Summary
In this episode, Martin and his guest reflect on the year 2025, discussing the rapid passage of time and the importance of recognizing personal growth amidst challenges. They share personal anecdotes about overcoming difficulties, the joys and trials of parenthood, and the balancing act of teaching and personal life. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and the lessons learned throughout the year, while looking forward to the future with optimism.
Takeaways
Summary
In this conversation, Dan and Martin reflect on the rapid passage of time as the year comes to a close, discussing personal milestones and the pressures of the teaching profession. They delve into the role of AI in education, emphasizing its potential as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for teachers. The discussion highlights the undervaluation of teaching assistants and the excessive workload faced by teachers, particularly around standardized testing. They conclude with thoughts on the future of education and the need for systemic changes to improve teacher wellbeing.
Takeaways
In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges of parenthood, the dynamics of teaching, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. They explore gender roles in education, the significance of fun in teaching, and the festive spirit in schools during Christmas. The conversation also touches on their podcast's growth and listener engagement, highlighting the importance of community and sharing in their journey.
Takeaways
In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired, we discusses the potential impact of AI and tools like ChatGPT on the teaching profession. The conversation touches on how AI can both alleviate and create workloads for educators, the importance of human oversight in using AI-generated content, and the existing challenges faced by teachers.
https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plansCode: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:17 Balancing Teaching and Personal Life01:19 Impact of AI on Teaching02:35 Challenges and Opportunities with AI05:55 Using AI for Personalized Learning06:36 Debate on AI Usage in Schools09:47 AI as a Teaching Assistant14:40 Delegation and AI in Teaching16:51 Future of AI in Education24:16 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
In this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired,' Martin and Claire dive deep into the importance of putting yourself first as a teacher or business owner. They discuss strategies like effective planning, setting boundaries, and the bravery required to say 'no.' The conversation also touches upon the significance of knowing yourself, maintaining a healthy diet, and how critical self-awareness is for sustainable success. Tune in to discover actionable tips for balancing your professional and personal life.
https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans
Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction
00:27 The Importance of Putting Yourself First
01:30 Challenges and Strategies for Teachers
03:28 The Role of Bravery in Teaching
05:42 Balancing Work and Personal Life
15:54 Health and Nutrition Insights
26:13 Meal Planning and Cooking Strategies
29:54 Managing Work and Personal Time
32:10 Effective Time Management for Teachers
35:15 Setting Boundaries and Prioritising Tasks
40:10 Trust and Communication in the Workplace
45:48 Health and Well-being: Setting Boundaries
47:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of 'You Look Tired,' host Martin is joined by the co-founder of Classroom Secrets, who shares her journey from being a teacher to building a successful educational business. Discover the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and how she transformed her small idea into a well-known brand that serves thousands of schools. Whether you're an educator or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of educational resources and business growth.
https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans
Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction
01:39 From Teacher to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins
05:53 The Birth of Classroom Secrets
08:34 Challenges and Reflections on Differentiation
13:04 Building the Business and Overcoming Doubts
17:22 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
23:21 The Role of Team and Technology in Growth
32:11 Navigating Compliments and AI Conversations
33:04 The Evolution of Chatbots
34:36 Building a Productive Team
35:43 Research-Backed Educational Resources
37:20 Challenges in Teaching and Resource Development
43:10 The Journey of Classroom Secrets
49:59 Adapting to Remote Work
52:27 The Growth and Impact of Classroom Secrets
01:00:13 Reflecting on Success and Future Plans
Join Martin on this episode of 'Sir, You Look Tired' as he welcomes Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets. With Dan away, Martin dives into a candid conversation with Claire about the challenges and joys of teaching, her transition from secondary to primary education, and the personal reflections brought on by the impending arrival of his baby. They discuss the struggles of work-life balance for teachers, managing expectations, and Claire's own journey from teaching to founding a successful educational business. Tune in for an insightful discussion about the realities teachers face both in and out of the classroom.
https://classroomsecrets.co.uk/sign-up-plans
Code: TEACHERSPT this will get listeners a 10% discount on an annual subscription.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction and Personal Update
00:25 Guest Introduction: Claire Riley
01:53 Balancing Teaching and Parenthood
04:06 Challenges and Reflections on Teaching
12:40 Transitioning from Secondary to Primary Teaching
25:37 Navigating School Interviews
25:55 Red Flags in Interviews
28:07 Supply Teaching Insights
31:28 Challenges in Teaching Management
35:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life
39:17 The Importance of Boundaries
47:42 Reflecting on Teaching Experiences
48:09 Conclusion and Next Steps
In this episode, Martin and Dan discuss the challenges and experiences of their teaching careers. We talk about the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout, the impact of habitual behaviour on well-being, and their preferences for avoiding takeaways in favour of dining out. They also delve into the educational system's flaws, the importance of teacher well-being for student success, and share anecdotes from their own classroom experiences. Their conversation aims to provide insights and encouragement for teachers striving to find a healthier work-life balance.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:59 Takeaway vs. Dining Out
04:19 The Importance of Teachers
05:40 Challenges in the Education System
08:44 Parent Interactions and School Events
16:38 Staff Meetings and School Policies
18:30 Nostalgic School Memories
19:26 Classroom Chaos and Management
22:04 Teacher Well-being and Boundaries
25:12 Making Small Changes for Big Impact
33:52 Engaging with the Podcast Community
34:58 Conclusion and Farewell
Join Martin and Dan as they dive into an important and emotional topic that affects many educators: the intense stress and burnout associated with teaching. Discussing personal experiences and eye-opening statistics, they explore how the pressures of the teaching profession have led to significant mental health issues, including burnout and even self-harm. They share poignant stories, including Dan's struggle with mental health and weight, offering a raw and honest insight into the challenges educators face.This episode urges teachers to prioritise their well-being and seek support, while also calling attention to the systemic issues within the education system. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your teaching job, or if you're looking for ways to cope and recover, this episode is for you.Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
00:23 The Stress of Teaching: Statistics and Personal Experiences
05:34 The Turning Point: Seeking Change
12:39 The Broader Issue: Teacher Workload and Public Perception
25:53 Teacher Well-being and Self-care
26:42 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
31:37 Support Systems and Asking for Help
35:58 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
In this episode of "Sir, You Look Tired," Martin and Dan take you on a nostalgic and honest journey through their school days - from Halloween debates and graveyard shortcuts to the teachers who changed their lives. They open up about growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, the challenges of being diagnosed, and how small moments of support made all the difference.
The conversation dives deep into the realities of teaching today: the burnout, the paperwork, and the pressure to tick boxes - contrasted with the joy of making memories, building relationships, and letting kids be kids. They question the value of early assessments, share hilarious and heartfelt classroom stories, and offer a rallying cry for teachers to focus on what really matters.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just love a good school story, this episode is packed with laughter, insight, and a reminder that sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the lesson plan.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Welcome Back
04:48 The Impact of Teachers
08:25 Personal Struggles and Triumphs
13:36 The Power of a Good Teacher
19:44 The Importance of Fun in Education
20:05 Creative Teaching Methods
21:34 Rethinking the Curriculum
23:51 The Impact of Assessments
30:31 Teacher Burnout and Well-being
35:32 The Changing Landscape of Teaching
37:08 Final Thoughts
Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired" with Martin and Dan! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Ofsted inspections, the realities of school grading, and the impact on teachers and students. From hilarious stories about purple pens and marking policies to honest conversations about burnout, stress, and what really matters in education, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and a few rants.
We also share personal experiences, discuss the ever-changing landscape of school inspections, and imagine what schools could be like if we scrapped Ofsted altogether. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or just curious about the world behind the classroom door, this one's for you.
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:27 Personal Experiences with Inspectors
03:52 The Role and Pay of Inspectors
06:19 New Policies and Changes in School Evaluations
12:19 The Impact of School Ratings
17:05 Marking Policies and Teacher Stress
21:57 Mock Inspections and Their Implications
23:39 Final Thoughts on School Evaluations
29:15 Celebrating Success and Reflecting on Change
30:47 Critique of Ofsted and Education Policies
50:38 Summer Camp Stories and Final Thoughts
Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories about classroom chaos, teacher burnout, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. From hilarious nativity mishaps to the realities of school budgets, behavior management, and the joy of seeing kids learn, this episode is packed with relatable tales and practical wisdom for teachers everywhere.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, you’ll find plenty to laugh about—and maybe a few reminders of why you started teaching in the first place. Don’t forget to leave us a comment, rate us five stars, and send in your own unforgettable staff room stories!
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Highlighting the Positives of Teaching
03:54 Favourite Subjects to Teach
06:06 Creative Teaching Methods
14:58 Challenges and Behavior Management
21:13 Behaviour Management Strategies
23:24 Printing in Red: Budget Woes
24:38 Inappropriate Searches and Filters
29:45 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching
31:09 Unexpected Classroom Moments
35:10 The Reality of Teaching Adverts
38:27 Student Teacher Experiences
42:22 Concluding Thoughts
Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired"! In this episode, Martin and Dan dive deep into the realities of teaching—tackling negative self-talk, burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries. They share honest stories from the classroom, from early career anxieties and staff room politics to the everyday pressures that come with the job.
Whether you’re a new teacher struggling with comparison, a leader juggling impossible expectations, or just someone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by school life, this episode is packed with practical advice, relatable moments, and plenty of laughs. Discover tips for managing emails, handling staff WhatsApp drama, and why it’s okay to say “I don’t know.” Plus, hear about the power of positive reflection, journaling, and finding the right support network.
Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own stories from the classroom!
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 - Welcome Back & Negative Self-Talk in Teaching
00:45 - Teacher Burnout: Stats & Realities
02:00 - Comparing Yourself & Early Career Pressures
04:30 - Leadership Roles & Feeling “Not Good Enough”
07:00 - Classroom Perfectionism & Daily Stress
09:00 - Setting Boundaries: Emails, WhatsApp & Work-Life Balance
12:00 - Headteachers, Expectations & Saying No
15:00 - Staff Room Politics & Protecting Your Energy
18:00 - Positive Reflection, Journaling & Mental Health
21:00 - Assembly Nightmares, Dismissal Drama & Teacher Fears
25:00 - Change, Habits & Coping with Overwhelm
28:00 - Social Media, Comparison & Finding Support
30:00 - Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself & Make the Change
32:00 - Outro & How to Reach Us
Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan get real about the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories from the trenches - especially those early years as ECTs. From toxic school cultures and impossible workloads to the importance of setting boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughs for teachers everywhere.
Whether you’re a new teacher navigating your first leadership role, or a seasoned pro with your own staff room horror stories, this one’s for you. We cover everything from glue stick shortages and folder drama to the power of saying no, the value of unions, and why every teacher needs to protect their wellbeing. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own tales from the classroom!
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 - Welcome Back & New School Year Vibes
00:27 - ECTs, Assistant Heads & Toxic School Cultures
02:41 - Early Career Struggles: Saying Yes & Being Overworked
06:29 - Leadership Roles, Delegation & Staff Room Stories
09:52 - Folder Drama, Mentors & Surviving Inspections
23:49 - Power Trips, Staff Turnover & School Politics
27:09 - Boundaries, Burnout & Learning to Say No
32:57 - Advice for New Teachers: Red Flags & Self-Protection
35:46 - Final Thoughts: Unions, Support & Listener Shoutouts
36:59 - Outro & How to Reach Us
Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the chaos of the new school year, sharing real talk about teacher stress, workload management, and the art of setting boundaries. From the great glue stick debate to meal prep hacks, delegation tips, and the infamous "do, delegate, delete, delay" mantra, this episode is packed with practical advice and plenty of laughs for teachers everywhere.
Whether you’re feeling the burnout already or just need a reminder to put yourself first, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to drop us a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own staff room stories!
Timestamps & chapters below 👇
00:00 - Welcome Back & New School Year Vibes
00:27 - Teacher Stress: Stats & Real Talk
01:41 - Workload Management: Boundaries & Burnout
06:29 - Meal Prep, Food Hacks & Surviving the Staff Room
09:52 - Shrinkflation, Snacks & The Great Glue Stick Debate
23:49 - Delegation, Teamwork & Teacher Training Gaps
27:09 - Classroom Chaos: Cupboards, Shared Drives & Offsted Myths
32:57 - Planning, Prioritizing & Saying No
35:46 - Final Thoughts: Do, Delegate, Delete, Delay
36:59 - Outro & Listener Shoutouts
The first week back should feel like a fresh start - but for most teachers, it’s where the burnout begins. Research shows 67% of teachers say their mental health declines significantly within the first seven days of term.
In this episode, Martin and Dan break down why the first week hits so hard: the new class that feels like 30 strangers, the pointless environment walks, the obsession with curly borders, the clipboard-brigade of observations, and the dreaded “wellbeing” badminton tournament at half four on a Friday.
It’s honest, raw, and a little bit ridiculous - but it’s also full of the real talk teachers need to hear. Because if you don’t put systems in place early, you risk being completely drained before October half-term even arrives.
Every teacher knows the Sunday night fear. But that first week back after summer? It’s like Sunday night fear… but worse.
In this episode, Martin and Dan unpack why back-to-school anxiety hits so hard - from worrying you’ve forgotten how to teach, to the chaos of brand-new classes, to the pressure of “being ready” when you’re anything but.
They share honest stories from the classroom, practical tips to ease the nerves, and why preparation doesn’t mean overworking yourself. If you’re dreading September, this one’s for you.
September is the real New Year for teachers.
The fresh stationery, the big plans, the “this term I’ll finally…” promises.
But here’s the problem: 83% of teachers drop their health goals by week three.
In this episode of Sir, You Look Tired, Martin and Dan dive into why habits collapse so quickly, the chaotic reality of teacher life (hello messy desktops and copy-of-copy Canva files 😂), and the simple systems that actually stick.
From meal prep hacks to the infamous “balloon” stress analogy, we’ll show you how to make September resolutions last longer than the first staff meeting biscuits.
Teachers give enough during term time - so why are so many still handing over ten hours a week of their summer for free?
In this episode, we dig into the hidden cost of “getting ahead” over the holidays, from laminating marathons to cupboard clear-outs that don’t last two weeks. We share our own wake-up calls - including the summers we finally stopped working - and how putting ourselves first made us better teachers, healthier humans, and actually happier to return in September.
If you’ve ever found yourself in school on a blazing hot August afternoon wondering why am I here?… this one’s for you.
In this episode, we dive into the guilt, burnout, and people-pleasing that haunts teachers all summer long. From laminating on holiday to buying IKEA baskets in July, we unpack why switching off feels so hard – and how school culture often rewards martyrdom over rest.
We talk about the pressure to prep, the fear of judgement from colleagues, and the myth that working in summer somehow buys you time back in the autumn (spoiler: it doesn’t). Whether you’re watching ECTs vlog their classrooms or battling a cupboard full of CDs from 2005, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to earn your rest.