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