This week we’re joined by football coach (and our website designer) Claire to explore what happens when the world of coaching meets the world of teaching. We talk about being “player first, not player led,” finding the balance between structure and freedom, and using individual challenges to stretch or support learners. Claire shares insights from coaching across age groups, from under eights to adult women’s teams, and explains how the STEP principle of adjusting space, task, equipment and players helps her adapt sessions in real time.
Jen and Francis draw powerful parallels to the classroom, reflecting on how teachers can apply similar approaches to differentiation, engagement and reflection. From the importance of knowing your learners to the value of feedback and planning for “what ifs,” this episode uncovers just how close coaching and teaching really are: same goals, different game.
This week, Jen and Francis dive into Teachers' Standard 1: set high expectations for all pupils. It's not as a slogan, but as daily practice. We unpack what high expectations actually look like in lessons, marking, and conversations, and how to keep challenge from turning into anxiety.
Jen shares how an English teacher in America helped her understand the impact of dyslexia on her writing, reframing “ability” into strategy and belief. Francis draws on leadership lessons about setting ambitious, realistic targets and applies them to the classroom, balancing absolute standards with relative expectations for individuals.
We explore routines, language, feedback, and metacognitive reflection (plan–monitor–evaluate) that build a culture of productive struggle. Plus, we each set a Teacher Stretch Goal to model what ambition and reflection look like for pupils.
Jen and Francis catch up on their first two weeks as fully fledged teachers: no mentors at the back, no safety net, just them at the front of the classroom.
From first impressions and building staff relationships, to seating plans, learning names, and realising they’re now the grown-ups in charge, they reflect on the steep (but exciting) learning curve of the ECT year.
Plus, Jen shares why she’s already started a young referees club, Francis looks ahead to Duke of Edinburgh and maths club, and we meet the newest member of the Fraction of a Teacher team: Howie the dachshund.
In this episode, we dive into Teacher Standards Part 2: Personal and Professional Conduct, the expectations that shape how we show up not just in lessons, but in corridors, emails, parents’ evenings, and even in the supermarket.
We explore how the Teachers’ Standards link to the ITT/ECF (recipe vs final dish), why aligning with your school’s ethos and policies matters, and practical ways to uphold British values through maths from voting systems to spotting misleading graphs.
Francis reflects on the importance of “teacher bearing,” while Jen shares why her lanyard flips the mental switch into teacher mode. We wrap up with a reflection question you can take into your first week.
We’re back! After a summer of rest, reflection, and a few adventures (yes, including a terrifying quarry zipwire and adopting even more birds…), Jen and Francis return for Season 2 as newly qualified teachers.
In this episode, we share our summer highlights, talk about preparing for ECT life, and reflect on the nerves and excitement of starting the new school year. From timetables and routines to behaviour management tips, conference takeaways, and Nic Morgan’s “Bin, Bag, Celebrate” approach, we dive into what’s on our minds as we head into our classrooms for the first time.
We also introduce a new feature for this season: taking one teaching standard at a time and exploring how we’re putting it into practice.
Whether you’re starting your PGCE, stepping into ECT1, or just need a bit of teacher solidarity, join us for honest reflections, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not in this alone.
We’ve made it. In this final episode of Season One, we’re joined by the brilliant Jeremy, our PGCE Maths lead and the person who’s been with us since Day One (even if he did reject Jen the first time. Spoiler alert, don't worry, it worked out.
Together, we reflect on the highs, lows, and learning curves of the year. Jeremy shares what he looks for in future teachers, why small cohorts make a big difference, and how placements are (thoughtfully) matched. We also chat about the importance of getting into schools before applying and why no one is ever the finished article.
Expect stories, laughter, a little imposter syndrome, and one very flattering cartoon mug.
📦 This one’s a full-circle moment, for us, for Jeremy, and for anyone who’s just finished their PGCE. Thank you for being part of our journey.
🎧 Season Two begins soon, with the ECT Era…
As we near the end of our PGCE year and out of placement so after some tearful goodbyes to our pupils, emotions are running high and what better way to unpack them than with a blob tree? In this reflective episode, Jen and Francis explore the highs, lows, and everything in between from Placement B. From moments of self-doubt to newfound confidence, we discuss how contrasting school contexts shaped our teaching identities, challenged our assumptions, and helped us grow.
We chat:
How our teaching ‘fractions’ have shifted
The discomfort (and value) of being the "new person"
Metacognition, emotional intelligence, and developing our teacher voice
Why second placements matter even when they’re tough
Whether you're wrapping up your own training or just love a good teacher reflection, this one’s for you. Oh and stay tuned for a very special guest next episode 👀
New episodes every Thursday at 5am 🎙️☕
#FractionOfATeacher #PGCEPodcast #TeacherTalk #TraineeTeacherLife #ReflectivePractice
In our first transatlantic episode, Jen and Francis are joined by Jocelyn Greene, founder of Child’s Play NY and theatre education specialist. Together, we explore how drama games can build classroom connection, boost student confidence, and support meaningful learning, both in and beyond the maths classroom.
From strategies for welcoming new Year 7 form groups to ideas for creative project-based learning, this episode is full of playful, practical takeaways for any teacher looking to reimagine the start of the school year. We talk about permission to play, why “bubble moments” matter, and how role-play might just be your next teaching superpower.
💬 Featuring creative tips, personal reflections, and a whole lot of laughter — this is one to save and share.
#FractionOfATeacher #ChildsPlayNY #TeacherTraining #DramaInEducation #PGCE #FormTutorLife #CreativeClassrooms #JocelynGreene
This week it’s just the two of us – laptops open, drinks poured, and deep in reflection mode. We're taking a look back at our PGCE year:
We’re sharing honest thoughts, unexpected lessons, and the bits we’re proud of, all while getting a little nostalgic that the finish line is finally in sight.
Whether you’re heading into your own training year, halfway through, or simply love a bit of PGCE realness, well then this one's for you.
New episodes every other Thursday at 5am 🎙️☕
#FractionOfATeacher #PGCEPodcast #TeacherTalk #TraineeTeacherLife #ReflectivePractice
This week, we’re joined by Adam; our PGCE history fellow trainee, timeline enthusiast, and deliverer of at least one decent joke. From Elizabeth I to the American Gold Rush, Adam brings the past to life while reflecting on what it really means to teach history in today’s classroom.
We talk showmanship at Key Stage 3, taking a backseat at Key Stage 4, and why critical thinking matters more than memorising dates. Expect reflections on lesson planning, reading reluctance, vocabulary gaps, and why Year 8s are his nemesis. Oh, and yes — he does attempt a history joke. You’ve been warned.
Plus: one fruitcake joke, one fractions pun, and a perfectly honest answer to "What fraction of a teacher are you?"
🎧 Listen now — and see if Adam’s joke makes the cut.
#FractionOfATeacher | New Episodes every other Thursday
In this episode, Jen, Francis, and returning guest Sophia explore the often-overlooked power of teacher-parent communication. From the nerves of a first parents’ evening to the joy of a handwritten postcard home, they reflect on how positive partnerships with carers and families can transform the classroom experience.
Expect thoughtful insights, practical tips, and a few laughs as they share what they’ve learned on the journey from trainee to trusted adult.
💬 Topics include:
– Making parents’ evenings work for everyone
– Why communication is part of inclusive practice
– Creating a culture of trust through praise and presence
This one’s for anyone building their teacher identity and looking to connect more meaningfully with the people behind the pupils.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.
#FractionOfATeacher | New episodes every two weeks
In this episode, Jen and Francis tackle that classic classroom question: “When will I ever use this in real life?” From calculating costs during a house move to navigating personal finance, they unpack the ways maths shows up in everyday decisions—and how we can help students see that too.
They dive into practical strategies for making maths lessons more relevant, reflect on how their past careers involved surprising amounts of maths, and explore how real-world contexts can boost student confidence, engagement, and motivation. Plus, they dip into the philosophical: is maths more of an art or a science?
✨ Whether you’re a teacher, trainee, or just someone who’s ever asked “What’s the point of algebra?”—this one’s for you.
🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday (because life—and assignments—are very real too).
In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis dive into the everyday chaos of teaching on the move. From lugging planners and mini-whiteboards across campus to arriving late to a room that’s not quite yours, we unpack the very real challenge of not having a permanent teaching space during your PGCE.
We share our most relied-on classroom essentials, the small routines that keep us sane, and reflect on how being a “classroom nomad” shapes your teaching style. Plus, we daydream about what we’d include in our own future classrooms – whiteboards on every wall? A corner for plants? Maybe even a coffee machine…
🗓️ Note: We’re now releasing new episodes every other Thursday while we juggle teaching, uni, and staying upright. Thanks for sticking with us
In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into our ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) week – what it is, what we learned, and how it’s shaping us as trainee teachers. We also explore the art of questioning in the classroom, discussing our favourite types of questions, why they work, and how they help students engage with learning in a meaningful way.
Plus, a quick update! 📢 To keep things sustainable while we tackle assignments, we’ll now be releasing episodes every other Thursday for the time being. Thanks for sticking with us – we love having you on this journey! 💛
#FractionOfATeacher #TeacherTraining #ITAP #ClassroomQuestioning #PodcastUpdate
This week, we're diving into teaching styles, classroom confidence, and finding the balance between authority and approachability.
As trainee teachers, we all discover what kind of educators we want to be. But how do we establish our presence in the classroom? How do we build relationships with students while keeping high expectations? And does your personality shape your teaching style—or does teaching shape you?
In this episode, we reflect on:
Let us know your thoughts on Instagram & TikTok (@FractionofaTeacherPodcast) or send us an email at fractionoat@gmail.com.
🎧 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM – subscribe, leave us a review, and join the conversation!
In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Francis and Jen dive into the GCSE maths topics they love teaching (and the ones they're still working on loving!). They explore what made certain topics fun as students, how their preferences have shifted as teachers, and the creative ways they bring maths to life in the classroom.
Plus, there’s big news—Jen has some news for everyone! 🎉
Expect real talk, relatable teaching struggles, and plenty of ideas for making maths engaging—whether it's bringing statistics to life, using geometry to get hands-on, or finding creative ways to teach algebra.
🔢 Takeaway: Maths isn’t just about equations—it’s about curiosity, discovery, and making connections. Join us as we reflect on what makes maths fun and how we can share that excitement with students.
🎧 New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok @FractionofaTeacherPodcast for behind-the-scenes fun!
This week on Fraction of a Teacher, we’re diving into work-life balance and how to make teaching a sustainable career. Special guest and fellow trainee teacher, Sophia, joins us to share her experience and insights, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. She is our social media wizard who does so much behind the scenes, and we are thrilled to have her on.
In this episode, we talk about:
✅ Finding balance – How do we avoid burnout while juggling lesson planning, job hunting, and personal life?
✅ Time management strategies – From bullet journaling to shared calendars, what systems work best for teachers?
✅ Job updates! – Francis shares the outcome of his interview (spoiler: exciting news!).
✅ Personal reflections – How do we track our growth as teachers, and what fraction of a teacher do we feel like right now?
This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about longevity in teaching and looking for practical strategies to stay organised, energised, and motivated. Plus, expect plenty of laughs, reflections, and maybe even a debate about improper fractions!
📅 New episodes drop every Thursday at 5 AM🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!
📲 Follow for updates: @FractionOfATeacherPodcast
📩 Get in touch: fractionoat@gmail.com
In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into the art and science of lesson planning, discussing how we structure our lessons, adapt to different schools, and refine our questioning techniques. We also explore the role of literacy in mathematics, reflecting on how reading, vocabulary, and comprehension impact students’ success in maths.
Join us as we share our personal approaches, practical strategies, and insights from our latest placement experiences. Plus, we introduce a fun 3-2-1 reflection activity and discuss how our pets unexpectedly make their way into our teaching!
Tune in for an honest, reflective, and engaging conversation about what it means to be a trainee teacher.
📅 New episodes every Thursday at 5 AM
🎧 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @FractionOfATeacherPodcast
📩 Get in touch: fractionoat@gmail.com
In this episode of Fraction of a Teacher, Jen and Francis dive into the complexities of job hunting as trainee teachers. With placement B underway and jobs starting to open up, they discuss what they’re looking for in their first teaching roles, from school ethos to work-life balance.
They share tips on applying for positions, preparing for interviews, and managing nerves when teaching a lesson during an interview. Hear their thoughts on handling feedback, building a reflective teaching practice, and the power of collaboration.
Whether you're on the same journey or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories for early career teachers. Tune in for real talk about finding the right fit!
New episodes every Thursday.
In this debut episode of Fraction of a Teacher, we dive into the chaotic yet rewarding world of trainee teaching. We reflect on the overwhelming reality of never achieving perfection as a teacher, how collaboration and camaraderie are key to success, and why reflection is a game-changer in both teaching and life.
Jen and Francis share stories about what led them into teaching, their experiences with imposter syndrome, and those surprising first-day jitters. Along the way, we discuss how a simple smile can foster belonging in the classroom, practical tips for learning students' names, and the importance of pacing yourself to avoid burnout.
Expect honesty, humour, and some good old maths jokes to close things out!
Please grab a cup of tea or coffee and join us for this raw, unscripted look at life on the path to becoming a teacher.
#MathsEducation #TraineeTeacher #Reflection #TeachingLife #PodcastForTeachers #MathsHumor