Your Teacher Village and Friends

Vicki Yadav

Welcome to Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast, a warm, honest and conversational podcast for primary school practitioners. Hosted by Vicki Yadav, Founder of Your Teacher Village and Assistant Headteacher at an inner London school, this podcast brings together teachers, leaders, specialists and passionate educators from across the sector to share practical ideas, real experiences and authentic conversations about school life. From Early Years to leadership, wellbeing to classroom practice, we’ll be talking about the things that really matter in education: the challenges, the successes, the funny moments, the frustrations and the ideas that help make a difference for children and the adults supporting them. Expect friendly conversations, useful takeaways, relatable stories and a strong sense of community, because teaching is too important to do alone. It takes a village to support a teacher.

  1. 12h ago

    Episode 24 - Back to the Classroom with Charlie Burley

    In this episode, Vicki Yadav speaks with Charlie Burley, the Teacher's Health Coach, about his journey from teaching to coaching and back to the classroom. They discuss the importance of teacher well-being, the challenges faced in education, and the impact of stress and mental health on teachers. In this conversation, Charlie reflects on his experiences returning to teaching and the changes he has observed in the education system. He shares valuable strategies for maintaining well-being as a teacher and discusses his upcoming books aimed at supporting educators. Takeaways Teacher well-being is crucialTransitioning back to teaching Teaching is a shared journeySelf-care enhances teaching effectiveness Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Teacher Well-being03:00 Charlie's Journey from Teacher to Coach05:55 The Impact of Stress on Teaching08:47 Understanding Mental Health in Education11:56 Navigating the Challenges of Teaching14:50 The Role of COVID in Teacher Well-being17:59 Leaving Teaching: The Emotional Rollercoaster20:49 Returning to the Classroom: A New Perspective23:49 Finding Joy in Teaching Again31:49 Nostalgia in Teaching34:15 Changes in Teaching Dynamics39:24 Strategies for Teacher Well-being51:37 Books and Resources for Teachers54:21 Final Thoughts on Worth and Well-beingFind Vicki at: www.yourteachervillage.co.uk Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkIn Join the Early Years Leaders' Village here. Find Charlie at: https://theteachershealthcoach.co.uk/ Instagram

  2. Oct 25

    Episode 22 - Going Platinum in School Sports with Amy Downs

    In this episode, Vicki Yadav interviews Amy Downs about her journey as a PE leader and the steps taken to achieve the Platinum Sports Mark at their school. They discuss the challenges, strategies, and the importance of creating an inclusive and positive environment for physical education. The conversation explores the importance of fostering a positive sports culture in schools, emphasising the role of inspiring athletes, connecting with local sports clubs, and creating inclusive environments that build confidence and teamwork among students. It highlights the significance of physical literacy and the need for educators to model healthy lifestyles while maintaining a balance between personal and professional lives. Takeaways Importance of planningCreating inclusive competitions Inspiration drives student engagementPhysical literacy fosters lifelong activity Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Membership01:43 Achieving the Platinum Sports Mark05:20 Amy's Journey as PE Leader12:01 Strategies for Improving PE14:18 Logistics and Planning for Competitions19:04 Creating a Positive PE Environment19:32 Inspiring Young Athletes21:14 Connecting with Local Sports Clubs24:45 Building Confidence Through Sports25:15 Creating Positive Experiences in PE27:17 Fostering Physical Literacy31:04 Encouraging Teamwork and Sportsmanship39:07 The Importance of Role Modeling40:19 Final Thoughts on Balance and Well-beingFind Vicki at: www.yourteachervillage.co.uk Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkIn Join the Early Years Leaders' Village here.

  3. Oct 17

    Episode 21 - Life as a Special School Teacher with Sarah Brown

    In this podcast episode, Vicki Yadav interviews Sarah Brown, a teacher with extensive experience in both mainstream and special education settings. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards of teaching in a special school, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, communication, and tailored educational strategies for children with special needs. The conversation focuses on the importance of teamwork and communication in early childhood education, particularly in special needs settings. It highlights strategies for managing transitions and emergencies, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches to support children's learning and emotional well-being. Takeaways Teaching in special schools differs significantly from mainstreamEffective communication is key for special needs education Teamwork enhances early educationIndividualized support is crucial Chapters 00:00 Exploring Special Education02:32 Sarah's Journey into Special Schools04:54 Understanding Classroom Dynamics07:02 Diverse Needs in Special Education09:10 Classroom Structure and Learning Pathways12:31 Teamwork and Support Staff Dynamics16:24 Building Relationships with Students18:49 The Importance of Adaptability25:01 Building Strong Teams in Early Education26:51 Managing Emergencies with Care33:01 Navigating Transitions Smoothly41:03 Personalizing Learning for Every Child44:13 High Expectations for All LearnersFind Vicki at: www.yourteachervillage.co.uk Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkIn Join the Early Years Leaders' Village here. Find Sarah at: Instagram

  4. Oct 6

    Episode 19 - Battling the Imposter Syndrome with Clare Welsh

    In this podcast episode, Vicki Yadav and Claire Welsh discuss the challenges faced by educators, particularly focusing on stress, burnout, and imposter syndrome. They explore the importance of self-awareness, seeking help, and the impact of teaching culture on mental health. In this conversation, Clare Welsh discusses strategies for managing stress and imposter syndrome, particularly in the context of teaching. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, supportive communication, and practical techniques to shift negative thought patterns. Takeaways Importance of mental health supportUnderstanding imposter syndrome Manage stress with self-compassionShift negative thoughts effectively Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to the Podcast01:23 Claire's Journey from Teacher to Therapist04:19 The Pressure of Teaching Culture08:01 Opening Up About Personal Experiences12:42 Understanding Imposter Syndrome18:30 The Impact of Stress on Educators26:57 Coping Mechanisms and Moving Forward27:41 Understanding Stress Responses30:31 The Power of Imagination in Coping31:58 The Importance of Seeking Help33:22 Navigating Imposter Syndrome36:21 Releasing Stress Through Expression39:44 Transforming 'Must' into 'Choose' and 'Get'42:45 Shifting Perspectives in Teaching45:48 Creating Positive Thought Pathways50:02 Embracing Our HumanityFind Vicki at: www.yourteachervillage.co.uk Instagram Facebook TikTok LinkIn Join the Early Years Leaders' Village here. Find Clare at: Instagram

About

Welcome to Your Teacher Village and Friends Podcast, a warm, honest and conversational podcast for primary school practitioners. Hosted by Vicki Yadav, Founder of Your Teacher Village and Assistant Headteacher at an inner London school, this podcast brings together teachers, leaders, specialists and passionate educators from across the sector to share practical ideas, real experiences and authentic conversations about school life. From Early Years to leadership, wellbeing to classroom practice, we’ll be talking about the things that really matter in education: the challenges, the successes, the funny moments, the frustrations and the ideas that help make a difference for children and the adults supporting them. Expect friendly conversations, useful takeaways, relatable stories and a strong sense of community, because teaching is too important to do alone. It takes a village to support a teacher.

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