Join Martin and Dan as they dive into an important and emotional topic that affects many educators: the intense stress and burnout associated with teaching. Discussing personal experiences and eye-opening statistics, they explore how the pressures of the teaching profession have led to significant mental health issues, including burnout and even self-harm. They share poignant stories, including Dan's struggle with mental health and weight, offering a raw and honest insight into the challenges educators face.This episode urges teachers to prioritise their well-being and seek support, while also calling attention to the systemic issues within the education system. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your teaching job, or if you're looking for ways to cope and recover, this episode is for you.Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:23 The Stress of Teaching: Statistics and Personal Experiences

05:34 The Turning Point: Seeking Change

12:39 The Broader Issue: Teacher Workload and Public Perception

25:53 Teacher Well-being and Self-care

26:42 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

31:37 Support Systems and Asking for Help

35:58 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

In this episode of "Sir, You Look Tired," Martin and Dan take you on a nostalgic and honest journey through their school days - from Halloween debates and graveyard shortcuts to the teachers who changed their lives. They open up about growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, the challenges of being diagnosed, and how small moments of support made all the difference.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of teaching today: the burnout, the paperwork, and the pressure to tick boxes - contrasted with the joy of making memories, building relationships, and letting kids be kids. They question the value of early assessments, share hilarious and heartfelt classroom stories, and offer a rallying cry for teachers to focus on what really matters.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just love a good school story, this episode is packed with laughter, insight, and a reminder that sometimes, the best lessons happen outside the lesson plan.

Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 Welcome Back

04:48 The Impact of Teachers

08:25 Personal Struggles and Triumphs

13:36 The Power of a Good Teacher

19:44 The Importance of Fun in Education

20:05 Creative Teaching Methods

21:34 Rethinking the Curriculum

23:51 The Impact of Assessments

30:31 Teacher Burnout and Well-being

35:32 The Changing Landscape of Teaching

37:08 Final Thoughts

Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired" with Martin and Dan! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Ofsted inspections, the realities of school grading, and the impact on teachers and students. From hilarious stories about purple pens and marking policies to honest conversations about burnout, stress, and what really matters in education, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and a few rants.

We also share personal experiences, discuss the ever-changing landscape of school inspections, and imagine what schools could be like if we scrapped Ofsted altogether. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or just curious about the world behind the classroom door, this one's for you.

Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:27 Personal Experiences with Inspectors

03:52 The Role and Pay of Inspectors

06:19 New Policies and Changes in School Evaluations

12:19 The Impact of School Ratings

17:05 Marking Policies and Teacher Stress

21:57 Mock Inspections and Their Implications

23:39 Final Thoughts on School Evaluations

29:15 Celebrating Success and Reflecting on Change

30:47 Critique of Ofsted and Education Policies

50:38 Summer Camp Stories and Final Thoughts