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

Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan dive into the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories about classroom chaos, teacher burnout, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. From hilarious nativity mishaps to the realities of school budgets, behavior management, and the joy of seeing kids learn, this episode is packed with relatable tales and practical wisdom for teachers everywhere.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, you’ll find plenty to laugh about—and maybe a few reminders of why you started teaching in the first place. Don’t forget to leave us a comment, rate us five stars, and send in your own unforgettable staff room stories!

Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 Introduction

00:18 Highlighting the Positives of Teaching

03:54 Favourite Subjects to Teach

06:06 Creative Teaching Methods

14:58 Challenges and Behavior Management

21:13 Behaviour Management Strategies

23:24 Printing in Red: Budget Woes

24:38 Inappropriate Searches and Filters

29:45 The Joys and Challenges of Teaching

31:09 Unexpected Classroom Moments

35:10 The Reality of Teaching Adverts

38:27 Student Teacher Experiences

42:22 Concluding Thoughts

Welcome back to "Sir, You Look Tired"! In this episode, Martin and Dan dive deep into the realities of teaching—tackling negative self-talk, burnout, and the importance of setting boundaries. They share honest stories from the classroom, from early career anxieties and staff room politics to the everyday pressures that come with the job.

Whether you’re a new teacher struggling with comparison, a leader juggling impossible expectations, or just someone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by school life, this episode is packed with practical advice, relatable moments, and plenty of laughs. Discover tips for managing emails, handling staff WhatsApp drama, and why it’s okay to say “I don’t know.” Plus, hear about the power of positive reflection, journaling, and finding the right support network.

Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own stories from the classroom!

Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 - Welcome Back & Negative Self-Talk in Teaching

00:45 - Teacher Burnout: Stats & Realities

02:00 - Comparing Yourself & Early Career Pressures

04:30 - Leadership Roles & Feeling “Not Good Enough”

07:00 - Classroom Perfectionism & Daily Stress

09:00 - Setting Boundaries: Emails, WhatsApp & Work-Life Balance

12:00 - Headteachers, Expectations & Saying No

15:00 - Staff Room Politics & Protecting Your Energy

18:00 - Positive Reflection, Journaling & Mental Health

21:00 - Assembly Nightmares, Dismissal Drama & Teacher Fears

25:00 - Change, Habits & Coping with Overwhelm

28:00 - Social Media, Comparison & Finding Support

30:00 - Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself & Make the Change

32:00 - Outro & How to Reach Us