Chalkboard & Chill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode Larissa and Tom dive into the wonderfully unpredictable world of school work experience, the rite of passage that can either spark a lifelong career ambition… or leave you questioning every life choice you've ever made.From awkward first days and questionable placements to the reality of trying to secure opportunities in today's world, they unpack why work experience still matters and how it's evolving post-pandemic. Along the way, they share hilarious stories from hospitality, education, and beyond, proving that sometimes the biggest lessons happen far away from the classroom.Whether you're an educator organising placements, a student preparing for your first taste of the working world, or a parent wondering if your teenager will survive a week in an office, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode Larissa and Tom dive into the wonderfully chaotic ecosystem that is school staff culture, because every school has types of teachers, and honestly… you can probably picture them immediately.From Golden Retriever energy and hyper-organised planners to the permanently exhausted veteran surviving on caffeine and sarcasm, this episode hilariously breaks down the personalities that somehow keep schools functioning. Using animal comparisons, workplace archetypes, and a few very accurate observations, Larissa and Tom reflect on their own teaching personalities and the colleagues we all know (and fear).There’s chaos. There’s self-awareness. There’s a slightly concerning Squid Game comparison. And somehow… it all makes perfect sense.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode Larissa and Tom tackle the age-old question: what actually makes a good teacher? And spoiler alert, it’s not just being terrifying enough to silence a classroom with one look.From strict teachers vs the “nice” ones, to the chaos of teaching subjects you barely feel qualified for, this episode dives into the myths, pressures, and personalities behind effective teaching. Expect honest conversations about classroom presence, student perceptions, mutual respect, and why some teachers just naturally have it… while others build it through experience (and a lot of trial and error 👀).They also unpack the balancing act between professionalism and personality, what students really notice about teachers, and whether Ofsted’s version of a “great teacher” actually matches reality.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode, Tom and Larissa get brutally honest about the parts of teaching no one really warns you about, the constant mental load and the way the job quietly creeps into every corner of your life.From overthinking every word you say to filtering yourself in everyday conversations, this episode shines a light on the invisible weight teachers carry long after the bell rings. And it’s not just in the classroom, it shows up in friendships, relationships, and those rare moments when you’re supposed to be “switching off”… but absolutely aren’t.If you’ve ever found yourself analysing a casual conversation like it’s a lesson observation, this one’s for you.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode of Chalkboard and Chill, Tom and Larrissa gets real about the beautifully chaotic balancing act that is teaching… while also, you know, living an entire life outside of it.From exam-season stress spirals to weddings, house moves, pregnancy, and everything in between, this episode is a candid, honest, and often very relatable look at what happens when personal life and classroom life collide.Expect laughter, a few “you couldn’t make it up” moments, and a whole lot of reassurance that if you’re feeling stretched thin… you’re definitely not the only one.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this episode of Chalkboard and Chill, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most important conversations in education right now: how we create classrooms that actually work for every child, not just the ones who neatly fit the system.From SEND support and mainstream inclusion to behavior, burnout, and the difference between equity and equality, this episode unpacks what it really means to build an education system that sees students as individuals, not boxes to be ticked.We explore how SEND provision has evolved over the years, the very real challenges teachers and families face, and why understanding behavior as communication can completely change the game. Expect honest reflections, practical classroom strategies, and a big reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do in education… is adapt.Because let’s be honest, kids shouldn’t have to bend themselves to fit the classroom.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill