The final term of the school year is a crazy time in schools. End of year reporting, class allocations, timetabling, budgets and planning for next year swamp us at a time when our energies are low and many of us feel we are running on empty. By the end of the year we are more likely to…
Take the Initiative This World Teachers’ Day
Working in schools can be tough and demanding. Much of the work that staff in schools do, goes unrecognised. It can take years before we see the impact that we have had. The lack of respect for the work of staff in schools and the impact they have, has contributed to increased staff turnover and…
Increase Contentment By Avoiding Comparison
One of the greatest protective factors against unhappiness and a low mood is social connection. Quality friendships, ones that allow you to just be who you are without judgement, decrease stress and anxiety and they build self-worth and belonging. However, something is harming quality connection and it’s becoming a cultural epidemic… comparison and competition. Understanding…
Managing Conflict With Colleagues
One of the key factors in determining whether a school culture is toxic or thrives, is how staff members deal with their own conflicts as they arise. Whilst it is inevitable that there will be conflicts amongst staff, it is vital that these are dealt with in a positive, respectful manner. Alex Kajitani in Owning…
Conveying Difficult Information on Student Reports
One of the most difficult aspects of writing comments on student reports is figuring out how to phrase messages that may be difficult, challenging or confronting for parents to receive. The following tips are intended to help you determine the most tactful and compassionate way to write about tough topics in your report comments. No…
Want MORE Satisfaction From Your Work?
Working in schools can be demanding. More is expected of us than ever before. Increases in accountability, the accelerating pace of change, high expectations from busy, stressed parents and the challenges of working with people all add to the melting pot that is a busy school. It is therefore not surprising that staff morale can…
STOP – Make Rules That Help Your Well-Being
The default move for getting more done is to do more. That can work and it can also waste a lot of time, energy and attention doing stuff that just doesn’t really matter. We also need to know when to stop doing things. This week, create some stopping rules so you’ll know when to stop…
What Story Are You Telling Yourself?
Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, the thoughts and messages that run through our minds on a daily basis. That little voice inside your head tells a story. The stories we tell ourselves are a specific form of self-talk, where we create narratives about ourselves, others and the world around us….
Saying ‘No’ to Avoid Overload
Most staff who work in schools, like helping others. Many of us are people pleasers and we find it difficult to say ‘no’ to someone who is seeking our assistance. At times, to stay on track you just have to say ‘no’. Try using these strategies for saying ‘no’ to other people’s requests and still…
The Benefits of Staying In Your Own Lane
In the dynamic and demanding field of education, staff who work in schools are often confronted with various challenges and obstacles that can distract them from their main focus. It is not uncommon for teachers (and other staff who work in schools) to find themselves immersed in the problems and struggles of their colleagues and…