The Early Career Teacher Podcast from the University of Worcester

Neil Morris recently retired after more than two decades as Head Teacher of Christopher Whitehead Language College. In this episode of the Early Career Podcast from the University of Worcester, Neil reflects on his professional journey, from his early days as an ECT to joining the Senior Leadership Team. He shares the experiences, challenges and lessons that shaped his long career in education.

On the Early Career Teacher Podcast, we speak with people from across the education landscape to explore the many pathways and possibilities within the profession.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Matt Lamb, reflecting on his tenure as Principal of Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in West Bromwich.Matt, who is also the current Mayor of Worcester (as of February 2026), visited the University of Worcester campus to take a look around and gain a deeper insight into university life.During our conversation, he shares his experiences from the further education sector, why he believes FE is such a rewarding and dynamic career choice, and how it offers space for educators to carve out their own professional identity.

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