Beat Teacher Burnout!

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we’re joined by Trystan Williams, an experienced headteacher who shares his insights on compassionate and authentic leadership. With over two decades of leadership experience, Trystan discusses how building deep human connections is key to creating a thriving school environment.  He reflects on how his leadership style has evolved over the years, emphasising the importance of listening more and prioritising the well-being of staff and students alike. Trystan also talks about how vulnerability and open communication have shaped his leadership, helping him build a culture of psychological safety within his school community. Throughout this conversation, Trystan shares the challenges of managing stress and conflict in schools, as well as his personal journey towards finding a balance between caring for others and maintaining his own well-being. He also discusses the significance of staff retention, especially among support staff, and how creating a safe, supportive work environment has led to a reduction in stress-related absences.  Trystan’s passion for fostering a compassionate leadership culture is inspiring, and his practical advice offers valuable takeaways for educators looking to thrive in their careers while maintaining their mental health. To learn more about Trystan Williams, find him on:LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/trystan-williams-55b06a29b Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena HicksEmail me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Priv, a passionate and resilient Religious Education teacher from Portsmouth, who shares her powerful and deeply moving journey as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). From beginning her training while five months pregnant during the pandemic to enduring a challenging and unsupportive mentorship, Priv opens up about the overwhelming pressures she faced and the emotional cost of feeling unseen and undervalued. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and the right school culture to help teachers thrive. What really stood out to me was how, after finally finding herself in a nurturing and encouraging environment, Priv experienced the emotional release of everything she had been holding in. She speaks with heartfelt honesty about asking for help, building a strong support network, leaning on her faith, and learning to prioritise rest over relentless productivity. Her insights are incredibly valuable for new teachers, mentors, and school leaders who want to build healthier, more compassionate school communities. To learn more about Priv Obrike, find her on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priv-obrike-15b76221b Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena HicksEmail me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we explore the power of journaling, purpose-driven planning, and emotional management with guest Nathan Marr, coach and co-founder of the Semester Student Planner.  Nathan shares the inspiring journey behind the creation of the planner, born out of personal challenges he and his business partner faced during and after university. From academic overwhelm to burnout recovery, they transformed their experiences into a tool that not only helps students but has unexpectedly resonated with teachers and school leaders.  Nathan explains how their planner acts as a “Trojan horse” for personal growth, embedding coaching strategies and emotional intelligence practices into daily routines. We also dive into practical strategies for managing overwhelm, fostering creativity in teaching, and embedding well-being at both individual and organizational levels. Nathan highlights the importance of gratitude, emotional intelligence, and physical wellness as foundational habits to build resilience.  He shares actionable tips like the “love it, loathe it” task assessment and the "rule of two" for habit-building, all rooted in self-awareness and sustainable change. If you’re a teacher, leader, or parent feeling the pressure, this conversation is full of relatable insights and realistic solutions that can help you and your team thrive. To learn more about Nathan Marr, find him on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-marr-semester/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nathanmarrsSemester LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72464677/ Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we are joined by David Parkin, an experienced headteacher from a primary school in Southampton. David shares his approach to leadership, focusing on the importance of trust, autonomy, and respect in creating a thriving school environment. He discusses how giving staff the freedom to grow professionally, communicate openly, and make mistakes fosters a culture of value and motivation. We also explore how David's school effectively manages staff wellbeing, particularly through transparent policies around absence and stress. By offering support, coaching, and development opportunities, and encouraging open conversations, the school has successfully built a positive, collaborative culture. Tune in for practical advice on how to lead with trust and respect, and how to support your team in a way that promotes long-term success and wellbeing. To learn more about David Parkin, find him on:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-parkin Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode doctor Helen Kelly explains that if you feel like you're heading towards burnout you can also move the other way down the continuum towards energy and creativity. She explains that from the causes of burnout the easiest place we can take control is work recovery. Did you know that research says there are four things we should do to maximise our work recovery and the easiest one for us to take control of is psychological detachment? This means being able to switch off from work when at home. Want to know how? Listen to the full episode to discover this and many other golden nuggets such as contagion theory (what hormones and emotions are you giving off when you walk into school?), the power of small habits and your stress response versus relaxation response. To learn more about Helen Kelly, find her on:Website: www.drhelenkelly.comBook: School Leaders Matter: Preventing burnout, managing stress and improving wellbeingLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-oliver-223953289/ Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we sit down with Michael, a dedicated deputy headteacher, to discuss his journey through the highs and lows of school leadership. Michael opens up about his personal experiences with burnout, sharing the challenges he faced and the turning points that led him to prioritise well-being. His candid insights offer a relatable perspective for educators navigating the pressures of the profession. Together, we explore practical strategies for achieving work-life balance, setting boundaries, and maintaining passion for teaching without sacrificing mental health. Michael shares the small but impactful changes he made to his routine, from managing workload expectations to cultivating a mindset that fosters resilience. He also talks about the importance of building a supportive school culture, where staff well-being is just as valued as student success. We also discuss the emotional toll of leadership, the guilt that often comes with stepping back, and how to reframe self-care as a necessity rather than a luxury. Michael provides actionable advice for teachers and leaders alike, emphasizing that burnout is not a badge of honor but a sign that change is needed. Whether you're a classroom teacher, middle leader, or senior leader, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to help you stay energised and fulfilled in your career. Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion on how to beat burnout, set healthy boundaries, and thrive in education. To learn more about Michael Oliver, find him on:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-oliver-223953289/ Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we welcome Helen, an experienced educator, therapist, and expert in positive psychology, to discuss the crucial role of school culture in teacher burnout and well-being.  Helen shares insights from her diverse career, starting as a drama teacher and progressing to leadership roles in education before transitioning into therapy and coaching.  She emphasises the importance of creating environments where both students and teachers feel psychologically safe, valued, and supported in order to thrive. Helen also opens up about her personal journey with her daughter, who experienced severe burnout in a traditional school setting. She explains how shifting to an online school and a more flexible learning environment helped her daughter regain confidence, social engagement, and overall well-being.  Drawing parallels between her daughter’s experience and teacher burnout, Helen highlights how rigid systems and unrealistic expectations contribute to stress and exhaustion in schools.  She discusses the importance of psychological safety, trust, and open communication within schools to prevent burnout, as well as practical steps leaders can take to foster a more inclusive and supportive culture. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how school leaders can create environments that empower teachers to voice concerns, engage in decision-making, and ultimately find a balance that allows them to flourish both professionally and personally. To learn more about Helen Day, find her on:Facebook: The Home of Hope : A supportive community for parents of neurodivergent daughters, offering tools and techniques from positive psychology to help families thrive.Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/helen-day-positive-leadersWebsite: https://www.positive-leaders.co.uk/    Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena HicksEmail me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we’re joined by Dr. Emma Kell, an expert in teacher identity and well-being. With over 26 years of experience in education, Emma shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of teaching, including a period of near-burnout that deeply impacted her sense of self. She opens up about the challenges of working in an environment misaligned with her values, the toll it took on her well-being, and the wake-up call that led her to make a crucial career change. Emma also offers valuable insights into presenteeism—the pressure to work excessive hours to prove dedication—and how this culture contributes to teacher burnout. She emphasises the importance of listening to your gut when making career decisions and creating boundaries that protect both personal and professional well-being. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply looking for ways to maintain a sustainable teaching career, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical strategies to help you thrive. To learn more about Dr. Emma Kell, find her on:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emma-kell-fcct-296901153/?originalSubdomain=ukWebsite: https://www.those-that-can.com/ Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we explore how educators can shift from constant firefighting to making intentional, proactive decisions.  Host Rowena Hicks is joined by Kat Brown, an experienced teacher, SENCO, and ILM Level 7 executive coach, who shares practical strategies for reducing stress and regaining control in the classroom and leadership roles. Kat emphasises the importance of planning ahead, setting boundaries, and knowing one's "zone of power" to prevent burnout and rediscover joy in the profession. Kat shares her top tips for teachers, leaders, and SENCOs, including the value of proactive scheduling and clear communication.  She discusses how setting up a rolling yearly calendar and blocking out time for essential tasks can help educators stay organised and focused.  She also highlights the importance of defining professional boundaries, ensuring responsibilities align with one’s role, and learning to say no when necessary.  Additionally, Kat introduces the concept of PQ reps—small, mindful physical exercises designed to help educators reset their focus and self-regulate during stressful moments. These simple yet effective techniques can support teachers in maintaining their well-being while navigating the complexities of school life. If you’ve been struggling with stress and decision fatigue in your teaching role, this episode provides actionable steps to help you regain clarity, energy, and enjoyment in your work. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tools to transform your approach to leadership and teaching. To learn more about Kat Brown, find him on:Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-ccats Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena HicksEmail me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.comVisit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com

In this episode of the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and business leader Luke Tobin to discuss strategies for avoiding burnout, managing setbacks, and creating a healthier work-life balance. As educators, school leaders, and staff, the pressures of the job can often lead to exhaustion and overwhelm. Luke shares valuable insights from the business world that can be applied to education, helping you and your team work smarter, not harder. We explore the importance of self-awareness and understanding personal motivators when it comes to maintaining energy and engagement in your work. Luke explains how identifying your key drivers can help prevent burnout and keep you aligned with your purpose. He also shares strategies for managing setbacks and learning from failure, offering a fresh perspective on resilience and personal growth. Team dynamics play a crucial role in workplace well-being, and Luke provides practical advice on how to pair individuals effectively to enhance productivity and reduce stress. We also dive into the significance of setting boundaries, recognizing when work pressure becomes unhealthy, and taking proactive steps to prevent burnout before it starts. Luke Tobin is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in launching, scaling, and exiting businesses. Now, he dedicates his time to investing in and mentoring startup founders, helping them build successful companies without falling into the burnout trap. His expertise in leadership, productivity, and well-being offers valuable lessons for educators looking to create a sustainable and fulfilling career. To learn more about Luke Tobin, find him on: LInkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luketobin/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukettobin/#Website: https://www.luketobin.com/Company website: https://www.tobincapital.co.uk/ Follow me on:1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com