Tessa Blair (East London Teaching School Hub) tells us how mentors can support the development of positive orientations to learning.

She tells Mark and Elaine how a professional culture tied to learning and mentorship can make a big difference in the lives of early career teachers (ECTs).

Tessa explains that mentors can help foster an inclusive and encouraging culture for ECTs, guiding them through the process of learning to teach. Mentors can model a process of reflection and self-evaluation so "ECTs can really see how to think like a teacher."

"Teachers need the time, space and encouragement to articulate and critically examine the processes of learning to teach – mentors are the best place to do that."

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/learning-teaching-why-mindset-matters-and-what-means-mentors-staffroom-s06e02

How do you support the next generation of creative leaders?

Explore how East London’s creative ecosystem nurtures talent after the 2012 Olympics.

Host Liza Fletcher and guests dissect bridging gaps between institutions and grassroots organisations, affordable spaces, and youth entrepreneurship in the Olympic Boroughs. With a focus on growth, representation, and accessibility, this episode challenges the creative industries to rethink who gets to lead, and why.

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/empowering-creative-talent

A holistic view of how phonics, writing, reading and language come together to make a child truly literate.

Dominic Wyse and Charlotte Hacking tell Mark and Elaine about the "double helix" of reading and writing, an approach that combines phonics teaching with engaging reading and writing activities.

They chat about the importance of creating a balance – between fostering a child's early love for reading, and supporting children's ability to read through technical elements like phonics.

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/bringing-balance-reading-wars-debate-staffroom-s06e01

Ruby Williams was told her hair was too big for school - and she refused to accept it. In this episode, Ruby and her mother Kate speak with Alison Wiggins about the emotional and legal journey that followed. Their story is a call to action for educators and institutions to do better.

Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/oct/fight-protect-black-hair-schools-lets-talk-about-anti-black-racism

In this episode, we hear about the cultural landscape within the Olympic boroughs, and the evolution that has occurred in the wake of the 2012 Olympics.

Our panel of speakers share their insights on the opportunities and challenges of reaching under-represented audiences through initiatives such as education, screenings, exhibitions, and workshops.

They talk about their success stories in engaging with new audiences and their plans for future initiatives to enhance the benefits of cultural engagement for all.

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/sep/unearthing-creative-pulse-our-east-london-olympic-boroughs

As headlines warn of university closures and staff cuts, Professor Huw Morris offers a deeper look at the forces reshaping UK higher education. In conversation with Dr Elin Arfon, he explains why some institutions are struggling more than others, and what role government, regulation, and research can play in building resilience. They also explore the growing shift toward tertiary education and skills development, and what this means for future students.

Useful links from this episode: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/aug/can-uk-universities-survive-and-thrive-rftrw-s25e03

Image: Alarichall / Wikimedia Commons

In this episode, Louise Stoll tells us her story of 'improve-isation'.

Louise tells Mark and Elaine about her career to date.

She talks about the importance of building capacity for learning and supporting pupils to thrive in an uncertain future.

"You need people to enable you to take risks, to say it's not going to be perfect the first time.
It really is important for leaders at all levels to encourage people to try things out and to be there to support and to learn."

Full show notes and transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/jul/professional-learning-its-not-just-neck-staffroom-s05e06

In this episode, Dr Benjamin Abrams speaks with Hend Aly and Dr Heather Rolfe about their research into public attitudes and how these views shape migration policy and the future of higher education. They explore surprising findings from their report, the role of media narratives, and the strategic challenges facing UK universities.

With global competition for talent heating up, this conversation dives into what's at stake for the UK’s academic and economic future.

Full show notes and links to research to follow.

What does supporting teacher wellbeing look like? And how can school leaders create a culture of wellbeing?

Samantha O'Sullivan's research finds that teacher wellbeing is found in authentic recognition of their work, appropriate CPD, time to do the job well, good colleague relationships, and autonomy to make decisions for themselves.

In other words, all things that leaders can influence for the better.

"Good leadership is what's supporting wellbeing... The core, the centre of it, is a culture of good strong leadership."

Full show notes and transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/jul/wellbeing-dont-give-me-things-pretty-my-life-staffroom-s05e05

Professor Gill Wyness shares her expertise on the intricacies of university funding, the student finance system, and the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access and attainment. Discover why the current funding model is under strain, how it impacts students from all backgrounds, and what urgent reforms are needed to secure the future of this vital sector. We also hear about the role higher education plays in fostering economic growth and social mobility.

Full show notes and links: http://uclioe.info/4nohPrg