The Early Career Teacher Podcast from the University of Worcester

In this episode, we focus on preparing for your first placement in an early years educational setting. Whether you're about to begin in a nursery, preschool, reception class, or another early years environment, it's natural to have a range of thoughts and questions as you get ready to step into the classroom.How can I get the most out of my time here? How can I make a connection with the kids? What should I wear?!All legitimate questions, and we're here to help.We’re joined by Lorna Williams, Principal Lecturer in Primary Education and Course Leader for Early Years Initial Teacher Training. With her extensive experience in leading early years settings, Lorna offers valuable insights into how trainee teachers can make a meaningful contribution during their placement, benefiting both the children and the wider staff team.If you have suggestions for future episodes or would like to submit a question, please contact us at ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk.

Guy Shears, Executive Principal of the Central Region Schools Trust and a valued friend of the University of Worcester, joins Justyn Surrall for a heartfelt and insightful conversation.Now leading a vast educational organisation that serves thousands of children, Guy reflects on his journey into teaching, the formative experiences of his early career, and the challenges of his current leadership role.Together, Guy and Justyn explore the lasting impact of inspirational teachers, the lessons learned as an Early Career Teacher, and the power of simple, kind gestures. Tune in for a thoughtful tangent that reminds us how a few encouraging words in a school corridor can shape a child’s future.If you'd like to contact us you can do so on ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

In this bite-sized episode, our resident behaviour expert Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, dives into why some children struggle to follow classroom expectations and how you can help them get on board.Packed with practical tips, classroom management strategies, and reassuring insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create a calmer, more focused learning environment. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from the ever-popular Focus Fox!Got an idea for a future episode? We’d love to hear from you: ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

If your love of sport led you to a career in teaching PE, you're not alone. It’s a rewarding path, but mixing passion with profession can bring its own challenges. In this episode of the ECT Podcast from the University of Worcester, Rebecca Foster MBE shares her journey from PE teacher to Principal Lecturer, and offers advice for early career teachers looking to make a real difference. With a career dedicated to inclusive sport and supporting young people, Rebecca’s insights are both inspiring and practical.Comments/questions/suggestions? ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

Teaching about the environment and environmental issues can be a joy, but knowing where to start isn't always easy.With new government guidance requiring all schools to appoint a sustainability lead and implement a climate action plan by 2025, environmental education is becoming a key part of every teacher's role.Edd Moore, a former University of Worcester student, has led multiple schools to national and international recognition for their environmental work. Now a consultant, he was approached by Bloomsbury to write a book packed with practical advice for teaching about the envrionment.That's how 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Greener Schools was born.In this episode he has practical, hands-on advice for things you can do in your classroom today, to turn a science, English, maths or any other lesson into an environmental masterclass.You can pre-order Edd's book by visiting the Bloomsbury Website on this link.Keep up to date with the latest on Edd's work and updates on his book on his LinkedIn page.Get in touch with us on the ECT Podcast at ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

This is an episode for you if you're just beginning your course, and want to know more about what placements are like.What to wear?! How will I get there?! What if the pupils don't behave for me?! All perfectly fine questions, and we've got the answers! This episode is taken from a virtual seminar we held with Gemma, our third year Primary Education student, Karen Bubb, lecturer in Primary Education and a teacher, and your regular host, Justyn Surrall.If you'd like to get in touch with us at the pod, email ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk

It's a huge deal; applying for your first ever teaching job.What to look out for in a job description, writing an application, visiting the school, interviewing, it's a challenging time.Here, Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, breaks down the process into stages and has some advice for you when it comes to standing out from the crowd and making sure your interviews are memorable for the right reasons!Contact us: ectpod@worc.ac.uk

Catriona Robinson has done an incredible amount in the world of education, and if you've been a student at the University of Worcester you'll have studied under her guidance.Catriona has just retired as the Head of the School of Education, and while she's planning her future, she's been speaking to us on the ECT Podcast.Here, Catriona reflects on her journey, and has some specific advice for you if you're beginning your journey to becoming a teacher.Contact us:ectpodcast@worc.ac.uk