The Independent Teacher

Jan 22 2024
The Independent Teacher Podcast artwork

'The Independent Teacher' is one of the UK's leading educational podcasts hosted by Susan Pallister who has over 20 years of leadership experience in educational settings. Now working as a writer and coach, in 'The Independent Teacher' podcast Susan has in depth conversations with leading educationalists from schools and universities, as well as with writers, journalists, musicians, business entrepreneurs, sporting professionals and young people.

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Finding Your Voice & Vocation with Tutoring Expert Julia Silver

Jan 22 2024 23 mins  
In this episode, former school leader Julia Silver talks about her career in teaching, including her decision to leave the teaching profession to found an innovative and groundbreaking organisation, Qualified Tutor which works to improve standards in tutoring by developing the essential skills and knowledge required for effective tutoring. As we talk to Julia, we learn what motivat

Spread a Little Happiness with Andy Cope

Oct 29 2023 23 mins  
Andy Cope has been described as a ‘wellbeing revolutionary’. His mission is to change the narrative and re-focus psychology away from what’s wrong with people to what’s right. His messages act as a gentle nudge towards people taking charge of their own mental health. Andy’s books are frequently on the best-sellers list. ‘The Art of Being Brilliant’, ‘Shine’, and �

Andrew Rogers: Philosophy, Creativity, Curiosity and Being a Radical in the Classroom

Sep 19 2023 30 mins  
In this episode, we talk to Andrew Rogers the Australian Teacher of the Year (Secondary Non-Gov) in 2021 and a regular contributor to radio programmes and philosophy conferences. In our show, Andrew talks about his love of Philosophy, its role in the school curriculum, and the important skills it nurtures in young people. We find out about teaching in Australia, as well as Andrew&a

The Confidence Factor with Dr Michael Bonshor

Aug 06 2023 39 mins  
After an early career as a professional singer with international contracts, Dr Michael Bonshor developed a diverse portfolio of work as a performer, teacher, conductor, choral arranger, director, and workshop leader. He has run his own professional theatre company, opera group, and jazz ensemble, alongside maintaining a well-established private teaching practice. Michael has also

Degrees of Change with the Azmat Sisters

Aug 02 2023 31 mins  
In this episode, we catch up with the Azmat sisters. Throughout this episode, we'll unravel the stories of each sister's academic journey, exploring the turning points that led them to change their minds about their initial chosen degree courses.But that's not all – we'll also delve into the dynamics of sibling rivalry. The Azmat sisters will candidly share ho

Teacher Wellbeing: Reimagining the Diary with Dr Lucy Kelly

Jul 23 2023 29 mins  
Dr Lucy Kelly is an Associate Professor in Education at the University of Bristol, primarily working with PGCE English trainee teachers. She advocates that trainee teachers see themselves as their own biggest resource in the classroom, and that they prioritise their wellbeing from the outset. Her main research interest is reflective practice as a positive tool for educator wellbein

Find Your Own Path with Fiona Buckland

Jul 02 2023 31 mins  
In this moving episode, we talk to author Fiona Buckland, who is also a life coach, facilitator and public speaker. Fiona has worked with thousands of individuals both one-on-one and at workshops and events to influence positive change. She was previously Head of Learning at The School of Life, a global organisation helping people to lead more fulfilled lives, where she is still a

End Sexism in Schools with Debbie Brazil and Rachel Fenn

Jun 18 2023 44 mins  
The End Sexism in Schools movement is a grassroots organisation made up of individuals in the UK, and even as far afield as New Zealand, who all are united by a shared vision of ending sexism in UK schools. In this episode, I am joined by the founder of the movement Debbie Brazil along with Rachel Fenn, who has carried out extensive research into the secondary school English curric

The Overconfidence Effect & How Men Benefit More than Women with Dr Nikki Shure

Jun 11 2023 19 mins  
Nikki Shure is Associate Professor in Economics at the UCL Social Research Institute at University College London and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA). She completed her PhD in Economics as a Weidenfeld Scholar at the University of Oxford with a focus on labour economics and education economics. Her research interests include non-cognitive skills and educ

Taking the Opportunity of a Lifetime with Joy Shepheard-Walwyn

May 29 2023 22 mins  
In this episode of our podcast, we catch up with Management Consultant & Social Value Lead for Capgemini UK, Joy Shepheard-Walwyn. Joy talks about her decision to accept an apprenticeship with PwC rather than study a degree in Russian and Philosophy at university. We also talk about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and Joy's current role at Capgemini UK.