The Unteachables: An Interview with Claire English [S7 EP. 216]

Listen to the full episode below:

The back-to-school season comes with a lot of preparation and decisions. We’re guessing that one of the big things on your mind is how to ensure that your classroom management is on point for the year ahead! 

Feeling in control of your classroom and building a safe community with your students is the goal, but it’s easier said than done, especially when student behavior is challenging. Our guest today, Claire English, has such a great perspective on classroom management and is here to share lots of helpful advice with you.

Claire shares how her upbringing impacted her teaching style and desire to crack the code on classroom management. In this interview, she shares insights on how to set yourself up for success this year like being proactive, setting expectations, getting on the same page with parents, and establishing an authentic classroom community.

We hope this conversation leaves you feeling empowered about your classroom management and helps you to show up for your students in a way that you’re proud of! If you’re enjoying our back-to-school series, let us know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or sending us a quick message on Instagram @bravenewteaching!

Meet Claire:

Claire is an experienced Australian secondary English teacher and senior leader, specializing in supporting students with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs. Over her career, she has worked across the United Kingdom and Australia, dedicated to transforming volatile, challenging, and chaotic learning environments into places of safety, support, and learning.

With an unwavering belief that in order to champion all students, you must first champion all teachers, she founded The Unteachables Academy, where she is dedicated to ensuring teachers are able to access relevant and actionable support.

Through her professional development training she has had the privilege of supporting thousands of teachers develop their practice and classroom management with greater confidence. Her brand new first book, 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour' is now available!

Topics Discussed:

  • Claire’s background and teaching experience

  • Why classroom management often feels so hard

  • The tie between behavior and expectations for success

  • The origin story behind Claire’s book, It’s Never Just About the Behaviour

  • Examples of strategies you can use for common classroom management challenges

  • The biggest mistake Claire sees teachers making when it comes to behavior

  • Taking time at the beginning of the year to build your community

  • What administrators can do to support teachers with classroom management

Resources Mentioned:

check out other bnt episodes:

More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

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