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Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe

Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the Globe

By Tom Sherrington & Emma Turner

Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner, UK-based and internationally-recognized education authors and consultants, have a lot on their minds. From best practices in classroom teaching to sustaining PD that makes an impact, they’re aware of the techniques that work, those that don’t, and the gaps that exist in education systems, within and across nations. In this podcast, they present proven strategies and interview experts from around the globe to share timely insights on K-12 trends; research-based approaches in need of greater reach; and innovative strategies to close global gaps.
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The Seminal Albums of Educational Research - and how they apply in the classroom with Carl Hendrick, Mind the Gap, Ep.74 (S4,E11)

Mind the Gap: Making Education Work Across the GlobeMar 18, 2024

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53:29
The Seminal Albums of Educational Research - and how they apply in the classroom with Carl Hendrick, Mind the Gap, Ep.74 (S4,E11)

The Seminal Albums of Educational Research - and how they apply in the classroom with Carl Hendrick, Mind the Gap, Ep.74 (S4,E11)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Carl Hendrick, author of two books about the science of teaching and learning and a third about bridging the gap between research and practice. Carl said he approached finding the research papers for his books in the same way that he would have compiled an album of seminal classic rock tracks, but with the criterion of having the greatest use for teachers and school leaders. The discussion turned to how education research is conducted and how "a lot of debates in education are people in different stages talking past one another". Carl also says that we now have a good understanding of the science of learning, but the three agree that especially in the early years and early primary education, even research-proven pedagogical practices like interleaving can't take the place of play-based learning, for example. Listen now to hear more on how teachers can really engage with educational research.

Carl Hendrick works at the Academica University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam where his focus is on bridging the gap between research and practice. Carl was a secondary English teacher for 18 years in a range of different contexts and completed his PhD in education at King’s College London. He is the co-author of How Learning Happens, How Teaching Happens, and What Does this Look Like in the Classroom. Follow Carl on Twitter ⁠@C_Hendrick

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This podcast is produced by Haringey Education Partnership. Find out more at https://haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk/

Mar 18, 202453:29
Coherent Curriculum and Community with Jon Hutchinson, Mind the Gap, Ep.73 (S4,E10)

Coherent Curriculum and Community with Jon Hutchinson, Mind the Gap, Ep.73 (S4,E10)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Jon Hutchinson. The three of them talk about Jon's role at Reach which aims to weave five important threads into their community partners' educational systems: curricular coherence, understanding the principles of great teaching, maintaining relationships, understanding the community, and strong leadership. A large part of the conversation focused on the current curricular incoherence that plagues many schools. Jon says about teachers, "You're just one small part of that kid's journey, and it is incumbent on you and on the broader system to think about that journey in a much more coherent way." Finally, the trio discuss Reach's booklets, the Meno Academy videos Jon makes with his brother, and the effectiveness of instructional coaching.

Jon Hutchinson is a former assistant headteacher of Reach Academy Feltham now director of Reach Foundation. He has taught across both KS1 and KS2, and also tutors on Ambition Institute’s Masters in Expert Teaching. Jon has sat on expert panels for the Department for Education, Ofsted and the Standards and Testing Agency. Follow Jon on Twitter @jon_hutchinson_

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Mar 04, 202454:40
Confidence, Authenticity, and Empowerment: Inspiring Aspiring Black School Leaders with Amanda Wilson, Mind the Gap, Ep.72 (S4,E9)

Confidence, Authenticity, and Empowerment: Inspiring Aspiring Black School Leaders with Amanda Wilson, Mind the Gap, Ep.72 (S4,E9)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Amanda Wilson. The three of them talk through Amanda's unorthodox journey to headship, and the traits that she has found most important throughout her educational career: confidence, authenticity, and empowerment. Those three themes shine through in her book, Letters to a Young Generation: Aspiring School Leaders, and Amanda says they are especially important for Black leaders, whose confidence can be mistaken for aggressiveness, and whose authenticity can be difficult to maintain without a strong support network. Amanda believes it is crucial for leaders to keep an eye out for promising candidates and "send the elevator back down" to help bring them up, which is the idea behind her company Crux Leadership Development.


Amanda is the headteacher of St Alfege with St Peter’s CofE Primary School and has 25 years’ experience in the education sector. She is a qualified coach with an MA in Coaching and Mentoring from Oxford Brookes University and is an EMCC Senior Practitioner. She has a track record for supporting teachers in securing leadership roles, and in 2023 Amanda published the book Letters to a Young Generation: Aspiring School Leaders which aims to encourage the next generation of Black school leaders. Follow her on Twitter @AmandaWilson910

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Feb 19, 202451:42
What the Research Actually Says with Rob Coe, Mind the Gap, Ep.71 (S4,E8)

What the Research Actually Says with Rob Coe, Mind the Gap, Ep.71 (S4,E8)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Professor Rob Coe. The three of them talk through the history of Rob's work as a teacher and then a researcher. Rob's work on the EEF Toolkit and the Sutton Trust report highlighted existing evidence about cost-effective interventions, and the publications shattered a lot of educators' previously held beliefs. Rob says that subsequent arguments with teachers led to discussions about pedagogy, and he maintains that educators need to be focussed on actual learning, not proxies for learning. At the end of the episode, Tom, Emma, and Rob talk about the latest educational craze - instructional coaching - and what the research actually says about it, as well as where research about coaching is headed.


Professor Rob Coe is Director of Research and Development at Evidence-Based Education and a Senior Associate at the Education Endowment Foundation. He was previously Professor of Education and Director of the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University, where he worked for 20 years doing research, evaluation, teaching and policy engagement. Rob was a co-author of the EEF’s Teaching and Learning Toolkit, the Sutton Trust report ‘What makes great teaching?’ and the ‘Developing Great Teaching’ report for the Teacher Development Trust. Follow him on Twitter at @ProfCoe

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Feb 05, 202454:46
Readying Students for Rigo(u)r: Culturally Responsive Teaching with Zaretta Hammond, Mind the Gap, Ep.70 (S4,E7)

Readying Students for Rigo(u)r: Culturally Responsive Teaching with Zaretta Hammond, Mind the Gap, Ep.70 (S4,E7)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by Zaretta Hammond. The three of them talk through much of Zaretta's work, identifying the components of the ready for rigor framework, the differences between 'shallow' and 'deep' culture, and how culturally responsive teaching involves leveraging cultures to create a richer learning environment. They also cover how to build a rapport with students, the idea of 'active demandingness', and finally close on the idea that teaching isn't the art of being nice - it is readying students for rigour (or rigor), as there is a natural joy and satisfaction that emerges from rigorous learning.

Zaretta Hammond is a former classroom English teacher who has been doing instructional design, school coaching, and professional development around the issues of equity, literacy, and culturally responsive teaching for the past 18 years. She has trained instructional coaches in reading development, especially targeted at students of colour and English learners, and is the author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain. Follow her on Twitter ⁠@Ready4rigor and check out her blog at ready4rigor.com

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jan 22, 202450:57
Making Classrooms More Inclusive with Dr Pippa and Bradley Busch, Mind the Gap, Ep.69 (S4,E6)

Making Classrooms More Inclusive with Dr Pippa and Bradley Busch, Mind the Gap, Ep.69 (S4,E6)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by educational power couple Dr Pippa and Bradley Busch. The four discuss the effects of COVID on children's development, how to make the school environment more low stakes to make students more comfortable, and their favourite classroom strategies to help pupils learn better.

Dr Pippa Busch is an Educational and Child Psychologist with over 20 years of experience of working in schools and children's services. She is an evidence-based practitioner specialising in ASD and attachment. Follow her on Twitter @PippaBusch

Bradley Busch is a Health and Care Professions Council registered psychologist and director of InnerDrive. He has worked with over 300 schools helping them use psychological research to improve learning. In sport, he has worked with Premier league footballers and has consulted with Team GB Olympians and Paralympians. He is the co-author of the best-selling book The Science of Learning. Follow him on Twitter @BradleyKBusch

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠⁠.

Jan 10, 202453:38
The Culture Heptagon: How Leaders Cultivate Strong School Cultures with Lekha Sharma, Mind the Gap, Ep.68 (S4,E5)

The Culture Heptagon: How Leaders Cultivate Strong School Cultures with Lekha Sharma, Mind the Gap, Ep.68 (S4,E5)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by special guest Lekha Sharma. The trio discusses how to build a school culture, and Lekha talks about how she believes a positive school culture is a prerequisite for great curriculum and pedagogy.


Lekha Sharma is a School Improvement Lead for the Avanti Schools Trust, leading on curriculum and assessment and has over ten years of experience teaching and leading in schools in a range of contexts. She is the author of the recently published book Building Culture: A handbook to harnessing human nature to create strong school teams. Follow Lekha on Twitter @teacherfeature2

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specialising in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠.

Jan 03, 202450:28
The Impact of Guests: Reflecting on the Lessons Learned and Inspiration Shared, Mind the Gap, Ep. 67 (S4,E4)

The Impact of Guests: Reflecting on the Lessons Learned and Inspiration Shared, Mind the Gap, Ep. 67 (S4,E4)

In this episode, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner delve into the profound insights and powerful moments experienced during their conversations with incredible guests. They highlight the importance of making primary education accessible to all and teachers' duty to leave a lasting legacy through their teaching.

Tom and Emma discuss the significance of routines and norms that support teachers in creating successful learning environments. They ponder why some of Tom's ideas receive criticism despite their potential to greatly improve schools. They marvel at the transformative approach of Mark McCourt, whose teaching style creates a connected set of ideas starting from simple concepts.

In their interviews, the duo expresses deep appreciation for the expertise shared by Dylan Wiliam, Efrat Furst, and Sarah Cottingham, emphasizing how these sessions serve as professional development opportunities. They also explore the value of cognitive science research in primary practice and its relevance for secondary teachers.

Throughout the episode, Tom and Emma spotlight inspiring individuals such as John Thompson, Johnny Utley, Caroline Derbyshire, Vic Goddard, and the enigmatic storyteller Sufian Sadiq. They acknowledge the influence these guests have had on their thinking and the impact they have made within the education community.

As hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner reflect on the impact of their guests, it becomes evident that Mind The Gap is more than just a series of interviews. The platform introduces listeners to various voices, ideas, and strategies that can transform the educational landscape. From influential academic figures to inspiring stories of resilience, each episode adds to the collective knowledge and drive for positive change. As listeners, we are encouraged to take these lessons and inspirations into our professional journeys, creating a brighter future for education.

Participants

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Rosenshine’s Principles in Action⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠The Learning Rainforest Fieldboo⁠⁠k. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠⁠@teacherhead⁠⁠
Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of ⁠⁠Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the Flexible Working Narrative for Education⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Initium: Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice⁠⁠. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠⁠@emma_turner75⁠⁠.

Dec 20, 202350:31
Breaking Barriers: Embracing Individual Differences in Education, Mind the Gap, Ep. 66 (S4,E3)

Breaking Barriers: Embracing Individual Differences in Education, Mind the Gap, Ep. 66 (S4,E3)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner are joined by special guest Ben Newmark. The conversation begins with the trio discussing the critical topic of breaking barriers and embracing individual differences in education while also sharing their insights, experiences, and concerns regarding the current education system and its approach toward catering to the diverse needs of students. From skepticism towards methods that only focus on clever children to the importance of not categorizing all students under the umbrella term of SEND, this episode challenges conventional thinking and calls for a more inclusive and personalized approach to education.


As the conversation draws to a close, it becomes clear that breaking barriers and embracing individual differences in education is essential. This episode of Mind The Gap offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by the education system while advocating for a more inclusive and personalized approach. It serves as a reminder that education should be a transformative journey, empowering students of all abilities to reach their full potential. Only by embracing the uniqueness of each learner can we unlock a future where education truly knows no limits.


Participants 

Ben Newmark is a highly experienced teacher and senior leader with over 20 years of expertise. He is also the author of the book "Why Teach?", which aims to provide guidance to schools and teachers by answering the questions that Ben had struggled with throughout his career. Through his blog, Ben Newmark, Ben talks about various topics such as curriculum, explicit instruction, intelligent assessment, leadership, and history. Additionally, you can follow Ben on Twitter @bennewmark.


Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include ⁠Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching⁠⁠Rosenshine’s Principles in Action⁠, and ⁠The Learning Rainforest Fieldboo⁠k. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter ⁠@teacherhead⁠


Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of ⁠Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners⁠⁠Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the Flexible Working Narrative for Education⁠⁠Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership⁠⁠Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum⁠ and ⁠Initium: Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice⁠. Follow Emma on Twitter ⁠@emma_turner75⁠.


Dec 20, 202353:57
Mind the Gap Presents Mr Barton Maths Podcast: Tools and Tips for Teachers with Ollie Lovell, Emma Turner and Tom Sherrington

Mind the Gap Presents Mr Barton Maths Podcast: Tools and Tips for Teachers with Ollie Lovell, Emma Turner and Tom Sherrington

On the latest installment of the Mr Barton Maths Podcast, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner assume the roles of guests and engage in a lively discussion.


For this special episode, Craig Barton and Ollie Lovell are joined by Emma Turner and Tom Sherrington to discuss coaching, the view from the back of a lesson, pre-testing, implied competencies, and more! Access the show-notes here: mrbartonmaths.com/blog/tools-and-tips-for-teachers-6


Ollie Lovell is a maths and science teacher from Australia, an author, and my longtime, bitter podcasting rival. We have decided to get together once a month to share three things we have each learned and get the other’s take on it. This month, we have guests! We are joined by the fantastic primary specialist Emma Turner and Walkthrus guru Tom Sherrington from the Mind the Gap podcast.


This episode was initially published on Mr Barton Maths Podcast.

Craig Barton interviews guests from the wonderful world of education about their approaches to teaching, educational research, and more. All show notes, resources, and videos here: https://www.mrbartonmaths.com/blog/

Oct 04, 202301:49:51
Teacher Training, Coaching, and the Challenges of Implementation, Mind the Gap, Ep. 65 (S4,E2)

Teacher Training, Coaching, and the Challenges of Implementation, Mind the Gap, Ep. 65 (S4,E2)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner delve into the intricacies of teacher training, coaching, and the hurdles faced during implementation. They explore the importance of listening to personal experiences, the value of partnerships, the evolving role of coaching, and the need for a holistic approach.


The episode begins with a powerful observation: rather than defending teacher training programs when confronted with negative individual experiences, we should listen and learn from those experiences. Tom and Emma stress the importance of considering these personal stories, allowing them to shape improvements in the sector. They highlight that teacher training is a product of various factors, including higher education and school placements, and therefore, a deeper understanding of individuals' journeys is crucial.


The conversation moves towards a call for viewing teacher training as a holistic, integrated process over three years rather than focusing solely on immediate readiness. Tom and Emma discuss that theoretical input from higher education at the beginning of training may be more impactful, considering the partnership with schools. Through this partnership, organizations like Steplab come into play as valuable resources and platforms for instructional coaching.


The episode touches on the newly published criteria for trainees, highlighting several changes that mainly affect those in their early career stages. One significant change is the increase in teaching hours, with trainees starting with 15 hours. The hosts express concerns about the impact of this heavy teaching load on trainee retention, workload, and the quality of their teaching sessions. They question how schools will manage this change and allocate curriculum hours for trainees while doubting the ability of trainees and schools to cope with these adjustments.


The hosts delve into the Early Career Framework (ECF) and the importance of instructional coaching for novice and experienced teachers. They express concern that experienced teachers may forget the challenges newcomers face and stress the need for ongoing support throughout a teacher's career. Tom and Emma highlight the mindset shift required when coaching a teacher during a lesson, moving from top-down judgments to a collaborative and supportive approach. They applaud schools for embracing this cultural change and fostering an environment that nurtures teachers' progress and development.


Participants


Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead


Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners, Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the Flexible Working Narrative for Education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership, Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum and Initium: Cognitive science and research-informed primary practice. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Sep 27, 202343:21
The Power of Teaching: Making a Positive Impact with Alom Shaha, Mind the Gap, Ep. 64 (S4,E1)

The Power of Teaching: Making a Positive Impact with Alom Shaha, Mind the Gap, Ep. 64 (S4,E1)

On this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom and Emma are joined by special guest Alom Shaha, a teacher with over 25 years of experience. Alom shares his journey from working in television to rediscovering his passion for teaching and the sense of community it provides.

During the conversation, Alom discusses his upcoming children's book that aims to teach young readers about scientific discoveries, specifically how rainbows are formed (How To Find a Rainbow). Inspired by his children, Alom found it easy to develop the characters in the book, as they were based on his daughters.

The discussion also delves into Alom’s belief that the teaching profession is undervalued when compared to other professions. He expresses his deep frustration with the numerous challenges and immense pressure that teachers constantly face. He also shares his experience writing a book about atheism and non-belief for young people, discussing the positive feedback he received and the importance of allowing people from Muslim backgrounds to openly explore atheism (The Young Atheist’s Handbook). He addresses the complexities of identity and the role Twitter plays in muddying the waters. Reflecting on his upbringing and his children, Alom underscores the importance of nurturing children's curiosity and providing access to resources and supportive environments for learning. He takes responsibility for creating a positive learning environment and hopes that all children can encounter teachers and peers who encourage their thirst for knowledge.

The conversation concludes with Alom sharing the challenges he faced while writing his current book, the constraints placed on him, and his belief that science should be taught in a way that highlights its interconnectedness and cultural significance (Why Don't Things Fall Up?: and Six Other Science Lessons You Missed at School). He emphasizes the need for science to be accessible to everyone, as it allows humans to make sense of the world and share their understanding.

Participants 

Alom Shaha was born in Bangladesh but grew up in London. A science teacher, writer, and filmmaker, he has spent most of his professional life sharing his passion for science and education with the public. Alom has produced, directed, and appeared in a number of television programs for broadcasters, such as the BBC, and has received fellowships from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts (NESTA) and the Nuffield Foundation. Alom has represented his community as an elected politician and has volunteered at various charitable organizations. Follow Alom on Twitter @alomshaha and read more about him at www.alomshaha.com

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She founded ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership, and Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Sep 20, 202346:45
Cultivating Excellence and Empowering Teachers with Caroline Derbyshire, Mind the Gap, Ep. 63 (S3,E19)

Cultivating Excellence and Empowering Teachers with Caroline Derbyshire, Mind the Gap, Ep. 63 (S3,E19)

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Caroline Derbyshire joins Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for educators. 

The trio discussed the importance of creating a culture of excellence in education, particularly in subject departments. They emphasized the significance of granting teachers the independence and assistance they need to enhance their professional development, ultimately improving the quality of education.

To wrap up, Tom and Emma conveyed their gratitude to their audience and pledged to provide fresh and captivating content featuring exciting guests in the upcoming season.


Episode Outline:

(:01) Creating an Exceptional Comprehensive School

(6:14) Cultivating a Culture of Excellence

(13:10) Closing the Gap: Teacher Professional Development

(19:35) Balancing Autonomy and Support in School Improvement

(26:41) Challenges in Education Policy

(33:42) Challenges in Education Funding and Support

(47:11) The Importance of School Audits

(53:24) End of Season Gratitude


About the participants: 

Caroline Derbyshire is a respected figure in the education sector and the CEO of the Saffron Academy Trust, which includes 9 schools in Uttlesford and Braintree. She is also a National Leader of Education and chairs the Headteachers’ Roundtable.

Caroline is passionate about providing high-quality comprehensive education and promoting social justice. She is known for being willing to challenge education policy that impedes these goals. Follow Caroline on Twitter @Morsecat

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership, and Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Aug 09, 202354:20
Creating an Engaging Classroom: Imagination & Storytelling with Hywel Roberts, Mind the Gap, Ep. 62 (S3,E18)

Creating an Engaging Classroom: Imagination & Storytelling with Hywel Roberts, Mind the Gap, Ep. 62 (S3,E18)

On this episode of Mind the Gap, Tom Sherrington, and Emma Turner have the pleasure of being joined by Hywel Roberts, a highly accomplished author, educator, storyteller, and humorist.

This episode provides a holistic perspective on how to create an effective learning environment in the classroom. The trio discussed the importance of enthusiasm, engagement, imagination, protection, storytelling, and agile education to make abstract concepts accessible and captivate students. They explored the use of warmth, humor, and storytelling to draw students in, the need for imagination pedagogy and protecting students in learning, and the empowering elements of storytelling and imagination in education. 

Lastly, the conversation highlighted the need to develop the ability to imagine processes and embrace agile education for a more innovative approach to teaching and learning.

About the participants: 

Hywel Roberts has been a teacher for over thirty years. His reputation has grown hugely since he stepped out of the full-time classroom. Hywel has found an incredible and innovative niche in the world of model teaching, contributing to and advising curriculum designers and innovators from Barnsley to Brussels, from Cairo to Cleethorpes. Hywel leads the PGCE program in Drama at Huddersfield University and contributes to the Master's program in Drama and Creative Writing at Leeds Beckett University. Hywel is a regular contributor to conferences, including The Sunday Telegraph Festival of Education, Northern Rocks, Practical Pedagogies, and The University of Belfast Thinking Conference.

Hywel is the author of Oops! Getting Children to Learn Accidentally and Uncharted Territories. He writes a regular column for the Times Educational Supplement about his encounters as a ‘traveling teacher’ and a weekly show ‘Hywel’s Teacher Stories’ on Teacher Hug Radio. Hywel’s number one Bestseller on Amazon, Botheredness was published this year. Hywel is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Fellow of the Charted College of Teaching. Follow Hywel on Twitter: @hywel_roberts

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 2: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Teaching WalkThrus 3: Five-step guides to instructional coaching, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership, and Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Jul 19, 202351:49
Reflecting on Teaching Curriculum and School Leadership, Mind the Gap, Ep. 61 (S3,E17)

Reflecting on Teaching Curriculum and School Leadership, Mind the Gap, Ep. 61 (S3,E17)

In this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom and Emma reflect on past guests and Emma’s new book Simplicitus Altius: Leading the Interconnected Primary Curriculum.

Tom and Emma discuss the lack of shock within the profession regarding the amount of stress people feel and how it potentially can lead to such tragedies is surprising. We must look at the high-stress system to make it more supportive and encourage leaders to improve. Our guests, emphasized the importance of finding the right match for a school, leading with passion, worth, and a deep sense of achievement.

This episode also touched on the concept of multi novice status, recognizing that children arrive at secondary school with more proficiency in certain subjects, while still developing in others. It can be challenging to teach standalone subjects in primary school, especially with children still novice in multiple areas simultaneously. Thus, the primary curriculum should be taught in interconnected ways rather than as isolated subjects.

Overall, this episode offers critiques, reflections, and insights into the education profession while providing resources for teachers and school leaders to improve their practice.


About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Jun 21, 202350:36
Bold School Leadership with Vic Goddard, Mind the Gap, Ep. 60 (S3E16)

Bold School Leadership with Vic Goddard, Mind the Gap, Ep. 60 (S3E16)

In this episode of Mind The Gap, Tom and Emma are joined by Vic Goddard. The group discusses Vic’s position in British Education, particularly his role as a leader and a role model for head teachers and school leadership across the UK. Vic’s first foray into thought leadership was the BAFTA-nominated documentary series Educating Essex, a seven-part series following a group of GCSE students and the staff who teach them. Since then, Vic has continued as a thought leader in British education and provided opportunities for leadership connections. 

Overall this episode highlights the strengths of bold leadership. In this case, bold does not mean brash or dominative; it means empathetic and caring, and open to different perspectives. Particularly in education, as this conversation shows, boldness in leadership can help students, teachers, and a community thrive. 


About the participants: 

Vic Goddard is the Principal of Passmores Academy and star of the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 documentary Educating Essex. He is a proud South Londoner, having been raised on a council estate, then going on to train as a PE teacher and eventually becoming the nation's best-loved Headmaster thanks to his undeniable dedication to his school and the young people inside it. Follow Vic on Twitter @vicgoddard

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.
Watch this episode on edCircuit.

May 31, 202352:25
Professional Learning Skills for Teachers with Jim Knight

Professional Learning Skills for Teachers with Jim Knight

For this episode, special guest Jim Knight joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss his research and experience in professional development. The conversation focuses on instructional coaching, teacher professional learning, and recent research to improve teaching and learning. 

In part one of this episode, the group discusses the differences between two of Jim’s books: The Impact Cycle and Seven Factors for Success. As Jim explores, his most recent book, Seven Factors for Success, focuses on a much more broad context for becoming a successful professional learner in teaching. 

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the challenges, strategies, and realities of instructional coaches. Adaptation is a major key to making teachers better. Instructional coaches must understand factors like expertise, vocabulary, and background are essential to master effective coaching. 

Overall this episode highlights the multifaceted nature of professional development and instructional coaching. Jim’s research-based frameworks are truly revolutionary, and by adopting them, schools can improve teaching and increase the successful outcomes of their students.

About the participants: 

Jim Knight is ​​a founding partner at Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning, effective teaching, and instructional coaching. Knight has written several books, most recently, The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching: Seven Factors for Success with John Catt Educational. His articles on instructional coaching have been included in publications such as The Journal of Staff Development, Principal Leadership, The School Administrator, and Teachers Teaching Teachers. Follow Jim on Twitter @jimknight99

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.


Watch this episode on edCircuit.

May 10, 202353:46
Meticulous Community Engagement with Sufian Sadiq, Mind the Gap, Ep. 58 (S3E14)

Meticulous Community Engagement with Sufian Sadiq, Mind the Gap, Ep. 58 (S3E14)

For this episode, special guest Sufian Sadiq joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss CPD, community engagement, and leadership in education. The conversation focuses on the interplay between meticulous planning and passionate engagement. It is clear throughout the conversation that Sufian has mastered the ability to engage and plan to make schools, communities, and learning thrive.  

In part one of this episode, the group discusses Sufian’s role at the Chiltern Teaching School, primarily the CPD they provide and the community stewardship they take on in the communities they serve. 

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the true definition of community engagement, particularly understanding the community you serve. As Sufian explores, DEI is a significant part of his work. Often overlooked factors in those conversations include discussions of class and background. 

The episode closes by discussing the difference between knowledge acquisition and aspirational curriculum. Sufian explores that when given the right tools and resources, you can create learning environments for students to thrive. However, if you engage students and understand their backgrounds, you can begin to inspire them to broader long-term success. 

As Emma points out, adding an interpersonal approach to learning adds a sustainable element to every lesson. There may be days when a lesson doesn’t particularly engage every student; however, when thinking and teaching aspirationally, you can connect with every student. 

About the participants: 

Sufian Sadiq is the Director of the Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, responsible for overseeing two regional Hub areas in the South East of England. Chiltern Teaching Schools are one of the largest providers of CPD to the sector nationally. He is a passionate activist within the educational landscape around race, equity, and inclusion. Sufian is a Fellow and Board Member of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors Fellow. He plays an active role in numerous charitable organizations as a Trustee and holds key governance roles within educational organizations. Follow Sufian on Twitter @unleashing_me

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Apr 12, 202349:07
 Why Representation Matters with Aisha Thomas, Mind the Gap, Ep. 57 (S3E13)

Why Representation Matters with Aisha Thomas, Mind the Gap, Ep. 57 (S3E13)

For this episode, special guest Aisha Thomas joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss representation. The conversation focuses on Aisha’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work and expertise in training educators to increase representation, develop inclusive curriculum, and create a framework for anti-racism/anti-prejudice environments.

In part one of the episode, Aisha explores how she came to her ideas on why representation matters through stories of her lived experiences, exercises, and pedagogy surrounding DEI.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses addressing identity in the classroom. This part of the discussion focuses on what students and teachers take into the classroom. Aisha discusses how curriculum, classroom practices, and student engagement can make a difference in students’ value of themselves and their education.

About the participants:

Aisha Thomas is a teacher, author, speaker, and leader. In September 2016, Aisha became an Assistant Principal at an inner-city secondary school in Bristol. She is also an educational activist specializing in race and anti-racist practice. She founded Representation Matters, an organization dedicated to challenging the lack of representation and inequality in schools. Aisha is the author of Representation Matters: Becoming an anti-racist educator. Follow Aisha on Twitter @itsaishathomas.

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Mar 15, 202348:46
 The Jigsaw Puzzle of Learning with Sarah Cottingham, Mind the Gap, Ep. 56 (S3E12)

The Jigsaw Puzzle of Learning with Sarah Cottingham, Mind the Gap, Ep. 56 (S3E12)

For this episode, special guest Sarah Cottingham joins Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss Sarah’s work and expertise in recent research, learning design, retrieval practice, neuroscience, learning schema, and professional development.

The conversation begins by exploring Sarah’s explosion onto the educational scene, her beginnings as a teacher, trying different strategies to enhance student learning, her movement into neuroscience, and her work with the Ambition Institute. A primary focus of this conversation is Sarah’s framework for neuroscience and learning which connects cutting-edge research with classroom realism.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses student learning, existing knowledge, teaching strategies, and professional development. 

The episode closes with a discussion on the necessity of time to explore topics. As Sarah explores, self-explanation is essential, and there are hundreds of similar strategies in which you are rehearsing the connection between new content and existing knowledge. Sarah is truly a wealth of neuroscience, learning, and teaching knowledge.

About the participants:

Sarah Cottingham is a former English educator, researcher, writer, and author. She works as the Associate Dean of Learning Design for the Ambition Institute and is a professional development consultant. She runs the Overpracticed Blog, focusing on memory, retrieval practice, and learning design. She has an ‘In Action’ book with John Catt Educational in production that will be published in 2023.  Follow Sarah on Twitter: @overpractised 

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Mar 01, 202349:21
Designing Teaching & Understanding Learners with Dylan Wiliam, Mind the Gap, Ep. 55 (S3E11)

Designing Teaching & Understanding Learners with Dylan Wiliam, Mind the Gap, Ep. 55 (S3E11)

For this episode, special guest Dylan Wiliam joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss good teaching practices, theories of student learning, and implementation.

The conversation begins by exploring the concept of “good teaching.” The trio discusses differentiating good teaching from successful teaching, student engagement, humility, successful teaching strategies, research on the value added of good teaching, and the quality of different assessments.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses the background of effective learning. A primary focus of this discussion is understanding the purpose of data and the importance of cognitive load theory. A key insight in this conversation is tackling the disparate learning skills of students and how understanding the factors of learning can increase student achievement.

The episode closes with a discussion on Dylan's upcoming book, Making Room for Impact: The 9p Deimplementation Guide for Educators, which will publish later this year. The book focuses on how implementation makes way for great teaching and learning.

About the participants:

Dylan Wiliam is an emeritus professor of educational assessment at the UCL Institute of Education. Dylan’s research and authorship focus on the professional development of teachers. His book, Inside the Black Box, is a seminal work on formative assessment. He has served in various leadership roles in the UK and has written numerous books, articles, and academic papers on development, assessment, and teaching. His most recent book Making Room for Impact: The 9p Deimplementation Guide for Educators, is expected to publish this year. Follow Dylan on Twitter @dylanwiliam

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From 

Feb 15, 202355:00
Useful Learning with Efrat Furst, Mind the Gap, Ep. 54 (S3E10)

Useful Learning with Efrat Furst, Mind the Gap, Ep. 54 (S3E10)

For this episode, special guest Efrat Furst joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss useful learning from a neuroscience perspective.

The conversation begins by exploring Efrat’s work at the Mofet Institute- a national institute in Israel that provides teacher training and research for teacher colleges. Efrat’s work at the Mofet Institute builds off her previous work at The Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Jerusalem. Efrat’s specialty is working with educators to teach the science of learning, utilizing her neuroscience background to create change in college, primary, and secondary classrooms.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses retrieval, effective teaching strategies, and useful learning. A major focus is making the most of learning moments. Efrat points out that the key to creating useful learning in the classroom is figuring out how students learn and building learning habits to ensure they can process, retrieve, and reconcile information.

About the participants:

Efrat Furst is a cognitive-neuroscientific researcher focusing on human learning and memory. Efrat’s expertise bridges the sciences of learning with teaching and learning in classrooms. Follow Efrat on Twitter @EfratFurst

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75.

Watch this episode of Mind The Gap on edCircuit.

Jan 25, 202347:26
 Education Data Wizardry with Richard Selfridge and James Pembroke, Mind the Gap, Ep. 53 (S3E9)

Education Data Wizardry with Richard Selfridge and James Pembroke, Mind the Gap, Ep. 53 (S3E9)

For this episode, special guests Richard Selfridge and James Pembroke join hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss the effective uses of data.

The conversation begins by exploring the context for much of the data practices and initiatives. The beginning of the episode focuses on what Richard and James have seen in the past and how schools & governing bodies have taken the lessons of the past to create the systems in play across education in the UK today. Some topics include the data wave, challenging assumptions, data efficiency, and levels-based data.

About the participants:

Richard Selfridge is a primary school teacher and writer on education. He has written on education for several publications and has been a speaker at events across the UK. His books Databusting for Schools and Dataproof Your School (co-authored with James Pembroke) look at the purpose and uses of data in education. Follow Richard on Twitter @Databusting.

James Pembroke is an independent Data Analyst and Advisor with 14 years of experience in primary, secondary, and post-16 sectors. James is the co-author of Dataproof Your School. He currently works with both Insight Tracking and Sig+, working through educational data and trends. Follow James on Twitter @jpembroke.

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Jan 11, 202354:47
Head to Head with Tom & Emma: A Year in Review, Mind the Gap, Ep. 52 (S3E8)

Head to Head with Tom & Emma: A Year in Review, Mind the Gap, Ep. 52 (S3E8)

As a special wrap-up of 2022, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner reflect back on 2022 and celebrate an excellent year of Mind The Gap!

Instead of their normal education ‘sparring session,’ Tom and Emma took this opportunity to discuss the topics, resources, and people that made an impression on them this year. Tom’s discoveries focus on events, conferences, blogs, and individuals. Emma’s resources primarily focus on books and reading lists for teachers and use in the primary classroom. This conversation highlights issues, questions, and various debates across education in 2022 and the people leading the charge to a brighter future in education. We look forward to more guests and thoughtful education discussions in 2023!

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

To watch the video of this episode and get links to all of the resources mentioned, visit edcircuit.com.

Dec 21, 202253:40
Slow Teaching Strategies With Jamie Thom, Mind the Gap, Ep. 51 (S3E7)

Slow Teaching Strategies With Jamie Thom, Mind the Gap, Ep. 51 (S3E7)

Special guest Jamie Thom joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss slow teaching strategies, supporting teachers and the profession of teaching, and bringing joy to the classroom. The conversation begins by exploring supporting teachers and how to attract extremely talented individuals into the profession. Jamie’s focus on joy in the classroom brings out some key insights into the roles of the teacher and how to best support the expansion of the teaching profession.

About the participants:

Jamie Thom has taught English and worked in leadership positions in schools across the UK. He is the host of both the TES English teacher podcast and The Well Teacher podcast and writes regularly for TES and a range of other publications. He is the author of Slow Teaching and, most recently, A Quiet Education. Follow Jamie @teachgratitude1.

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom  @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership. Follow Emma @emma_turner75 

Dec 07, 202250:20
Theory In Practice with Amarbeer Singh Gill, Mind the Gap, Ep. 50 (S3E6)

Theory In Practice with Amarbeer Singh Gill, Mind the Gap, Ep. 50 (S3E6)

For this episode, special guest Amarbeer Singh Gill joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss Singh’s new book and the newest book in the ‘In Action’ series for JohnCatt Educational, Dunlosky's Strengthening the Student Toolbox in Action. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode. 

The conversation begins by exploring Dunlosky's theories of learning and their applicability to the foundations of learning. Although education theory can be weighted and often quite academic, Singh focuses on the practical perspective of Dunlosky’s theory, contextualizing the work with effective strategies and a well-rounded framework for teachers.

Amarbeer Singh Gill is a lead practitioner of secondary maths and a teacher educator. Amarbeer has written blogs for the Education Endowment Foundation's research schools and worked with teachers and school leaders to help think about how to make even more teachers evidence-informed, always with the goal to keep getting better outcomes for the students they work with. His book, Dunlosky's Strengthening the Student Toolbox in Action, was published with JohnCatt Educational this year. Follow Amarbeer @InspiredLearn_

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Nov 16, 202247:25
An Objective Approach to Curriculum with Becky Allen, Mind the Gap, Ep. 49 (S3E5)

An Objective Approach to Curriculum with Becky Allen, Mind the Gap, Ep. 49 (S3E5)

Special guest Becky Allen joins hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner to discuss teaching, learning, and constructs of instruction from an academic perspective. The conversation begins by exploring the large questions of education that Becky has a unique perspective on as an academic and in her role at Teacher Tapp. Becky specializes in the complexities and evidence-based understanding of large issues like curriculum, teacher training, parent communication, teacher feedback, student psychology, and more. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second part of the episode, the trio discusses breaking down the assumptions of education and the roots of disagreements on curriculum. The data behind this discussion primarily comes from Becky’s experience with Teacher Tapp, and her strong resolve to rectify misconceptions goes hand in hand with her everyday work with surveying teachers. 

Participants:

Becky Allen is a Co-founder and Chief Analyst of Teacher Tapp. In addition to her entrepreneurship, she is a professor of education at Brighton University and an author of several books, including The Teacher Gap and The Next Big Thing in School Improvement. Follow Becky @profbeckyallen

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little LearnersLet’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Follow Emma @emma_turner75

Nov 02, 202246:29
Head to Head with Tom & Emma, Mind the Gap, Ep. 48 (S3E4)

Head to Head with Tom & Emma, Mind the Gap, Ep. 48 (S3E4)

For this episode, Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner continue their Q&A series, asking each other questions based on pressing issues they see in education today. Tom’s questions primarily focus on budget allocation, student directed learning, reading fluency, and teaching displays. Emma’s questions primarily focus on national curriculum, examination, professional development, and primary/secondary collaboration. This conversation highlights issues, questions, and various debates across education in a true MTG mind meld. Join the conversation and tell us your favorite teacher topic on Twitter with #MindTheGap, your question might end up on the next Q&A! Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. 

Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Oct 19, 202247:44
 Masterful Grammar and Reading with Jennifer Webb, Mind the Gap, Ep. 47 (S3E3)

Masterful Grammar and Reading with Jennifer Webb, Mind the Gap, Ep. 47 (S3E3)

For this episode, Tom and Emma welcome author, leader, and English specialist Jennifer Webb to the podcast. They open the podcast with a discussion on grammar and how the teaching of grammar has changed from description and memorization of grammar parts to more student-led creation-focused lessons. Jennifer’s interesting background and her time at Oxford led her to develop a unique perspective on grammar and how it is taught in primary and secondary.

In the second part of the conversation, the trio discusses English teaching and learning from a more curriculum perspective, diving deeper into Jennifer’s beliefs on reading lists, explicit diversity, developing literary pallets, CPD, and creating reading cultures. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

About the participants:

Jennifer Webb is an English teacher and Assistant Principal with expertise in CPD, whole school T&L policy, literacy, and research. In addition to teaching and school leadership, she is the author of several books, including The Metacognition Handbook, Teaching Like A Writer, How to Teach English Literature: Overcoming Cultural Poverty, and more. You can learn more about her projects like The Reading List at her website: https://funkypedagogy.com/. Follow Jennifer on Twitter @FunkyPedagogy

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of  Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners, and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Oct 05, 202249:34
Courage, Confidence, and Authenticity with Diana Osagie, Mind the Gap, Ep. 46 (S3E2)

Courage, Confidence, and Authenticity with Diana Osagie, Mind the Gap, Ep. 46 (S3E2)

For this episode, Tom and Emma welcome author, leader, and coach Diana Osagie to the podcast. Diana is a true leadership expert. The conversation explores all factors of leadership, from courage to coaching. Diana’s philosophy is bright and honest and built on the practicality of resilience and respect. Much of the conversation revolves around Diana’s book Courageous Leadership, a must-read for current and future education leaders. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Tom, Emma, and Diana also discuss Diana’s work with the Academy of Women’s Leadership to deprogram some of the negative internal narratives and external pressures that women in education leadership struggle with. 

About the participants:

Diana Osagie is an educator, former head teacher, keynote speaker, leadership coach author, and the founder of The Academy of Women’s Leadership. She is the author of Courageous Leadership. Continue the conversation with Diana on Twitter @diana_osagie.

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Sep 21, 202249:12
Beginning With Behavior With Sam Strickland, Mind the Gap, Ep. 45 (S3E1)

Beginning With Behavior With Sam Strickland, Mind the Gap, Ep. 45 (S3E1)

For this episode, Tom and Emma welcome author and head teacher Sam Strickland to the podcast. The trio opened season three and the new school year by discussing a major topic in education: behavior. In this discussion, the trio delves into creating and managing behavior-based systems, managing expectations, advice for new educators, and much more. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Tom, Emma, and Sam also discuss Sam’s new book, The Behaviour Manual: An Educator's Guidebook; Sam outlines his three key audiences, including senior leaders, middle leaders, and classroom teachers. The book is a collection of “short, sharp, and precise” manuals that teachers and administrators can use to architect school and classroom cultures. 

About the participants:

Sam Strickland began his teaching career as a history teacher in Bedfordshire, having completed his PGCE in secondary history at the University of Cambridge. His career quickly accelerated, becoming a head of history and classics. After several leadership positions, Sam is now the principal of a large all-through school. Sam is the author of three books, including Education Exposed I and II and, most recently, The Behaviour Manual: An Educator's Guidebook. Follow Sam on Twitter @Strickomaster

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners, Let's Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75


Aug 31, 202248:42
Real World Resources For Teachers with Craig Barton, Mind the Gap, Ep. 44 (S2E19)

Real World Resources For Teachers with Craig Barton, Mind the Gap, Ep. 44 (S2E19)

For this episode, Tom and Emma welcome maths educator, author, podcaster, and education thought leader Craig Barton to the podcast. To introduce Craig, the trio discusses his many endeavors in education, including his podcast, two books, interest in variation theory, and, as Tom put it, the “proliferation of Craig Barton products.” Craig's many forrays into entrepreneurship center around his interest in providing useful and experience-driven resources to teachers. Essentially Craig’s hard work goes into creating resources he wishes he had from the start of his education career. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second half of the discussion, Tom, Emma, and Craig dive further into the practicality of Craig’s particular theories, interests, and passion projects. This part of the discussion shows how Craig takes an extremely creative and research-based approach and turns it into real-world teacher training, school planning, and classroom materials.

About the participants:

Craig Barton has been an educator since 2004 over the past two decades has become a maths leader, author, and entrepreneur. He is the co-creator of Diagnostic Questions, a free website hosting the world’s largest collection of high-quality maths resources, and the Head of Education at Eedi. He launched Mr. Barton Maths Podcast in 2015, allowing him to talk to experts in education research. Since then, he has published two educational books with JohnCatt Educational: How I Wish I’d Taught Maths (2018) and Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain (2020). Follow Craig on Twitter @mrbartonmaths

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners, Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75  


Jul 21, 202250:08
Science, Retrieval Practice, and Passion with Adam Boxer, Mind the Gap, Ep. 43 (S2E18)

Science, Retrieval Practice, and Passion with Adam Boxer, Mind the Gap, Ep. 43 (S2E18)

For this episode, Tom and Emma welcome science teacher, author, and entrepreneur Adam Boxer to the podcast. The conversation begins with a discussion of Carousel Learning, an online learning platform that aims to improve students' content retention through retrieval practice. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second half of the discussion, Tom, Emma, and Adam discuss his presence on EDU Twitter and the discourse he engages with, including behavioral management, education philosophy, and practical experience. The group discusses progressive vs. traditional thinking and Adam’s philosophy of leading with a sense of communal acceptance from a teacher-focused perspective. Adam describes his operational philosophy for his work as a thought leader as “usefulness density” and how that guides him to a creative, passionate, and approachable perspective.

About the participants:

Adam Boxer is an educator, author, and entrepreneur whose quick wit and dedication to education have led to amazing work, including articles, the Carousel Learning platform, and his book Teaching Secondary Science: A Complete Guide. Follow Adam on Twitter @adamboxer1 

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Jul 13, 202247:41
 Chatter and Discourse, a Q&A #1 with Tom & Emma, Mind the Gap, Ep. 42 (S2E17)

Chatter and Discourse, a Q&A #1 with Tom & Emma, Mind the Gap, Ep. 42 (S2E17)

For this episode, Tom and Emma switch up the format of the podcast. Using a volley approach, they go back and forth asking questions and providing insight on issues in education today. Tom and Emma are both extremely involved in the teacher community, primarily through their daily work as educators, attendance at conferences, and EDU Twitter. In this episode, they take a moment to call upon the struggles of that community and discuss a few intriguing challenges across primary and secondary education. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

On the primary side, the list includes of topics include: proscribed language modules, student engagement, parents helping their students with homework and school projects, curriculum vs topic-based learning, and on the secondary side, the topics include: short and long lunch periods, group/collaborative learning, and GCSEs. Tom and Emma also discuss general issues around education including the publishing and curriculum industries.

Overall the conversation shows the variety of problems and solutions educators are grappling with. As the summer recess begins, it is a perfect time to discuss your ideas with your fellow teachers, administrators, and scholars. Join the conversation and tell us your favorite teacher topic on Twitter with #MindTheGap, your question might end up on the next Q&A!

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Jun 22, 202244:34
Teacher Tapping Into The Future of Education with Laura McInerney, Mind the Gap, Ep. 41 (S2E16)

Teacher Tapping Into The Future of Education with Laura McInerney, Mind the Gap, Ep. 41 (S2E16)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat all things data, community, and policy with educator, leader, and entrepreneur Laura McInerney. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

To start they discuss Laura’s journey from early Teach First pioneer, to her position as editor for Schools Week, to her current position as co-founder of Teacher Tapp, an application that polls teachers on their thoughts concerning discourse in education. In each of her positions, Laura has had a solitary mission: to collect information and put it in the hands of those who need it most. 

A major topic in this discussion concerned the demographics of educators using Teacher Tapp and how Laura and her team use their intimate knowledge of the education sector to best represent the data they collect. To learn more about Teacher Tapp and its mission here: https://teachertapp.co.uk/

About the participants:

Laura McInerney is an educator, journalist, public speaker, and co-founder of Teacher Tapp.  A lifelong educator and advocate, you can find her numerous articles, interviews, and speaking events on her website: https://lauramcinerney.com/

Follow Laura on Twitter @miss_mcinerney

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Jun 08, 202247:01
Connecting Teachers to Mathematics Strategy with Kieran Mackle, Mind the Gap, Ep. 40 (S2E15)

Connecting Teachers to Mathematics Strategy with Kieran Mackle, Mind the Gap, Ep. 40 (S2E15)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with Kieran Mackle, an author, podcast host, and primary school maths leader. The conversation begins with a discussion on mathematics strategy for teachers. Kieran’s most recent book, Thinking Deeply About Primary Mathematics, discusses hundreds of strategies for teachers with researched and practiced methodologies. One major topic that Tom, Emma, and Kieran discuss is the structural discourse around maths education and foundational learning, particularly pedagogical differences concerning mental maths and formal algorithm. Kieran puts forth a system of using consistency as a goal for a national curriculum that focuses on skill generation and mathematical fluency rather than content coverage. Kieran’s philosophy largely stems from mathematical maturation, a concept from Mark McCourt’s book Teaching For Mastery, a seminal work on the subject. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Later in the discussion, the group focuses on scheme implementation in primary mathematics. Kieran focuses primarily on the power of time when it comes to introducing pedagogical schemes into primary learning. Taking time to decide on a scheme and evaluate its potency is essential.

About the participants:

Kieran Mackle is a 15+ year primary mathematics educator and leader. He is also the author of several books and articles including Tackling Misconceptions in Primary Mathematics and Thinking Deeply About Primary Mathematics. In addition, Kieran hosts the Thinking Deeply About Primary Education [TDAPE] podcast, inviting educators to discuss strategies, problems, and solutions facing primary education today. Follow Kieran on Twitter @Kieran_M_Ed

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

May 24, 202243:14
Celebrating 10 years of Teacherhead Blogging Excellence, Mind the Gap, Ep. 39 (S2E14)

Celebrating 10 years of Teacherhead Blogging Excellence, Mind the Gap, Ep. 39 (S2E14)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat about several recent accomplishments, a special anniversary for Tom, and a new program Baccalaureate that Tom is interested in. To start, Emma’s new book Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership is available for purchase and has already reached Amazon's bestseller levels of success. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Next on the list for exciting celebrations is the 10-year anniversary of Tom’s Teacherhead blog. What began as a way for Tom to share ideas with fellow educators has become a site with over 7.5 million views and hundreds of articles that have been read in nearly every corner of the world (except, as Tom points out, the West Sahara). Tom's following in the education community includes a number of experts, educators, and researchers.

Tom then discusses his and other English educators' work on creating a framework for a National Baccalaureate program. Based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) system, the program Tom is supporting would increase access to a more well-rounded and student-driven curriculum than anything currently available to students in England. A major focus for Tom is how disparate he feels the education system can be due to socioeconomic limitations. Tom hopes a more well-rounded Baccalaureate initiative could address that gap.

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners,  Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education, and Simplicitus: The Interconnected Primary Curriculum & Effective Subject Leadership

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

May 11, 202243:48
Reconnecting Primary and Secondary Reading with Christopher Such, Mind the Gap, Ep. 38 (S2E13)

Reconnecting Primary and Secondary Reading with Christopher Such, Mind the Gap, Ep. 38 (S2E13)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with Christopher Such, an #author and primary teacher from Peterborough. In the first part of their conversation, the group discusses Christopher’s focus on literacy and teaching reading in primary school. Christopher’s book on teaching reading (The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading) has recently been buzzing through the UK #education world. The book's strength comes from Christopher's experience teaching primary reading, particularly his ability to connect with the learner and the dynamics of what makes a great reader. Rather than provide a step-by-step approach to teaching reading, Christopher’s book offers a #framework for education that contextualizes teaching reading in their own experience and lesson plans. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second part of the discussion, Tom, Emma, and Christopher discuss the science of teaching reading. Christopher's scientific approach is revolutionary and combines concepts from other researchers in education in a workable and well-thought-out model. Christopher has a background in science, having received a bachelor's and master's in chemistry, and his book came from a want for more scientific exploration of reading. He expertly combines the experimental with the practical applications of reading theory.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Christopher Such is a key stage one primary teacher and curriculum leader from Peterborough. He has worked in education for thirteen years, including spells in every key stage from foundation to A-Level, teaching primarily in upper key stage 2. He is also the author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and articles on various topics in education. Follow Christopher on Twitter @Suchmo83

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Apr 27, 202243:06
A Refresh of Primary Curriculum, Team Coaching, and New Resources for Teachers. Mind the Gap, Ep. 37 (S2E12)

A Refresh of Primary Curriculum, Team Coaching, and New Resources for Teachers. Mind the Gap, Ep. 37 (S2E12)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat about their exciting and upcoming projects, particularly Emma’s soon-to-be-published Simplicitus and Tom’s WalkThrus 3. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

To start, the duo discusses Emma’s upcoming publication, Simplicitus, an extraordinary collection of resources about primary curriculum. A major focus of the book is rooting curriculum in the actualities of primary education, particularly finding interconnected disciplines and creating complementary units. Overall, Emma’s new book focuses on interdependent learning and how it plays out in primary classrooms.

Tom also has some exciting projects. He is currently recording the audiobook of The Learning Rain Forest and tells a funny story from the recording booth. Tom and Emma discuss the learning process and how their two strategies from Simplicitus and The Learning Rain Forest connect via curriculum.

In other exciting news, the third installation of the WalkThrus series is available now. The collaboration between Tom and education leader Oliver Caviglioli brings together several resources and over 20 experts from across the U.K. Tom and Oliver are also planning a series of trainings for teachers to become walk thru certified, giving more capacity to support schools.

It is an exciting time for the Mind The Gap podcast team, with more exciting interviews on the way!

To find full video episodes, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindtheGapwithTomEmma/.



About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education.

Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Apr 13, 202245:43
Breaking the Bias with Frances Akinde, Mind the Gap, Ep. 36 (S2E11)

Breaking the Bias with Frances Akinde, Mind the Gap, Ep. 36 (S2E11)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with Frances Akinde, a headteacher for the special school in Riverdmeade Inclusive Trust. The conversation begins with a discussion on Francis’ article, The Year Getting Into ‘Good Trouble’ Became Necessary. This led to the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the professional education space. Francis explores how there is not enough representation in leadership positions, discussing her time in school and as a teacher. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

In the second part of the discussion, Tom, Emma, and Francis discuss special schools and their importance to the education system. Francis has been a headteacher in a special school for three years and in that time she has garnered a wealth of knowledge and experience. Frances discusses the importance of understanding students individually and how a special school environment stops students from falling through the cracks. A particular point of emphasis for Frances is understanding the nuanced circumstances of her students and ensuring she connects with them individually to address their needs. Frances primarily works with students on the autism spectrum and her work has broadened her understanding of education and training for teachers.

About the participants:

Frances Akinde is the headteacher of the special school for Rivermeade Inclusive Trust in Kent. Frances started her career as an LEA specialist advisory teacher (SEN/SLCN) and AP Assessment center manager and has been in leadership roles since 2017. Outside of her work as headteacher, Francis is an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion particularly focused on seeing more representation in education leadership.

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Mar 30, 202248:46
An Ethic of Excellence in Action With Tracey Adams and Sonia Thomson, Mind the Gap, Ep. 35 (S2E10)

An Ethic of Excellence in Action With Tracey Adams and Sonia Thomson, Mind the Gap, Ep. 35 (S2E10)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with education “sister act” Tracey Adams and Sonia Thompson. The pair discuss their roles at St. Matthew’s Primary School in Birmingham, Sonia’s publication with John Catt Educational, and their philosophies on research-based education. In addition to being Head and Deputy Headteachers at St. Matthew’s, Tracey and Sonia are sisters and discuss their dynamic in a research school environment. St Matthew’s has garnered a lot of positive attention from the education community in the U.K, even having other educators visit quite often to take some of the techniques Sonia and Tracey use into their own classrooms across Britain. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Using a wealth of knowledge gained in the classroom, Sonia’s recent publication builds off Ron Berger’s seminal work An Ethic of Excellence: Building a Culture of Craftsmanship. Sonia’s book explores how she has used Berger’s work in the classroom to build fundamentals in reading, language, and create educational experiences that shape young students for great achievement in the future.

Sonia Thompson is Head Teacher at St. Matthew’s C.E. Primary School and Director of St. Matthew’s Research School. She is an SLE for English and School Improvement and a regular speaker at conferences, such as Research Ed. You can find Sonia on Twitter @son1bun

Tracey Adams is the Deputy Head Teacher at St. Matthew’s CE Primary School and Deputy Director of St. Matthew’s Research School. She is also NCETM Professional Development Lead and SLE for Maths and School Improvement. You can find Tracey on Twitter @traceya75

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action, and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early-career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is the author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners & Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Mar 16, 202241:23
Tracking Our Memory Using Organization With David Goodwin and Oliver Caviglioli - Ep.34 (S2E9)

Tracking Our Memory Using Organization With David Goodwin and Oliver Caviglioli - Ep.34 (S2E9)

For this episode, Tom and Emma chat with David Goodwin and Oliver Caviglioli, co-authors of  The Organise Ideas: Thinking By Hand, Extending The Mind, about all things graphic organization. This episode discusses how our memory and organization intertwine to create more comprehensive knowledge and memory in education. Using a wealth of knowledge and Annie Murphy Paul’s The Extended Mind as a primary text, David and Oliver explore “extending the point of access for intellectual thinking” and how deep the roots of mapping things like creativity, comprehension, and knowledge go. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy to use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

David Goodwin is the head of years 10 and 11 and a geography teacher at a school in Lincolnshire. Follow David on Twitter @MrGoodwin23.

Oliver Caviglioli is a former headteacher of a special school. Follow Oliver on Twitter @olicav 

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75


Feb 15, 202243:40
Thanking Educators and Reflecting on Last Year’s Learning - Ep. 33 (S2E8)

Thanking Educators and Reflecting on Last Year’s Learning - Ep. 33 (S2E8)

For the first episode of 2022, Tom and Emma review some of their personal successes and major education events of the previous year. Importantly, they begin the episode by acknowledging, thanking, and celebrating the educators worldwide whose dedication through the difficult 2021 year was critical to providing students with the meaningful support they deserve. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

As the conversation continues, Emma shares some recent books―Kieran Mackle’s Thinking Deeply About Primary Mathematics and Annie Murphy Paul’s The Extended Mind―that made a significant impression on her; Tom speaks about the recent ResearchED event, which brought UK educators together in-person after a long pandemic-related hiatus; Tom and Emma reflect on their 2021 interview with Doug Lemov and further collaborations the conversation inspired; and much more.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy to use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Jan 13, 202248:18
Motivated, Memorable Teaching with Peps Mccrea — Ep. 32 (S2E7)

Motivated, Memorable Teaching with Peps Mccrea — Ep. 32 (S2E7)

Peps Mccrea, Dean of Learning Design at Ambition Institute and author of books such as Motivated Teaching and Memorable Teaching, is the guest on this episode. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

With hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner, Peps discusses his work as a professional teacher educator and what drove him to enter this role relatively early in his career. He talks about his approach to training educators, the priorities he sets for delivering impact, and more important considerations about ensuring each student is taught by an excellent teacher. Peps also discusses the challenges and benefits of writing “ultraconcise” books for educators, the influence of social norms on teachers’ behaviours, the frameworks for reliably developing teacher expertise, and more.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Peps Mccrea is Dean of Learning Design at Ambition Institute, where he oversee the design of programmes for teachers and teacher educators. In the past, he has been a senior lecturer in teacher education, teacher, and school leader. Peps also writes ultraconcise books for teachers including Motivated Teaching and Memorable Teaching. Learn more on his website https://pepsmccrea.com and connect with him on Twitter @pepsmccrea

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Dec 22, 202146:36
John Tomsett and Mary Myatt on Curriculum Conversations — Ep. 31 (S2E6)

John Tomsett and Mary Myatt on Curriculum Conversations — Ep. 31 (S2E6)

Acclaimed educators, authors and advisers John Tomsett and Mary Myatt join Mind the Gap to discuss their new co-authored book, Huh: Curriculum conversations between subject and senior leaders. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

With hosts Tom Sherrington and Emma Turner, Tomsett and Myatt talk about the conversations that need to take place in schools regarding the rationale behind the curriculum, what they are intending to achieve with it, how well it is planned and enacted in classrooms and how they know whether it’s successful. They also discuss a variety of other critical education and teaching topics.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the guests:

John Tomsett has been a teacher for 27 years and a head teacher for 12. He is head teacher at Huntington School, York. He co-founded The Headteachers’ Roundtable think tank and is a popular speaker on school leadership. Follow John on Twitter @johntomsett

Mary Myatt is an education adviser, writer and speaker. She has written extensively about leadership, school improvement and the curriculum in her books Back on Track, High Challenge, Low Threat, Hopeful Schools and The Curriculum: Gallimaufry to Coherence.  Mary has been a governor in three schools, and a trustee for a multi academy trust. She co-founded the RE Quality Mark, is chair of the board for the Centre for Education and Youth and a member of the curriculum advisory group for Oak National Academy. Follow Mary on Twitter @marymyatt

Follow Tom and Emma on Twitter: @teacherhead @emma_turner75

Dec 08, 202157:19
Ep. 30 — Alex Quigley on Finding a Voice in Education (S2E5)

Ep. 30 — Alex Quigley on Finding a Voice in Education (S2E5)

On the 30th episode of Mind the Gap, Tom and Emma speak with educator, blogger, and author Alex Quigley. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

The conversation begins with a reflection on the way Tom and Alex met one another many years ago, as they were both beginning to blog and find that readers were interested in their work. Alex talks about his introduction to blogging, social media, and eventually his book writing process. Tom, Emma, and Alex also discuss some of the topics Alex speaks and writes about, including intentionality in one’s teaching practice; how educators determine instructional priorities across grade levels; goals for teaching reading and writing; and more.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Alex Quigley is a former English teacher and school leader, of over 15 years' standing, who now works for the Education Endowment Foundation, supporting teachers to access research evidence. He blogs at www.theconfidentteacher.com his books include Closing the Reading Gap, Closing the Vocabulary Gap, and The Confident Teacher. Follow him on Twitter @AlexJQuigley

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Nov 17, 202150:27
Ep. 29 - What Early Career Teachers Need (S2E4)

Ep. 29 - What Early Career Teachers Need (S2E4)

On this episode, Tom and Emma catch up on a variety of topics that have been prominent in the education discourse. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

The episode begins with Emma’s overview of the latest work on the Early Career Framework in the UK. Tom and Emma discuss professional learning, instructional coaching, needs for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs), mentorship, and more. They also chat about the need to learn both the theory and practice of classroom instruction.

Other topics include the EduGive online conference Tom and his daughter Daisy organised to raise money for charity, including some of the brilliant ideas shared in the conference; and what curriculum should look like in schools.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy to use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early career teachers’, a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Nov 03, 202147:20
Ep. 28 — Changing the Early Career Narrative with Sam Twiselton, OBE (S2E3)

Ep. 28 — Changing the Early Career Narrative with Sam Twiselton, OBE (S2E3)

Professor Sam Twiselton, OBE is the special guest for this episode of Mind the Gap. Sam is Director of Sheffield Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam University and one of the UK’s most recognised leaders in the areas of Initial and Continuing Teacher Development. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Among other topics, Sam discusses her desire to see a change in the narrative around early career teachers, her thoughts on what should be included in teacher training and initial teacher education, and how she views her role and responsibility as a national education leader.

Mind the Gap is presented by John Catt Educational, a leading independent publisher that has supported teachers and school leaders with research-based, easy-to-use professional development publications since 1959. Learn more about books from Tom, Emma, and many other world-class authors at us.johncattbookshop.com (US) or johncattbookshop.com (International).

About the participants:

Professor Samantha Twiselton, OBE is the Director of Sheffield Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam University - a national centre of education research and practice, recognised for its excellence and innovation in teaching and learning. In this role she uses her research and practice in the development of teacher expertise to develop a range of innovative workplace embedded approaches to Initial and Continuing Teacher development.

With experience in teacher education, curriculum development and language and literacy, Sam has been heavily involved in influencing Government policy on teacher education. In June 2018 she was named in the Queen's birthday honours as a recipient of an OBE for services to Higher Education. You can find her on Twitter @SamTwiselton

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Oct 21, 202141:06
Ep. 27 — Mentoring in Schools with Haili Hughes (S2E2)

Ep. 27 — Mentoring in Schools with Haili Hughes (S2E2)

Haili Hughes, an English teacher, Head of Department, teacher mentor, and author of the new book, Mentoring in Schools: How to become an expert colleague, is Tom and Emma’s guest on this episode. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

To start off the episode, Haili describes what inspired her to write the book. She noticed there wasn’t much literature on mentoring as a practice; nothing that bridged the theory and practice. She decided to write a book that educators could reference again and again. She also describes how she used focus groups to get teachers’ voices directly involved in developing the content. Haili also talks about the Early Career Framework, addressing the concerns some educators feel with the framework and giving her perspective on how it can be used properly.

Tom also shares a story from early in his career, describing the lack of mentoring he received , which leads into a practical discussion about how to set up mentoring in schools. How often should teachers meet with their mentors and what should they discuss? Later, Emma discusses the many hats educators wear and how trying out different roles is the best way to determine your own unique strengths. Tom, Emma and Haili also discuss the challenges educators face, their own work with schools nationwide, and much more.

Haili Hughes is an English teacher, former Head of Department and Senior Leader who has mentored new teachers and ITT students for over 10 years. Haili is author of the book Mentoring in Schools: How to become an expert colleague. You can find her on Twitter @HughesHaili

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Sep 29, 202135:54
Ep. 26 — MARGE and in Charge: Whole-Brain Learning with Nimish Lad (S2E1)

Ep. 26 — MARGE and in Charge: Whole-Brain Learning with Nimish Lad (S2E1)

This episode is the season two premiere of Mind the Gap, and we’re pleased to welcome Nimish Lad as this season’s first guest. Nimish is Curriculum and Research Lead at the Creative Education Trust, a Vice Principal, and author of the new book, Shimamura’s MARGE Model of Learning in Action published by John Catt. Visit edCircuit.com to watch this episode.

Nimish discusses the MARGE (Motivate, Attend, Relate, Generate and Evaluate) Model, which he writes about in detail in his new book. The model is a whole-brain learning approach for teachers and students that links neuroscience and cognitive science. One of the ideas that impressed Nimish the most is the way MARGE can provide a framework to refine the quality of learning aids that educators use.

Tom, Emma, and Nimish also describe why teachers are like museum curators in the way they need to carefully and strategically select the artifacts that will illustrate the necessary story; the things teachers should we wary of when implementing new ideas; the power of the use of “non-examples” (“it is this, but it isn’t that…”); and much more.

About the participants:

Nimish Lad is Curriculum and Research Lead at the Creative Education Trust, and Vice Principal at Wrenn School in Wellingborough. As a teacher of science, he has always been drawn to evidence-informed practice and contextualising research to use within the classroom. You can find Nimish on twitter at @nlad84

Tom Sherrington has worked in schools as a teacher and leader for 30 years and is now a consultant specializing in teacher development and curriculum & assessment planning. His books include Teaching WalkThrus, Rosenshine’s Principles in Action and The Learning Rainforest Fieldbook. He regularly contributes to conferences and CPD sessions locally and nationally and is busy working in schools and colleges across the UK and around the world. Follow Tom on Twitter @teacherhead

Emma Turner joined Discovery Schools Academy Trust as the Research and CPD lead after 20 years in primary teaching. She is the founder of ‘NewEd – Joyful CPD for early career teachers,’ a not-for-profit approach to CPD to encourage positivity amongst the profession and help to retain teachers in post. Turner is author of Be More Toddler: A Leadership Education From Our Little Learners and Let’s Talk About Flex: Flipping the flexible working narrative for education. Follow Emma on Twitter @emma_turner75

Sep 15, 202133:36