The Unteachables Podcast
Welcome to 'The Unteachables Podcast', your go-to resource for practical classroom management strategies and teacher support. I’m your host, Claire English, a passionate secondary teacher and leader turned teacher mentor and author of 'It's Never Just About the Behaviour: A Holistic Approach to Classroom Behaviour Management.' I'm on a mission to help educators like you transform your classrooms, build confidence, and feel empowered.
Why am I here? Not too long ago, I was overwhelmed by low-level classroom disruptions and challenging behaviors. After thousands of hours honing my skills in real classrooms and navigating ups and downs, I’ve become a confident, capable teacher ready to reach every student—even those with the most challenging behaviors. My journey inspired me to support teachers like you in mastering effective classroom strategies that promote compassion, confidence, and calm.
On The Unteachables Podcast, we’ll dive into simple, actionable strategies that you can use to handle classroom disruptions, boost student engagement, and create a positive learning environment.
You'll hear from renowned experts such as:
Bobby Morgan of the Liberation Lab
Marie Gentles, behavior expert behind BBC's 'Don't Exclude Me' and author of 'Gentles Guidance'
Robyn Gobbel, author of 'Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviours'
Dr. Lori Desautels, assistant professor and published author
And many more behaviour experts and mentors.
Angela Watson from the Truth for Teachers Podcast.
Whether you’re an early career teacher, a seasoned educator, or a teaching assistant navigating classroom challenges, this podcast is here to help you feel happier, empowered, and ready to make an impact with every student.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode packed with classroom tips and inspiring conversations that make a real difference!
The Unteachables Podcast
#10: Cruel to be kind? Striking the balance between addressing behaviours and maintaining relationships
I don’t need to sit here and tell you that building a positive relationship with a student is a pretty important part of the work we do.
I am sure you also know that the students who really need that relationship the most to trust you and learn from you, are also sometimes the ones who display the most challenging behaviours!
This is why it is SUCH a double edged sword, because you will then NEED to address more of their challenging behaviours. And every time you address a challenging behaviour, it can be like one step forward and three steps back in our efforts to build that relationship!
But I say POTENTIALLY because it doesn’t have to be like that, there ARE ways that we can manage behaviours that do strike that very delicate balance, and we NEED to be able to do this to progress with our most vulnerable and challenging students.
How??
In this episode, I give you a run down of classroom management that connects and disconnects, and explore the concept of using a students ‘emotional piggy bank’ to be very crafty and conscious of the way we establish and reinforce boundaries and expectations with ALL students!
- How to make investments in a relationship with even the toughest students
- How to still hold boundaries and address challenging behaviour without being detrimental to the relationship
- What is behaviour management that connects and disconnects and how to use it effectively
Join the masterclass - Unlocking Your Teaching Superpower: Non Verbal Classroom Management.
For 20% off enrolment, use the code POD20 or click here
Add both the masterclass AND my full comprehensive classroom management course ‘That’ll Teach ‘Em’ to your basket to bundle them together and receive 25% off the total price of enrolment!
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Check out my full training program That’ll Teach ‘Em. Enrol for 20% off with the code PODCAST20
Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!
Enrolments for The Classroom Management Lab are now OPEN... but not for long! Join the 2025 cohort before doors close on May 11th.
JOIN MY FREE LIVE TRAINING: TURN YOUR TEACHING INTO A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MACHINE
RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:
- Shop all resources
- Join The Behaviour Club
- My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
- The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
- Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'
Connect with me:
- Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
- Check out my website
