Coffee and Whiteboard Markers Podcast

Coffee and Whiteboard Markers
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Education

From the front lines of the classroom, Myles O'Kane and Matty Bissett talk all things teaching in these weekly episodes. Hosted from Australia, this podcast dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of teaching. Whether you're a new teacher finding your feet or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, we've got you covered. Tune in and let's make a difference one lesson at a time!

  1. Aug 30

    Episode 87: Teaching Isn't What You Think - Myths vs Reality

    In this episode, we break down some of the most common misconceptions about what it actually means to be a teacher and compare them with the reality of working in schools. We discuss: The myth that teachers only work during school hoursWhat teacher “holidays” actually look likeWhy great teachers can still have difficult classesThe idea that good behaviour management means never having behaviour problemsWhether teaching gets easier with experienceThe assumption that teachers simply deliver the same lessons every yearWhy building relationships doesn't mean lowering expectationsThe work that happens behind the scenes that students and parents rarely seeWhy teaching can be incredibly rewarding while still being incredibly demandingSome teaching myths are harmless. Others create unrealistic expectations about workload, behaviour management and what good teaching should actually look like. This episode isn't about complaining about the profession. It's about having an honest conversation about what teaching really involves—the challenges, the misconceptions and the parts of the job that make it worthwhile. 🎙️ Coffee and Whiteboard Markers — Real talk for real teaching. If you enjoy honest conversations about teaching, subscribe to the channel, like the episode and share it with another teacher.

  2. Aug 24

    Epsiode 86: Do Teachers and Students Need Shorter School Terms?

    Should students and teachers spend fewer weeks at school each year? In this episode of Coffee and Whiteboard Markers, we explore the debate around shortening school terms, following the proposal from a School in Western Australia calling for a review of the length of the school year. Rather than simply asking whether teachers need more holidays, we take a deeper look at what a shorter school year could actually mean for teachers, students, families and the education system. In this episode, we discuss: Why teachers supported a review of the current school calendarTeacher workload, burnout and wellbeingWhether shorter terms could improve teacher retentionThe potential impact on student wellbeing and engagementThe disadvantages of reducing instructional timeChildcare and logistical challenges for familiesWhy the proposal was rejected by the WA Education MinisterHow Australia's school year compares with countries including Finland, Japan, Singapore, Denmark, China, the United States and the United KingdomWhether countries with more instructional time actually achieve better educational outcomesAlternatives to shorter terms, including increased non-contact time, reduced administration and better support for teachersThe bigger question may not be "Should teachers and students have more holidays?" Perhaps it should be: Are we using the school year and teachers' time as effectively as we could be? 🎙️ Coffee and Whiteboard Markers — Real talk for real teaching. If you enjoy conversations about the issues affecting Australian teachers and schools, subscribe to the channel, like the video and share this episode with another educator. 👇 Join the conversation in the comments: Would you support shorter school terms in Australia? If not, what would you change instead?

  3. Aug 14

    Episode 85: Are Australian Classrooms Becoming More Violent?

    Violence, threats and aggressive behaviour towards teachers are becoming an increasingly serious concern in Australian education. But is violence in our schools actually increasing, and if it is, what's driving it? In this episode, we take a closer look at classroom violence against teachers and what the available Australian data tells us. We explore the experiences of teachers and school leaders, compare violence in primary and secondary schools, and examine factors that may be contributing to increasingly complex behaviour. In this episode, we discuss: What Australian research tells us about violence against teachersWhether classroom violence is actually increasingPrimary school vs secondary school violenceWhy student behaviour may be becoming more complexThe impact of violence and threats on teachersThe effect unsafe classrooms have on other studentsThe difficult balance between supporting complex students and protecting staffWhether current consequences and behaviour policies are workingWhat schools and education systems could do differentlyWhy teacher safety and student wellbeing shouldn't be treated as competing prioritiesIf you found this episode valuable, subscribe, like the video and share it with another teacher. And let us know in the comments: Do you think violence and aggressive behaviour towards teachers have become worse during your time in education and what do you think needs to change?

  4. Aug 12

    Episode 84: How to Re-Engage Students Who No Longer Care

    What do you do when a student has completely checked out? They’re not disruptive; they’re not causing problems; they simply don’t seem to care anymore. In this episode, we explore why students disengage from learning and, more importantly, what teachers can realistically do about it. We discuss the different reasons students may stop engaging, why simply telling them to “try harder” rarely works, and how relationships, expectations, success and purpose can help bring students back into the learning process. In this episode, we cover: Why students disengage in the first placeThe difference between disengagement and lazinessWhy relationships matter—but aren't the entire solutionCreating opportunities for students to experience successSetting realistic expectations for disengaged studentsPractical strategies you can use in the classroomKnowing when to push and when to give a student some spaceWhy you shouldn't take student disengagement personallyThe goal isn't to magically transform every disengaged student overnight. Sometimes the first win is simply getting a student to complete one question, participate for ten minutes, or believe that they can succeed. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the channel, like the video and share it with another teacher who might find it useful.

  5. May 10

    Episode 82: How We Handle These Common tricky Situations in Teaching.

    Teaching is full of tricky moments that no university course fully prepares you for. In this episode we unpack some of the most common difficult situations teachers face and how we personally try to handle them in real classrooms. We discuss: Students refusing to workConstant low-level disruptionDefiant behaviour and pushbackEmotional student blow-upsDifficult parent interactionsWhat to do when lessons completely fall apartManaging your emotions under pressureHolding boundaries without damaging relationshipsThe importance of calm consistencyThis is not about pretending to be perfect teachers. It’s an honest conversation about the realities of teaching, the mistakes we’ve made, and the strategies that have helped us survive and improve over time. If you’ve ever walked out of a lesson thinking, “What just happened?” — this episode is for you. Follow Coffee and Whiteboard Markers: 📩 Substack Newsletter: https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers 📸 Instagram: @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee and Whiteboard Markers If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with another teacher who needs to hear it

  6. May 10

    Episode 83: The Emotional Labour Of Teaching

    The emotional labour of teaching is rarely talked about openly, but every teacher feels it. In this episode we unpack the hidden weight teachers carry every day: managing behaviour while staying calm, supporting students through trauma, absorbing constant emotional pressure, and still being expected to show up positively every lesson. We talk honestly about: Why teaching can feel emotionally exhaustingThe pressure of “holding it together”Compassion fatigue and burnoutThe emotional load teachers take home after the bellHow boundaries and routines can protect your wellbeingIf you’ve ever finished a school day mentally drained and wondered why you’re so exhausted, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation. Follow Coffee and Whiteboard Markers: 📩 Substack Newsletter: https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers 📸 Instagram: @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee and Whiteboard Markers If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a review ⭐ Share this episode with another teacher who needs to hear it  Love your work legends and many thanks for stopping by!

  7. May 5

    Episode 81: What students truely remember about their teachers

    Years from now, your students won’t remember most of the lessons you taught, but they will remember how you made them feel. In this episode, we unpack what truly sticks with students long after they leave the classroom. From the small moments of encouragement to the way we respond under pressure, we explore the lasting impact teachers have beyond content, curriculum, and assessment. In this episode, we discuss: Why students remember experiences more than informationThe power of respect, consistency, and emotional safetyThe small, everyday interactions that leave a lasting impressionWhat this means for how we approach teaching day-to-dayThis is a reflective episode that shifts the focus from what we teach to how we show up—and why that matters more than we often realise. If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast on Spotify and share it with a colleague who might need the reminder. Like always we appreciate you being here!

  8. Apr 1

    Episode 80: Old School Teaching Practices: What Still Works and What Needs To Go

    In every school, there are practices that exist simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” But in today’s classrooms, it’s worth asking: what still works and what are we holding onto that’s no longer serving students or teachers? In this episode, we take a balanced look at old school teaching practices, the routines, systems, and habits that have stood the test of time, and the ones that may need to be rethought or let go. We explore: Outdated practices that may be doing more harm than goodTimeless strategies that still build strong classroomsThe difference between structure and rigidityHow to update practices without losing what makes teaching effectivePractical ways to reflect on what’s worth keeping in your own classroomThis episode isn’t about throwing everything out—it’s about teaching with intention, not just tradition. ☕ Connect with Coffee & Whiteboard Markers ▶️ YouTube: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📷 Instagram: @CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers 📘 Facebook: Coffee & Whiteboard Markers 📩 Newsletter (Substack): https://coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast on Spotify and share it with a colleague who might enjoy the conversation. Thanks for listening, and thank you for what you do!

See All (87)

About

From the front lines of the classroom, Myles O'Kane and Matty Bissett talk all things teaching in these weekly episodes. Hosted from Australia, this podcast dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of teaching. Whether you're a new teacher finding your feet or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, we've got you covered. Tune in and let's make a difference one lesson at a time!

Information