Shows
They Behave For MeShould one student with one phone mean you fail OFSTED?Adam and Amy discuss the Conservatives' latest suggestions around school phone policy, the difference and take a listener question on the difference between check for understanding and check for listening.
2025-11-1427 minThey Behave For MeHow can you build consistent routines in a badly setup classroom?A shorter episode as Adam has some stuff going on. Him and Amy discuss how to manage behaviour in a classroom that is not setup to best support learning.
2025-11-0918 minThey Behave For MeWhat's going on with recruitment and retention? With Jack WorthIn this episode Adam flies solo but is joined by recruitment and retention expert Jack Worth. They nerd out on market forces and how demographic effects dictate teacher supply and demand. Not to be missed!
2025-10-2452 minThey Behave For MeWhy do Jewish schools need security? Adam opens up about antisemitismIn light of the horrific attack at a synagogue in Manchester, Adam gives a 2000 year history of antisemitism, and explores how it has applied in England in the modern era. Following that, Amy takes on some attendance issues and explores some potential solutions.
2025-10-1753 minThey Behave For MeAre knowledge organisers worth it, and how to observe and be observedQuestion time! In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners on a range of things, including knowledge organisers and lesson observations. Tune in!
2025-10-0948 minThey Behave For MeIs behaviour better in primaries or secondaries? With Grainne HallahanIn this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by guest (co-host?) Grainne to discuss all things data in schools. Is behaviour better in primaries or secondaries? Should schools ban skirts? And where are we up to with phones?Unfortunately, Adam had a problem with his audio, but it should be fixed for next week!
2025-10-0352 minThey Behave For MeWhat do teachers actually need to know about assessment? With Becky AllenIn this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by Becky Allen, co-founder of TeacherTapp. There's a lot on the agenda, including assessment, curriculum, data, retention and more! Not to be missed.
2025-09-261h 02They Behave For MeWhat's the deal with booklets, and do they need to have the school's branding on them?Join Amy and her co-host as they take questions from the listeners on a range of subjects, including whether booklets need to have school branding and how we encourage a sense of resilience in our students as they begin to do independent practice.
2025-09-1947 minThey Behave For MeWhat three things from cognitive science should every teacher know? With Dr Carl HendrickAdam and Amy are joined by the fantastic Carl Hendrick to discuss retrieval practice, whether we should teach kids about the reasons we are teaching them in certain ways and much more
2025-09-121h 00They Behave For MeDid Nick Gibb get it right?Adam and Amy chat to Nick Gibb about his new book, the impact of his time in the department of education, and whether schools like Michaela are replicable country wide.
2025-09-051h 14They Behave For MeWhat is genericism, and why is it so important? With Christine CouncsellChristine is one of the leading voices in education discourse, and has been at the heart of the curriculum revolution in schools and at Ousted .Tune in for a wide ranging discussion on knowledge, cognitive science, curriculum and the future of education discourse.
2025-07-1858 minThey Behave For MeCan Amy and Bill Wilkinson explain the SEN crisis to Adam?Adam and Amy are joined by Bill Wikinson who, after a varied career across education, has just spent his first year as SENco. They discuss the life of a SENco and why the system currently isn't working well enough.
2025-07-111h 03They Behave For MeHow to observe non-subject-specialists and what can a lead practitioner do?Amy and Adam take more questions from listeners, looking at the role of the lead practitioner, school inductions and a terrifying example of negative culture in schools.
2025-07-0456 minThey Behave For MeIs oracy a fad, and how do we actually improve behaviour?In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the audience, covering topics as diverse as oracy, concrete behaviour strategies, getting promotions and how to do a full digital detox.
2025-06-2749 minThey Behave For MeWhat have the unions ever done for us?In this episode, Amy and Adam are joined by Neil Butler. Neil has dedicated his life to teachers' workload and conditions as a veteran activist for the NASUWT. Tune in for a discussion that spans half a century of union activism and changes in the professionalism and standards in schools
2025-06-2049 minThey Behave For MeIs safeguarding training enough, and how to provide instructional coaching if someone's already a great teacher?In this episode Adam and Amy take listener questions around safeguarding training, instructional coaching and even more!
2025-06-1358 minThey Behave For MeHow do I get students to work quietly?In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners on participation, engagement, CPD and behaviour management.
2025-05-2353 minThey Behave For MeShould we ditch exam results day and what is dialogic teaching?In this episode, Adam and Amy look at government plans to potentially scrap exam results day, how study leave varies across the sector and Robin Alexander's dialogic teaching.
2025-05-1652 minThey Behave For MeWhy is CPD broken, and what can be done to fix it?In this episode, Adam and Amy delve into the launch of Carousel's new CPD offering, Carousel Teaching. They also take another look at Adolescence and shared parental leave.
2025-05-091h 00They Behave For MeWhat's in the curriculum review so far?In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by Jonathan Simons from Public First to talk all things education policy, with a particular focus on the Curriculum and Assessment Review interim report.
2025-05-0253 minThey Behave For MeHow does the teacher experience compare between the UK and US, and more with Grainne Hallahan from Teacher TappAdam and Amy are joined by Grainne to explore more data from Teacher Tapp. How do schools in the UK and US compare according to those who work there, how is shared parental leave used, and much more.They also pay tribute to the wonderful Dawn Cox who sadly passed away recently. Dawn was not only a lovely person, but was completely committed to education and her writings helped shift the dial on national education discourse, she is a great loss to the world.
2025-04-2551 minThey Behave For MeShould we show Adolescence in schools?In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners and discuss Keir Starmer's backing of Netflix's plans to have Adolescence screened in schools. Also on the menu is responding to feedback and clarifying some of our positions on private schools.
2025-04-0451 minThey Behave For MeHow can lessons from the school system be helpful in prisons?In this episode Adam and Amy are joined by Natasha Porter from UnlockedGrads. Loosely based on TeachFirst, Unlocked aims to break the cycle of prisoner re-offence and ex-teacher Natasha has some incredible insights into schools, the justice system and how wider society views crime and criminals
2025-03-281h 09They Behave For MeWhat is evidence based practice? With special guest Alex QuigleyIn this episode, Alan and Amy are joined by one of the biggest names in evidence based education: Alex Quigley. Tune in for discussions about how teaching has improved in light of the evidence, and where we still have to grow.
2025-03-211h 00They Behave For MeMobile phones, private schools, and the need for long term memory strategiesIn this episode, Adam and Amy go over a couple of recent news stories about private schools and children's access to mobile phones and the internet. They also talk about long term memory strategies and the importance of thinking about learning over time rather than just in the moment.
2025-03-1456 minThey Behave For MeAre there too many education books, and should we dress up for world book day?In this episode Adam and Amy breach the topic of World Book Day. Dreaded by some, celebrated by others, to what extent is it a force for good in promoting a love of books? Also, Adam and Amy discuss their favourite education books and wonder if there are too many education books.
2025-03-0757 minThey Behave For MeHow do I ask for more pay, and what's the best way to run line management meetings?In this episode of Question Time, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners, covering behaviour, pay related progression, line management and long term memory strategies. Tune in and share!
2025-02-2852 minThey Behave For MeWhy don't schools improve? With Dr James MannionIn this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by James Mannion in order to explore his new book and all things school improvement. Helping schools to get better seems to be an uphill task, so what tips does James have for us?
2025-02-1458 minThey Behave For MeHave Ofsted big listened to teachers?Gráinne's back! Here to unpack more great data from Teacher Tapp. We explore what teachers really think about what would make an adequate Ofsted inspection, and what challenges surprised people when starting the profession.
2025-02-0743 minThey Behave For MeIs bad behaviour my fault, and how to recruit and be recruitedIn this episode, Adam and Amy give TONS of awesome advice for teachers looking for new jobs and schools looking to recruit. Not to be missed, whatever side of the interview table you might, or might not, be sitting at.
2025-01-3154 minThey Behave For MeEveryone's IllDue to illness They Behave For Me takes an unplanned break, back next week!
2025-01-2401 minThey Behave For MeWhat's Labour's massive education bill going to change?In this episode, Adam and Amy sit down with John Dickens, editor of Schools Week, to discuss the potential ramifications of Labour's new education bill.
2025-01-1756 minThey Behave For MeWhat's your teaching new year's resolution and should your lessons be fun?In this episode, Adam and Amy go over some potential resolutions that might supercharge your teaching this year. They also spend some time looking at the big education stories of the Christmas break like Martyn Oliver's answers to the Commons Education committee and whether or not lessons should be fun.
2025-01-1051 minThey Behave For MeAre we doing safeguarding training wrong?In this episode, Adam and Amy go through questions from the listeners, and open with a corker about safeguarding. Our training always focuses on the legalities of identifying, recording, and communicating disclosures. But does it fail to teach us how to be human?
2024-12-2047 minThey Behave For MeWhy have complaints and allegations against teachers increased? With special guest Alistair Wood, CEO of Edapt.In this episode, Adam and Amy welcome Alastair Wood , CEO of Edapt to the show. Alastair has a wealth of knowledge on all things employment, and walks us through the major issues facing teachers in terms of employment law, allegations and complaints. He also gives some tips on how to protect yourself in the workplace. Not to be missed!
2024-12-1357 minThey Behave For MeHow are Ofsted managing to make things even worse?With Ofsted leaking documents about their new report card proposals, Adam and Amy debate Ofsted, Progress 8, colour blindness, and discovery based learning.
2024-12-0628 minThey Behave For MeWhy is everything broken, and how do we fix it? With special guest Sam FreedmanIn this episode, Adam and Amy interview Sam Freedman, one of the finest political commentators around. Sam takes Adam and Amy on a journey through education policy in a bid to explain why everything is broken and how we might go about fixing it.
2024-11-2953 minThey Behave For MeI think my school is getting things wrong. What should I do?Join Adam and Amy as they dive into the most common question they get, which is around what to do if your school is trying to get you to so something that professionally you don\t agree with. There are, unfortunately, no easy answers. :(
2024-11-2231 minThey Behave For MeShould we ditch Shakespeare?In this episode, Adam and Amy delve into the English curriculum and look at whether the calls to ditch Shakespeare in favour of more modern texts are warranted or do violence to our cultural heritage.
2024-11-1551 minThey Behave For MeWhat does one of the country's leading CEOs have to say about curriculum, attendance, and more?In this episode Adam and Amy interview Stuart Lock, CEO of Advantage Schools. Stuart discusses all things education and the conversation spans curriculum, behaviour, attendance, and more. Not to be missed!
2024-11-0857 minThey Behave For MeExploring the Legacy of Tim BrighouseAmy is away so Adam is joined by Adam Robbins, David Cameron (not that one) and Professor Mick Waters to discuss their new book exploring the legacy of Tim Brighouse. They cover the current relevance of his work including a focus on the impact of the London Challenge and similar schemes elsewhere.
2024-10-2556 minThey Behave For MeShould it be illegal to use a phone on school grounds?In this episode, Adam and Amy dive into a recent move by a Labour MP to toughen the rules around children accessing mobile phones and addictive content. They also discuss discover learning and 'what makes an outstanding lesson?' Tune in and share!
2024-10-1847 minThey Behave For MeDo teachers need to stop moaning?Adam and Amy discuss whether or not teaching is still a good carrer and answer questions from the listeners, including ones about tracking knowledge over time and calling a class back to silence.
2024-10-1156 minThey Behave For MeWhat are Ofsted going to do next?In this episode, Amy and Adam revisit Ofsted's Big Listen and explore their proposals. Are their suggestions and next steps corporate wool, or do they represent a concrete attempt to improve and rebuild trust?
2024-10-0457 minThey Behave For MeHow do you narrow the disadvantaged gap, and where does job satisfaction come from?Adam and Amy answer questions from the listeners, including questions about workplace motivation, and closing the pupil premium gap.
2024-09-2747 minThey Behave For MeSeven FishesIn this episode, Adam and Amy are joined once again by TeacherTapp's Gráinne doyenne of data. To celebrate Tapp's seventh birthday, Gráinne will be sharing her seven favourite facts, that may or may not include fishes.
2024-09-2049 minThey Behave For MeWhat are Ofsted planning?In this episode, Adam and Amy give a brief timeline of all the changes that have happened at Ofsted over the last five years or so. They explore Ofsted’s Big Listen, and try and figure out their plans for the future.
2024-09-131h 00They Behave For MeBack to school!TBFM is back! Join Adam and Amy as they discuss the ever-widening disadvantaged gaps, lollies being on the curriculum, and how to deal with a colleague who bullies you.
2024-09-0656 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 30: How should we reflect on the year, and improve for next year?In the last episode of the year, Adam and Amy look back on the year that was - the things that have gone well and the things that haven’t quite worked out. Onwards to next year, see you on the other side!
2024-07-1948 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 29: What are the biggest education myths and why are they so pervasive?In this episode, Adam and Amy discuss a number of education myths, ranging from learning styles to behaviour as a communication of unmet needs.
2024-07-1258 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 28: I'm not getting better at teaching - what should I do?In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners about all things education, training, and whether we should "just give them a pen"...
2024-07-051h 04They Behave For MeEpisode 27: Should we be scared of Labour's education manifesto?In this episode, Adam and Amy continue in their deep dive into the Labour manifesto on education. Tune in for discussions of child poverty, the benefit caps and assessment reform.
2024-06-281h 03They Behave For MeEpisode 26: Have our schools improved in the last 14 years?In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by the astonishingly knowledgeable Sir Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning. They dissect the last 14 years of English education, and look at the Conservatives' records and Labour's prospects. Will things get better in the future?
2024-06-211h 06They Behave For MeHow can you build a positive culture around observations?In this episode, Adam and Amy are once again joined by the fabulous Grainne from the TeacherTapp team. In the episode, they start by discussing observations, and how Adam's school has gone about creating a positive culture around peer-to-peer observations. They also discuss some exclusive data from TeacherTapp about detentions, and what students do - and should be doing - when they are in detention.
2024-06-141h 01They Behave For MeEpisode 24: Why does CPD suck, and who wants to do National Service?In this episode, Adam and Amy explore CPD and why it's normally a bit rubbish. They also look at the Conservative plans to introduce National Service and look for the grain of truth at the bottom of a bonkers policy.
2024-06-0754 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 23: The legendary Paul Kirschner is in the house!In this interview, Adam and Amy get to talk to one of their educational heroes: cognitive scientist Paul Kirschner. Join them as they discuss foundational principles from cognitive science, the difference between being evidence based and evidence informed, and the prevalence of educational myths.
2024-05-2458 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 22: do we care too much about students' haircuts?In this episode, Adam and Amy discuss our obsession with student presentation and if it's worth caring about. They also take questions from the audience about trainee-mentor relationships and the role of creative subjects within schools.
2024-05-1742 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 21: What can we learn from the best schools in New York?In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by the legend that is Jon Hutchinson. Join them to discuss Jon's recent trip to the land of the brave where he visited a number of remarkable schools in New York.
2024-05-1058 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 20: What can schools to do combat societal disadvantage?In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by Charley from Sutton Trust to look at an extremely serious issue: the under-representation of pupil premium students in great schools. Tune in to learn about what has caused this issue, how it varies across the country and what schools can do about it.
2024-04-2645 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 19: What the hell is going on with behaviour?In this episode, Adam and Amy are joined by Teacher Tapp superstar Grainne Hallahan to discuss all things tattoos, behaviour and more. Tune in and share our last episode before a short Easter break.
2024-03-2849 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 18: Do children naturally want to learn?In this episode, Adam and Amy dive into a mini-controversy surrounding some things that were or weren't said at a researchED conference last week. Tune in for all the behaviour nuance you need!
2024-03-2244 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 17: Should I apply to be a head of department?In this episode, Adam and Amy take questions from the listeners: should we use clipboards when teaching? Should I apply to be a head of department or am I too inexperienced? How should I seat my students and, most importantly, what's the deal with the intro music?
2024-03-1545 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 16: What are parents saying about attendance?In this episode, Adam and Amy start by discussing Martin Lewis and financial education, move on to looking at the national outlook for pay and finish by delving into the data on attendance and looking at testimony around absences.
Music: Chicken Hut Bluegrass by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
2024-03-0857 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 15: What should you do if your school sucks?In this episode, Adam and Amy discuss dysfunctional schools and how teachers should respond to all the mad things they are supposed to do. They also look at tips for interviewing (both sides of the table) and briefly examine Labour's new anti-misogyny plans.
2024-03-011h 01They Behave For MeEpisode 14: Why you should ban phones in schoolsIn this episode, Adam and Amy discuss mobile phone usage in teenagers and take a deep dive into the evidence around changing social norms and behaviours. Tune in, and remember to share!
2024-02-231h 03They Behave For MeEp 13: Top tips for job applications, and how to use YOUR VOICEIn this episode, Adam and Amy give their top tips for writing covering statements, getting more experience in advance of applications and how to handle interviews and demonstration lessons. They also look at vocal coaching and the power of good vocal habits for general wellbeing and T&L. Finally, they deal with a thorny problem: you ask a student to leave and they refuse. What do you do next?
2024-02-091h 03They Behave For MeEpisode 12: What's going on with behaviour and how do you feel about brushing children's teeth?In this episode, Adam and Amy start by looking at Labour's proposal to introduce teeth brushing to primary schools, and then move on to some very alarming statistics about behaviour. At the end they move on to a few tips and tricks for having a restorative chat with a difficult student.
2024-02-021h 03They Behave For MeEpisode 11: What's going on at Michaela Community School?In this episode, Adam and Amy open with a discussion around behaviour policies and the importance of holding the line. They then spend some time discussing the recent events at Michaela Community School, dissecting the issues around their non-existent prayer room and the resulting legal and political fallout.
2024-01-261h 02
Sweat The TechniqueAn American’s Guide to English Education (with Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer)Doug sits down with Amy Forrester and Adam Boxer, educators and hosts of the podcast They Behave for Me. They compare the American and English educational systems and outline how we can all do better for our kids.
2024-01-2450 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 10: Should teachers put their qualifications on the door?In this episode, Adam and a lergy-stricken Amy play the education version of shoot/shag/marry and debate student aspirations and whether teachers should be putting their qualifications on the doors of their classrooms. Tune in and share!
2024-01-1940 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 9: Moments matter - how do we fix the attendance crisis?In this week's episode, Adam and Amy start by talking about traditional and progressive education, and what those terms have come to mean over time. They then delve into the massive attendance crisis gripping our schools and examine the political fallout and proposed solutions. Tune in, and remember to share :)
2024-01-1254 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 8: How do you get INSET to work?Adam and Amy return for their first episode of 2024. They discuss why INSET days are normally rubbish, Ofsted's postponement of inspections and "Big Listen," as well as some top tips for Parents' Evening.
2024-01-0548 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 7: Should poorly behaved students represent the school at sport?In our last episode before Christmas, Adam recounts a horrifying tale of being made to talk to a stranger on public transport, and Amy offers some nuance on the question of whether poorly behaved students should represent the school in sports fixtures. Adam and Amy also look at staff motivation and how we help motivate staff.
2023-12-1550 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 6: Amanda Spielman, Ofsted accountability and learning walksIn this episode, Adam and Amy begin by reacting to the coroner's report into the death of Headteacher Ruth Perry and discuss what should happen next at Ofsted. Responding to a question on Threads, they also look at learning walks and how they can be best utilised by school leaders to drive improvement and meaningful change.
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2023-12-0833 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 5: Workload TennisIn addition to the usual japes, in this episode Adam and Amy play "workload tennis", in which they have to alternately set out a concrete and actionable strategy which leaders could use to reduce their staff's workload.
2023-12-0153 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 4: Active listening, and looking after your headIn this episode, Adam and Amy discuss how to get all students *really* listening in class, and what to do when you are asked to not direct questions at certain students. They also delve into recent findings about wellbeing which are universally worrying and start sketching out the various issues around staff happiness in the workplace.
2023-11-2445 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 3: Nick Gibb's education legacyWith long-standing Schools Minister Nick Gibb announcing that he will not be running for office again, join Adam and Amy as they rake over his policy record. Listen to the end for more concrete tips on difficult parental conversations, sparked by a question from a listener to last week's podcast.
2023-11-1741 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 2 - Difficult parents, Educating Essex and the Social ContractIn this episode, Adam and Amy look at how things have changed post-covid. Is attendance getting worse? Is behaviour getting worse? Are parents getting harder to deal with? And if the answer is yes, then why?
2023-11-1043 minThey Behave For MeEpisode 1 - Wilshaw, curriculum and having high standardsIn this episode, Adam and Amy take a deep dive into Michael Wilshaw's recent comments at the education select committee, and relive the observation madness of the 2010's. They also discuss a teacher Adam's been working with and why having to remove a student from a lesson doesn't mean you've failed.
2023-11-0339 min