How to teach a kid you find really dang triggering and unlikeable.

    Here’s a spicy but honest truth: sometimes, we don’t like every student we teach. And while we’re trauma-informed, values-driven, compassionate educators — we’re also human. And navigating complex behaviour, bullying, defiance, or students who constantly derail your lessons? It takes a toll. In this episode, I’m opening up the very real conversation about what to do when you find a student… unlikable. (Gasp!) I’m giving you the validation, language, and mindset shifts to acknowledge that feeling without acting from it. You’ll learn how to stay professional, regulated, and credible — while still honouring your experience. Because let’s be clear: you can not like a student and still be a bloody great teacher to them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why it’s normal (and not shameful) to feel disconnected from certain studentsHow your personal triggers affect classroom dynamicsWhat to do when you lose objectivity or patience with “that” studentThe quiet ways your feelings show up — and what to do about themMindset shifts to stay regulated, empathetic, and in controlStrategies to slowly build bridges (even when it feels impossible)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

    25 min

  5. 26 JAN

    #156: Why forced icebreakers don’t build trust or community (and what does)

    In this episode, I’m giving you a front-row seat to how I break the ice with my classes without forcing kids (or me!) into anything awkward, loud, or fake. Whether you’ve got a class full of students with complex needs, or just want something low-stakes and actually useful — this is the episode for you. I’m walking you through the exact back-to-school icebreakers I’ve used for years with huge success. These are tried-and-tested with mainstream AND complex classrooms — and they do more than just "get to know you." They start building classroom culture from day one. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why traditional icebreakers often flop, and what to do insteadHow to balance fun, structure, and behaviour foundations from lesson oneMy 3 go-to first-day activities (that double as classroom management tools)What I do instead of “stand up and introduce yourself” 😬How to make a class playlist that builds community (and teaches expectations!)The icebreaker games I use with students who are not here for your card sortResources mentioned: The Back to School Bootcamp: https://www.the-unteachables.com/backtoschoolbootcampJoin the Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcThe Back to School Mega Bundle: https://www.the-unteachables.com/offers/WC32PseW/checkoutHave 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

    21 min

  6. 19 JAN

    #155: The first-week moves that’ll save you months of behaviour work down the track

    That quiet calm at the start of the year? Yeah, it won’t last... unless you do this. Welcome back to The Unteachables Podcast. It’s still back-to-school season, and this episode is for every teacher who wants to avoid the classic Week 7 spiral when behaviours suddenly spike and everything feels a bit… cooked. I’m giving you a front seat to the real reason that early-term magic fades—and what to do right now (yes, even this week) to avoid the whiplash of your “angel class” suddenly turning into chaos gremlins. If you’ve ever thought, “What happened to my lovely class?” or found yourself pleading with the room to just start packing up already, you need this. We’re talking about: What the grace period actually is and why it endsThe difference between setting expectations vs reinforcing themThe boring-but-brilliant routines that will carry your class through the termWhat you’ll learn: What “grace period” behaviour is—and why it isn't lasting!The routines that do the behaviour management for youHow to create buy-in for expectations so students actually follow themWhat to do when (not if) kids start testing boundariesHow to balance warmth and structure without being “too soft” or “too strict”Easy wins for your starter, transition, and exit routinesResources mentioned: The Back to School Bootcamp: https://www.the-unteachables.com/backtoschoolbootcampJoin the Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcThe Back to School Mega Bundle: https://www.the-unteachables.com/offers/WC32PseW/checkout 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

    27 min

  7. 12 JAN

    #154: How to build back confidence and credibility after a tough year with behaviour [+ whats coming in 2026]

    Feeling like last year’s behaviour battles stole your joy? Let’s change the energy at the door. We kick off the new season with a grounded, practical roadmap to reset expectations, reclaim credibility, and build calm with routines that do the heavy lifting—even if you’re returning to the same challenging group. In this episode, I’m giving you a front seat to: What to do when you’re dreading going back to school after a chaotic yearWhy co-disregulation is real—and how to avoid itHow to reset your credibility and teaching presence with students who’ve seen you struggleThe difference between being approachable vs credible (and why it matters)Why routines do the heavy lifting for classroom managementHow to press "reset" without shame or defensiveness—yes, even mid-year!Resources mentioned: The Back to School Bootcamp: https://www.the-unteachables.com/backtoschoolbootcampJoin the Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbcListen to past episode on Credible vs Approachable teacher presence 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

    27 min

  8. 08/12/2025

    #152: So it's December, and your students won't stop talking... Now what?

    In last week’s episode, we talked about what to do when student energy is flat, motivation is MIA, and you're pulling teeth just to get through a lesson. This week, we're flipping the script and tackling the other end of the spectrum, those wild, chatty, off-task end-of-year vibes that have you asking: 🫠 “Why is everyone shouting?” 🫠 “Why can’t we sit down for longer than 2 minutes?” 🫠 “Is it me? Am I the drama?” This high-energy chaos is totally normal (and very human), but it doesn’t mean you have to just white-knuckle your way through it. In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do when your students are dysregulated, off-task, and bursting with excitement as the holidays approach. We’re talking clear routines, calm teacher energy, classroom games that actually work as brain breaks, and how to keep your lesson bones strong while still leaning into festive fun. Let’s do this. What you’ll learn: Why student energy spikes in December (and why it’s not a behaviour “problem”)The brain science behind high arousal and dysregulationHow to stay consistent and calm, even when students are bouncing off the wallsThe exact classroom games and mindfulness activities I use to channel energy without chaosThe real reason some students act out before the holidaysHow to reset your teaching presence when you’re just plain tiredResources Mentioned: 🎁 Free Game Download: 13 no-prep classroom games you can use anytime  https://www.the-unteachables.com/freedownloadgamesHave 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

    23 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Claire English
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Unteachables Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Unteachables Podcast

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