In this episode of the Play Ed3 Podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha welcome Aileen Wallace, an educator from the UK, to discuss various aspects of teaching, including the challenges faced in the classroom, the importance of adapting to change, and the humorous realities of being a teacher. They explore Aileen's journey from aspiring dancer to educator, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in the face of challenges. The conversation is filled with laughter, insights, and valuable advice for both new and experienced teachers. In this engaging conversation, Tisha Poncio and Aileen Wallace explore the importance of reflection in teaching, the significance of accommodating neurodivergent learners, and the need for a shift in educational perspectives. They discuss how building trust with students through feedback and creating safe spaces can enhance learning experiences. Aileen shares her insights on normalizing accommodations in education and the value of understanding student thinking, emphasizing that education should be inclusive and adaptable to all learners.

00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings

02:50 Weather Talk and Cultural Differences

06:01 Teaching Career Reflections

09:01 The Reality of Teaching Teenage Boys

12:00 Advice for New Teachers

17:40 Navigating Change in Education

20:01 Aileen's Journey to Education

22:54 Rediscovering Passion in Teaching

24:50 Recognizing and Overcoming Ruts

29:32 The Importance of Reflection

30:54 Student-Centered Feedback

35:16 Understanding Neurodivergence in the Classroom

42:16 Creating Safe Spaces in Education

45:51 Inclusive Teaching Practices

49:39 Rethinking Right and Wrong in Education

52:27 The Importance of Teacher Confidence

56:06 Societal Shifts in Education

58:29 The Future of Neurodiversity in Education

About Aileen Wallace

Aileen Wallace is a Modern Studies teacher at Graeme High School in Falkirk, Scotland, where she has taught students aged 11–18 since 2005. She is also one of the school’s two Digital Leads, balancing that role alongside a full teaching timetable.In 2023, Aileen went from self-described “technophobe” to actively embracing EdTech and AI in her classroom. She is one of the original five co-founders of EduGuardians and works with a number of EdTech platforms to share practical, classroom-tested insights with other teachers.Through her blog AI with Aileen and her social media, Aileen shares honest, classroom-grounded advice about integrating AI into teaching. Her approach centres on transparency with students, accessibility for all learners, and the belief that real change happens when policy supports practice rather than preventing it.Aileen’s work focuses on supporting teachers who feel unsure about where to start with AI. She values learning alongside students, being willing to ask questions, and giving teachers the time and confidence to experiment thoughtfully in real classrooms.

Follow Aileen Wallace on:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aiwithaileen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiwithaileen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiwithaileen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiwithaileen/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/aiwithaileen.bsky.social

Other: https://ai-aileen.com/

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