At the chalk face: Non-specialist teachers curse or cure?

Non-specialist teachers: The classroom reality no one talks about
Did you know a third of Year 7 lessons are taught by teachers who aren’t specialists in that subject? 🤯

Craig and Dave are back on the chalk face to tackle a topic every teacher has an opinion on — non-specialist teaching.

From teaching biology with no science background to discovering how to book a Bunsen burner two weeks in advance (!), this episode dives into the reality behind timetabling decisions, the pressure on schools, and why “you only have to stay one step ahead of the students” might be more true than you’d think.

In this episode, we chat about:
Why so many teachers end up teaching outside their specialism
What makes someone a “specialist” anyway?
How non-specialists can still make a huge impact
The long-term effects of non-specialist teaching on students
And a few confessions from Craig and Dave’s own classrooms!

👀 Watch now for an open, funny and surprisingly relatable discussion about the juggling act teachers face every day.

Great teaching isn’t just about degrees — it’s about connecting with students, building relationships, and staying one step ahead.

💬 Expect laughs, honest reflections, and some eyebrow-raising stories about life in the classroom — whether you’re a teacher, head of department, or just curious about how schools really work.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, so you never miss an At the Chalk Face episode.


Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or just curious about the future of education, this discussion offers a thought-provoking look at innovation, flexibility, and what’s next for classrooms in England.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online

#Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #EducationUK #Teaching #ComputerScience #AtTheChalkFace #TeachingLife #NonSpecialistTeachers #SecondaryEducation #TeacherStories

At the chalk face: Why networking matters | Teachers need each other

Are you too busy to network… or just making excuses?

Craig and Dave get fired up in this episode as they unpack one of teaching’s biggest missed opportunities — genuine networking between teachers.

From the dangers of staying in your “school bubble” to how their own collaboration began on car journeys to CPD events, this chat digs into why connecting with colleagues (beyond your own department walls) is vital for growth, inspiration, and sanity.

Expect a few soapboxes, a bit of SLT-bashing (from someone who’s earned the right), and plenty of laughs along the way.

💬 Topics include:
Why networking matters more than inset days ever will.
How the best teaching ideas often start over coffee (or in a car park!)
Why saying “I’m too tired” might just be an excuse.
The power of communities like CAS (Computing at School).
And how Craig’n’Dave all started...

👉 Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or an NQT, this one’s for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in the classroom bubble.

If you’re a teacher, leader, or education watcher, you’ll find plenty to nod along with — and maybe a few points to debate.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online

#Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #TeamCompSci #TeachingChat #CraignDave #TeacherNetworking #ComputingEducation

Do school libraries still matter in 2025? | Rethinking learning spaces

Are traditional school libraries becoming outdated in the age of AI, smartphones, and instant online knowledge? Or do they still play a vital role in inspiring students?

In this episode of At the Chalk Face, we dive into:
Our own school-day memories of libraries (including date-stamping and dusty books no one borrowed).
The “death of the library” debate — and whether ebooks and devices could (or should) replace them.
Why libraries need to evolve into dynamic, inspirational learning spaces rather than static book storage.
How subject leaders, not just librarians, can take ownership in creating subject zones that spark curiosity.
The tough reality of budgets, staffing, and leadership priorities in making it happen.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or just passionate about education, this conversation asks some uncomfortable but important questions: what’s the purpose of a school library in 2025, and how do we make them truly valuable for students?

What do you think?
Should libraries be reinvented or left behind? Drop your thoughts in the comments.


👉 Join the conversation at craigndave.org.

If you’re a teacher, leader, or education watcher, you’ll find plenty to nod along with — and maybe a few points to debate.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online

#Teaching #Education #Pedagogy #CraigAndDave #AtTheChalkface #TeacherLife #news #educationnews #schools #libraries #AI #teaching #chalkface