I’ve been working on two exciting projects recently to support teachers supercharge their teaching practice for free.
For teachers wanting to get better, reaching for research can feel quite abstract and far-removed from the classroom. In contrast, learning about concrete actions that have been tried and tested in classrooms with high success rates is much more practical and accessible.
The problem with ‘practical tips’ is that although they are bite-sized, they can be devoid of the wider understanding explaining why they work, and how things might go wrong if the tips aren’t implemented properly.
There is a another major issue with pedagogical tips. Pedagogy is inextricably linked with classroom culture, so it’s vital to understand the pedagogical and cultural reasons that influence a particular practice. For example, using a questioning strategy like mini-whiteboards isn’t just about knowing what types of questions work well for mini-whiteboards. There is also the art of creating a culture where everyone participates. There is knowing how to respond if some pupils keep showing you blank boards or incorrect answers. There is also dealing with pupils writing naughty things on the back of their boards, or better still, reducing the chance of this happening in the first place.
To get around these problems, I have created two avenues for teachers to build their knowledge, reflect on their practice and maximise the chances that their classroom practice improves: the Operation Education podcast, and the Operation Education Briefing.
Operation Education: the podcast
In mid-July 2026, I launched Operation Education, a podcast for teachers. With my co-host, the incredible Neena Sharma, every Thursday we release a new episode which explores one concrete scenario or question that teachers often face. Episode 001 was about how to secure 100% attention from a class. Episode 002 was for teachers who felt their classroom was one where pupils ‘comply’ but do not yet ‘buy-in’ and give their maximum effort. Episode 003 explored how to notice the ‘invisible’ pupils; those quiet and hard-working kids that are often overlooked. Episode 004 was about how we can end our lesson in a way that both boosts motivation and feels calm.
Follow Operation Education on your favourite podcast app to ensure you don’t miss out any episodes that come out every Thursday.
The response so far has been phenomenal. So many people have written in to say how much they’ve valued how practical the podcast is. As one very kind reviewer put it:
“It’s funny, authentic, and genuinely awe-inspiring. It feels like you’re sitting in on a conversation with two people who care deeply about making schools better.”
Operation Education Briefing
Imagine a weekly email that contains:
One practice: a concrete thing you can try in your classroom
One pitfall to avoid.
One principle that underpins that practice.
I’ve created the Operation Education Briefing to do exactly this. Each briefing links to one of the previous episodes of the podcast so you have a way to listen to two experienced teachers discussing the practice more deeply.
Sign up below to receive the Operation Education Briefing every Tuesday, launching 1st September 2026. I’m very excited for you to participate in our conversations and supercharge your teaching practice.