Chalkboard & Chill

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, 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

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!This week, Tom and Larrissa dive into the chaos, costumes, and questionable outfit choices that come with World Book Day in schools.From recycled onesies and last-minute costume panic to the teachers who fully commit (top hats, face paint and all), they share their honest thoughts on dressing up for the big day — including why it’s much easier said than done when you’re actually trying to teach in the outfit.The conversation drifts into some brilliant staffroom memories: mysterious Lady Macbeth sightings, football kits masquerading as literary costumes, and the very real moment when a full Cleopatra walks into a lesson observation. Along the way they reminisce about the Scholastic book fair, childhood book choices, and the strange nostalgia of the mobile library van.They also chat about the other themed days that pop up in school life — from National Poetry Day and creative writing activities to the unexpectedly delicious arrival of Pi Day (yes, involving actual pies).As always, the episode wraps up with Peak & Pit, where Tom celebrates the unexpected joy of receiving a free pineapple from the school canteen, while Larrissa navigates the emotional rollercoaster of Year 9 options choices.Whether you’re a teacher preparing for World Book Day, a student remembering the chaos, or just someone who enjoys a good staffroom story, this episode is packed with relatable school-life moments, humour, and a healthy dose of teacher reality.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head toInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!This week, Tom and Larrissa tackle the great British obsession: snow days. From pyjamas worn inside out to chanting into the freezer (yes, really), they dive into the bizarre internet superstitions supposedly guaranteed to summon snowfall — including spoons under pillows, brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, and the classic snow dance around the kitchen table. Scientific? No. Committed? Absolutely.They compare their very different recent experiences — one school closed due to rural chaos, the other open despite four inches of Birmingham snow and staff stranded on icy roads. There’s talk of WhatsApp conspiracies between headteachers, the frenzy of “We’re not in tomorrow!” rumours, social media backlash when schools dare to prioritise safety, and the harsh reality that snow days aren’t quite as magical when you’re the one setting online work that may or may not get done.Plus: a nostalgic trip back to listening to the local radio for closure announcements, a traumatic flan-related snow memory, why any weather other than “dry and mild” sends students feral, and a very relatable conclusion — snow is beautiful… for approximately one hour. —If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head toInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this week’s episode, Tom and Larrissa go live (ish) from two very different locations — Tom broadcasting from school, Larrissa dialling in from home after a trampoline park incident leaves her in a single-boot era with two torn ankle ligaments. After catching up on life off sick, cover work chaos, and the unexpected perk of binge-worthy TV, they turn their attention to the cultural phenomenon that is The Traitors — and ask the important question: what if the game was set in a school?The pair imagine staff as faithfuls and traitors, debating who would be murdered first (sorry, English and Drama), who would absolutely crumble at the round table, and whether Senior Leadership might secretly thrive under pressure. They unpack the psychology behind the show — body language, inference, loyalty, suspicion — and realise that teaching might already be one long social deduction game.Along the way, they explore the art of the teacher stare, the daily experience of being professionally gaslit by students, and the most suspicious staff behaviours (teachers who never queue for the photocopier, we’re looking at you). There’s also discussion of round tables reimagined as staff meetings, why “Can I just play Devil’s Advocate?” might be the most traitorous phrase in education, and whether counting down to half term is a survival strategy or a red flag.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head toInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this week’s episode, Tom and Larrissa turn the staff room into an advice column, stepping in as the unofficial agony aunt and uncle to tackle real dilemmas sent in by teachers. After a classic catch-up (covering housing stress, renovations, The Sims chaos, and some very niche celebrity chat), they dive into the questions that so many teachers quietly worry about.The pair talk honestly about imposter syndrome, bad lessons that linger longer than they should, and how to actually switch off after a tough day — with realistic advice that goes beyond self-care clichés. They share practical coping strategies, from asking for help and joint planning to being honest with classes and finding small moments of calm when emotions run high.The conversation also explores the awkwardness of staff rooms, how teacher friendships really form, and why counting down to the holidays is less of a failing and more of a survival instinct. The episode wraps up with pits and peaks, featuring mock-marking pressure, school trips, poetry conferences, pantomimes, and a surprising amount of X Factor nostalgia.A warm, funny, and reassuring listen for anyone in education — especially if you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one struggling (spoiler: you’re not).—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head toInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill

Welcome to Chalkboard and Chill!In this week’s episode, Tom and Larrissa sit down to debunk some of the most common myths about schools and teachers — the ones that refuse to die and seem to resurface at every social event.They dive into a couple of big hitters, including the idea that teachers are “paid for the summer holidays” and that the school day neatly runs from 8:45am to 3:30pm. Using real-life examples, they unpack what these claims miss, from the invisible hours outside the classroom to the mental load that follows teachers long after the bell rings.The conversation opens up into a wider chat about why these myths exist, how they shape public perceptions of teaching, and the emotional impact of constantly having your job misunderstood. Along the way, Tom and Larrissa share personal reflections, relatable frustrations, and the kind of honest humour that Chalkboard & Chill listeners will recognise instantly.A funny, thoughtful, and very relatable listen for teachers, parents, and anyone curious about what really goes on behind the classroom door.—If you want to find out more or get involved in the show, head to https://www.instagram.com/chalkboardandchillpodcastTikTok: @Chalkboardandchill