The Unteachables Podcast
Claire English
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#168: What schools get profoundly wrong — with Andy Hargreaves
What does it actually mean to be a professional in teaching? Not just "treated like one" — but what does professional knowledge, professional growth, and professional community actually look like in practice? I got to sit down with one of the most cited education scholars alive — the incredible Andy Hargreaves — and honestly, I could have talked to him for hours. Andy is an author or editor of 40 books, an education advisor to governments across multiple countries, and the co-creator of the concept of Professional Capital — a framework that has genuinely changed the way educators and systems think about what it means to invest in teachers. This is one of those episodes that I think is going to hit differently depending on where you are in your career. Whether you're in your first few years wondering if it's all worth it, or you're a seasoned teacher who's lost a bit of your spark, or you're a school leader trying to figure out why your staff keep burning out — Andy has something for you. Here's a taste of what we got into: In this episode, you'll learn: What professional capital actually is — and the three types every teacher already has (and needs to grow)Why staying in teaching longer than three years isn't just "getting expensive" — it's where the real expertise is builtThe chess metaphor that will completely reframe how you see your early career (and honestly, any career stage)What Andy believes schools are profoundly getting wrong about teacher wellbeing right nowWhy "wellbeing add-ons" like yoga and meditation won't fix what's actually causing teacher ill-beingThe three biggest causes of ill-being in schools — including one that hits way too close to home for Australian teachersWhat collective autonomy means and why individual autonomy alone isn't the answerWhy the most powerful thing you can do as a teacher might be to fight for your autonomy together, not aloneWhat Andy will be sharing at EduTech Sydney — including his fascinating "teaching as repair work" frameworkHave a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text! RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT: Shop all resourcesJoin The Behaviour ClubMy book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management The Low-Level Behaviour BootcampFree guide: 'Chats that Create Change'Connect with me: Follow on Instagram @the.unteachablesCheck out my website
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