Coffee and Whiteboard Markers Podcast
From the front lines of the classroom, Myles O'Kane and Matty Bissett talk all things teaching in these weekly episodes. Hosted from Australia, this podcast dives into the highs, lows, and everything in between of teaching. Whether you're a new teacher finding your feet or a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas, we've got you covered. Tune in and let's make a difference one lesson at a time!
Episode 89:Staffroom Survival: How to Work Effectively With Anyone.
Working with students is only one part of being a teacher. Working effectively with the adults around you can be just as challenging!
In this episode, we explore what it really takes to build strong, productive and professional relationships with colleagues in Australian schools.
Whether you're working with fellow teachers, school leaders, Student Services, or support staff, effective communication, managing disagreements, and building trust can make a huge difference to your work environment.
In this episode, we discuss:
Episode 87: Teaching Isn't What You Think - Myths vs Reality
In this episode, we break down some of the most common misconceptions about what it actually means to be a teacher and compare them with the reality of working in schools.
We discuss:
The myth that teachers only work during school hoursWhat teacher “holidays” actually look likeWhy great teachers can still have difficult classesThe idea that good behaviour management means never having behaviour problemsWhether teaching gets easier with experienceThe assumption that teachers simply deliver the same lessons every yearWhy building relationships doesn't mean lowering expectationsThe work that happens behind the scenes that students and parents rarely seeW...Epsiode 86: Do Teachers and Students Need Shorter School Terms?
Should students and teachers spend fewer weeks at school each year?
In this episode of Coffee and Whiteboard Markers, we explore the debate around shortening school terms, following the proposal from a School in Western Australia calling for a review of the length of the school year.
Rather than simply asking whether teachers need more holidays, we take a deeper look at what a shorter school year could actually mean for teachers, students, families and the education system.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why teachers supported a review...Episode 85: Are Australian Classrooms Becoming More Violent?
Violence, threats and aggressive behaviour towards teachers are becoming an increasingly serious concern in Australian education. But is violence in our schools actually increasing, and if it is, what's driving it?
In this episode, we take a closer look at classroom violence against teachers and what the available Australian data tells us. We explore the experiences of teachers and school leaders, compare violence in primary and secondary schools, and examine factors that may be contributing to increasingly complex behaviour.
In this episode, we discuss:
What Australian research tells us about violence against...Episode 84: How to Re-Engage Students Who No Longer Care
What do you do when a student has completely checked out? They’re not disruptive; they’re not causing problems; they simply don’t seem to care anymore.
In this episode, we explore why students disengage from learning and, more importantly, what teachers can realistically do about it.
We discuss the different reasons students may stop engaging, why simply telling them to “try harder” rarely works, and how relationships, expectations, success and purpose can help bring students back into the learning process.
In this episode, we cover:
Why students disengage in the first plac...Episode 82: How We Handle These Common tricky Situations in Teaching.
Teaching is full of tricky moments that no university course fully prepares you for.
In this episode we unpack some of the most common difficult situations teachers face and how we personally try to handle them in real classrooms.
We discuss:
Students refusing to workConstant low-level disruptionDefiant behaviour and pushbackEmotional student blow-upsDifficult parent interactionsWhat to do when lessons completely fall apartManaging your emotions under pressureHolding boundaries without damaging relationshipsThe importance of calm consistencyThis is not about pretending to be perfect teachers. It’s an honest conversation about the realities of teaching, the mi...
Episode 83: The Emotional Labour Of Teaching
The emotional labour of teaching is rarely talked about openly, but every teacher feels it.
In this episode we unpack the hidden weight teachers carry every day: managing behaviour while staying calm, supporting students through trauma, absorbing constant emotional pressure, and still being expected to show up positively every lesson.
We talk honestly about:
Why teaching can feel emotionally exhaustingThe pressure of “holding it together”Compassion fatigue and burnoutThe emotional load teachers take home after the bellHow boundaries and routines can protect your wellbeingIf you’ve ever finished a school day mentally draine...
Episode 81: What students truely remember about their teachers
Years from now, your students won’t remember most of the lessons you taught, but they will remember how you made them feel.
In this episode, we unpack what truly sticks with students long after they leave the classroom. From the small moments of encouragement to the way we respond under pressure, we explore the lasting impact teachers have beyond content, curriculum, and assessment.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why students remember experiences more than informationThe power of respect, consistency, and emotional safetyThe small, everyday interactions that leave a lasting impressionWhat this me...Episode 80: Old School Teaching Practices: What Still Works and What Needs To Go
In every school, there are practices that exist simply because “that’s how it’s always been done.” But in today’s classrooms, it’s worth asking: what still works and what are we holding onto that’s no longer serving students or teachers?
In this episode, we take a balanced look at old school teaching practices, the routines, systems, and habits that have stood the test of time, and the ones that may need to be rethought or let go.
We explore:
Outdated practices that may be doing more harm than goodTimeless strategies that still bui...Episode 79: Trauma Informed Practices In Teaching
Classrooms today are more complex than ever. Many students arrive at school carrying stress, uncertainty, and experiences that affect how they learn, behave, and connect with others. In this episode, we explore trauma-informed practices in teaching and how small shifts in our approach can make a big difference for both students and teachers.
We discuss how trauma can show up in the classroom, why behaviour is often a form of communication, and practical ways teachers can respond with calm, consistency, and clarity. From the language we use, to the importance of predictable routines and giving students appropriate...
Episode 78: How To Build A Sustianable Career For Teaching
Teaching is one of the most meaningful professions there is, but it’s also one of the easiest to burn out in if we’re not careful. In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a sustainable career in teaching.
From setting healthy boundaries and letting go of perfectionism to protecting your time and redefining success in the classroom, we unpack practical ways teachers can stay effective, motivated, and healthy over the long term.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why do so many teach...Episode 77: Why New Teachers Are Leaving And How We Fix It.
Early career teacher retention isn’t just a statistic  it’s a warning sign.
In this episode, we unpack why so many new teachers are walking away within their first five years. Is it burnout? Lack of support? Unrealistic expectations? Staffroom culture? Or something deeper within the system?
More importantly, we talk about what schools, leaders, and experienced teachers can actually do to change it.
This isn’t about blame — it’s about building environments where early career teachers feel supported, capable, and valued.
If you’re a new teacher feeling overwhelmed, or a leader want...
Episode 76: Why the classroom feels harder the ever and what can teachers do about it.
Why do classrooms feel harder than ever?
In this episode, we unpack a question that so many teachers are asking right now: Has student behaviour changed — and why does teaching feel more challenging than it used to?
From rising disengagement and emotional dysregulation to shifting expectations on schools and teachers, this video explores the new classroom reality many educators are facing in 2025.
In this discussion, you’ll hear about:
Why behaviour is escalating in many classroomsWhat’s happening beneath the surface for studentsThe pressure teachers are carrying more than everPractical, realis...Episode 75: The hidden toll of overdoing it in teaching
In teaching, “going the extra mile” is often celebrated — but what happens when that extra mile quietly becomes the expectation? In this episode, we unpack the real cost of overdoing it in education: the burnout, the guilt, the resentment, and the slow erosion of our personal lives that no one warns us about.
We dive into:
Why teachers feel pressured to always say “yes”The hidden emotional and physical toll of overworkingHow constant self-sacrifice normalises an unsustainable workloadWhat happens to your relationships, wellbeing, and joy when teaching becomes your whole identityPractical steps to build boundaries and teach sust...Episode 74: Biggest Mistakes We Have Made In Our Time Teaching
Every teacher has those moments — the lessons that crashed, the behaviour calls that backfired, the emails we wish we’d rewritten, and the days we walked out thinking, “Well… that didn’t go to plan.”
In this episode, we dive into our biggest teaching fails from across our careers. Not to relive the embarrassment, but to unpack the lessons, the growth, and the surprising moments of clarity those fails gave us.
We explore:
The classroom moments that humbled usBehaviour management moves that went wrong (and what we learned)Planning mistakes we’ll never make againHow failu...Episode 73: The lessons teaching taught us that no textbook could.
Some lessons can’t be found in a syllabus, a PD session, or a university textbook — they come from the classroom itself. In this episode, we dive into the real, human lessons teaching has given us: the moments, mistakes, surprises, and shifts in perspective that only experience can teach.
We unpack:
How teaching builds patience in ways theory never mentionsWhy relationships matter more than routinesThe emotional resilience that comes from showing up every dayWhat students unknowingly teach us about ourselvesHow teaching changes the way we think, lead, and liveThis is an episode full of hone...
Episode 72: The Hardest Lesson: Separating Yourself from Student Behaviour.
Student misbehaviour can feel like a personal attack — even when we know, logically, it’s usually not about us at all. In this episode, we unpack why certain behaviours sting, how to emotionally distance yourself without disengaging, and what it really means to respond as the calm adult in the room.
We explore:
Why student behaviour feels personal (and why it usually isn’t)What’s really going on beneath the surface for studentsHow to stay steady instead of reactivePractical strategies for separating your identity from their behaviourHow emotional detachment actually strengthens classroom relationshipsTeaching is deepl...
Episode 71: How Teaching Shaped Us
Teaching doesn’t just shape students—it shapes us.
In this episode, we reflect on how the classroom has changed the way we see ourselves as people, parents, and professionals.
From learning patience and empathy to finding strength in chaos, we explore the deep personal lessons that come from years in education. These are the things no textbook or PD session could ever teach you—the moments that stay with you long after the bell rings.
You’ll hear reflections on:
How teaching changes your perspective on people, purpose, and growth.The emotional resilien...Episode 70: Why Teachers Matter More Now Than Ever
In a world that’s changing faster than ever—AI, social media, shifting values, and constant reform—one thing remains: the impact of a great teacher.
In this episode, we explore why teaching still matters deeply in 2025, even when the profession feels undervalued and under pressure.
Episode 69: How to Rebuild Trust With a Disruptive Class
We’ve all been there—the class that just won’t settle, the group where every lesson feels like a battle, the moment when trust between you and your students feels like it’s slipped away. In this episode, we unpack what really happens when a class becomes disruptive and, more importantly, how you can rebuild trust step by step.
From understanding what went wrong, to pressing the reset button, to focusing on consistency and relationships over rules, this episode offers practical strategies grounded in patience and persistence. You’ll walk away with tools to not only regain con...
Episode 68: Teaching isn't your identity and that's ok!
Teaching is what we do — but it’s not who we are. In this episode, we unpack why it’s so easy for teachers to tie their identity to the classroom, the cost of living like the job defines you, and the freedom that comes when you realise your worth isn’t measured in lessons, marking, or leadership titles.
💬 Share this with a colleague who needs the reminder, and tag me on Instagram @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers — let’s talk about building identities bigger than our job titles.
Episode 67: What 17 Years of teaching has taught me
Seventeen years in the classroom isn’t just about teaching students — it’s about learning who you are, what matters, and how to survive the chaos with your heart still intact. In this episode, I share the biggest lessons teaching has taught me about resilience, boundaries, humour, and the reality of showing up every day for young people.
💬 Share the lessons you’ve learned with me on Instagram @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers — I’d love to feature them in a future episode.
Episode 66: What to do when you are feeling overwhelmed in teaching.
Teaching can feel overwhelming — and sometimes it sneaks up on you before you even realise it. In this episode, we break down how to spot the early signs of overwhelm, the traps teachers fall into when they try to just “push through,” and what you can do instead to reset and protect your energy.
From snapping at small things to over-scheduling yourself into exhaustion, this is a real talk reminder that you can’t outrun overwhelm — but you can pause, breathe, and take small steps that make a big difference.
đź’¬ If this resonates, share it with a teache...
Episode 65: Teaching when your mental health is struggling
Some days, just showing up for class feels like a win. In this episode, we get honest about what it’s like to teach when your mental health is under strain. I’ll talk about the hidden pressure to keep the “teacher mask” on, the surprising lessons I’ve learned from teaching through tough seasons, and practical, gentle strategies to help you get through the day without burning out.
If you’ve ever found yourself running on empty but still wanting to make a difference, you’re not alone.
đź’¬ Share your thoughts or tips with me on Instagram...
Episode 64: Habits That Made My Teaching Life Easier
Let’s talk about the little habits that make a big difference. From simplifying planning to managing the emotional load, these are the daily routines and mindset shifts that helped me feel less overwhelmed and more in control. These aren’t Pinterest-perfect — they’re practical, real, and teacher-tested.
💬 Got a teaching habit that changed your life? Tag me on Social Media @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers and let’s share the load.
Episode 63: Boundaries The Most Underrated Tool
 Everyone talks about pedagogy, data, and classroom management — but no one talks enough about boundaries. In this episode, we unpack why boundaries might be the most powerful (and underrated) teaching tool you have. Whether it’s emotional, time-based, or digital — setting healthy limits helps you show up as the teacher and human you want to be.
Check us out on Social Media @Coffee and Whiteboard Markers.Â
Song in intro "Loudmouth" By Artist Mantra.Â
Episode 62: What teaching has taught me about myself
Teaching isn’t just a job — it’s a mirror. In this episode, I unpack the surprising, challenging, and humbling lessons teaching has taught me about who I am. From patience and boundaries to self-worth and resilience, this is a real talk reflection for anyone who’s grown through the chaos of the classroom.
đź’¬ If this hits home, tag me on social media @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers and share the lesson teaching has taught you.
Song in introduction: "Loudmouth" by aritist Mantra.Â
Episode 61: Teacher Guilt And The Invisible Backpack We All Carry
There’s the marking, the meetings, the planning — and then there’s the guilt. The stuff we carry silently: for not doing enough, for leaving early, for setting boundaries. In this episode, we unpack the invisible emotional backpack teachers wear every day — and how to start letting go of what was never ours to carry.
💬 Tag @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers on social media and tell me what you’re ready to take out of your backpack.
Song in the introduction: "Loudmouth" - By Artist Mantra.Â
Episode 60: The Four Day Teaching Week Dream Or Disaster
Teachers everywhere are talking about the 4-day teaching week — but what actually happens when you squeeze 5 days’ worth of work into 4? In this episode, we explore the pros, the cons, and the stuff no one’s telling you. If you’ve ever fantasised about a long weekend, this one’s for you.
Like always legends thankyou for listening! A reminder that we are up on social media now @ Coffee and Whiteboard Markers. If you can like/subsribe/rate on any or all of the platforms it would be much appreciated.Â
Introduction song: "Loudmouth" by artist Mantra
<Episode 59: Managing the emotional load of teaching
Teaching comes with an emotional weight that’s often invisible but deeply felt. From the constant mental load to the quiet moments of doubt and overwhelm, this episode dives into what it really means to carry the emotional side of the job — and how to lighten the load without losing your passion.
If this episode resonates, share it with a teacher friend or tag on Socials @coffeeandwhiteboardmarkers — let’s keep the conversation going.
Song in introduction 'Loudmouth' by Mantra.Â
Episode 58: Teaching and Mental Health
In this episode, I dive into the complex relationship between teaching and mental health. Educators face unique challenges—balancing heavy workloads, emotional demands, and often limited resources—all of which can take a toll on their mental well-being. I explore the pressures teachers face both inside and outside the classroom, discuss signs of burnout, and share practical strategies for maintaining mental health in the profession. Whether you're a teacher, a school leader, or simply interested in the well-being of educators, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world perspectives on supporting mental health in education.
Note: Lege...
Episode 57: Gamification In Education
In this episode, I take a look at gamification in education.
Now, if you’re picturing students glued to video games or running around in chaos — hold that thought. Gamification isn’t about turning your classroom into an arcade. It’s about leveraging the mechanics that make games so compelling— things like points, levels, challenges, rewards and applying them to the learning process.
Like always thanks for listening!
Song in introduction: Loudmouth by artist Mantra.Â
Episode 56: How to create a productive classroom environment
A productive classroom environment isn't just about silence or control—it's about creating a space where students feel safe, motivated, and empowered to learn. In this episode, I explore what it takes to create such an environment for your students.Â
Song in introduction: Loudmouth by Mantra.Â
Episode 55: From Teacher to Mentor. Guiding the next generation of teachers.
This episode focuses on mentorship in education. We will examine that journey, why it matters, and how experienced teachers can support their peers without adding more to their full plates.Â
Like always, thanks for listening!Â
Intro song: Loudmouth by Mantra.
Episode 53: How teachers can make a difference beyond the classroom.
In this episode, I focus on how teachers educate and truly make a difference in the classroom for their students.
Song in introduction: Loudmouth - Artist = MantraÂ
SOCIAL MEDIA UP AND RUNNING NOW!!!
http://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers
 Instagram:CoffeeandWhiteboardmarkers
Facebook: Coffee and White Board Markers.Â
Like always thanks for your support!!
Episode 54: Will artificial intelligence replace teachers in classrooms by 2035??
I am not going to lie. I have debated this for the last few years! In this episode, I investigate whether AI will replace teachers within the next 10 years.Â
Song in introduction: Loudmouth - Artist = MantraÂ
SOCIAL MEDIA UP AND RUNNING NOW!!!
YouTube: @CoffeeandWhiteboardMarkers
Instagram: CoffeeandWhiteboardmarkers
Facebook: Coffee and White Board Markers.Â
Like always, thanks for your support!!
Episode 52: My thoughts on student behaviour these days
In this episode, I compare and contrast student behavior from when I first started teaching in 2009 to today. I examine the differences, challenges, and possible solutions to working with students.Â
Like always, thanks for listening, and I look forward to taking you all along for the ride.Â
Opening song: Loudmouth by artist Mantra.Â
Episode 51: Time Management For Teachers
In this episode, I discuss practical time management tips for teachers to help you balance teaching, marking, parent contact, and well-being.Â
Like always, thanks for listening, and I look forward to taking you all along for the ride!
Intro song: Loudmouth by artist Mantra.Â
Episode 50: Stratagies for engaging disengaged students
Every teacher has encountered students who seem uninterested, unmotivated, or even resistant to learning. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it?
In this episode, I take a look at strategies that can be used to renegade these students.Â
Like always, thanks for listening, and I look forward to taking you all on the ride!
Song in the introduction: Loudmouth (Telling Scenes) - Artist Mantra
Episode 49 Teaching Boys In Education
In this episode, I take a look at what it is like teaching boys in the high school setting these days. Challenges, strategies that work, and my reflection over the years on how things have changed.Â
Like always, thanks for listening, and I look forward to taking you along for the ride.Â
Opening song: Loudmouth by artist Mantra.Â
