Beat Teacher Burnout!

What happens when stress, pressure and the demands of education begin to affect our wellbeing, our leadership and the way we show up each day?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I reflect on some of the powerful conversations that have shaped the podcast, bringing together insights from educators and leaders who have explored teacher burnout, school leadership, inclusive relationships and the importance of recognising the signs before burnout takes hold.

We revisit conversations about how burnout can creep up silently, why it is so important to pause and notice what is happening and how creating healthier approaches to wellbeing can support educators and school leaders.

In this episode, we explore:

• Recognising the early signs of burnout
• The impact of stress and pressure on educators
• Why pausing and noticing matters
• Teacher wellbeing and sustainable leadership
• The importance of inclusive relationships - what are they
• Supporting healthier approaches to school leadership
• Learning from the experiences of other education professionals

These conversations highlight the importance of valuing people, recognising what we need and making space for wellbeing alongside the demands of education.

If you are a teacher, SENCO, headteacher, school leader or education professional thinking about stress, burnout, wellbeing or sustainable leadership, I hope these conversations give you something to reflect on.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and revisit these conversations:

Episode 54 | Shaping Education Through Inclusive Relationships |  AnthonyBenedict

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/0wQyI-51Nu4

Episode 39 | The Truth About Teacher Burnout and How to Avoid It | Dr Emma Kell

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/L_47VYoc-RM

Episode 19 | Have You Paused to Notice? Are You Heading Towards Burnout? |  Emma Lewry

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/9aj9HWOll7c

Episode 55 | Creating Healthy Teams and Preventing Burnout | Nick Osborne

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/dlf193QGhRA?si=5Sif5fY7V53dG2LI

Episode 86 | How Burnout Silently Creeps Up on School Leadership | Paul Collin

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QEy6x79eZwc

____

Connect with Guests:

Anthony Benedict:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthony-benedict

Dr Emma Kell:

Website: www.those-that-can.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thosethatcan

Twitter: x.com/thosethatcan

Emma Lewry:

Website: www.emmalewry.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lewry

Nick Osborne:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/coachbright                www.linkedin.com/in/nickosbornemaritime

Paul Collin:

Website: develop2teach.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/develop2teach

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-collin

Twitter: x.com/Inspire2Teachuk

___

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz6

What happens when stress, pressure and past experiences affect the way we respond at work and at home?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Jemma King, a trauma-informed coach and trainer, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, trauma, nervous system regulation and creating safer environments for adults and children.

Jemma shares her own experience of reaching exhaustion and explains how understanding the nervous system can help us recognise stress responses and find practical ways to regulate rather than simply pushing through.

We explore how trauma can affect the brain and body, why everyone responds differently, and how understanding our responses can reduce shame. We also discuss co-regulation, how children can be affected by adult stress, and why staff wellbeing needs to be part of a trauma-informed approach.

Jemma shares practical strategies educators can use, including breathing exercises, movement, butterfly tapping and creating a pause between work and home.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Stress, burnout and trauma
• Nervous system regulation
• Fight, flight and freeze responses
• Practical strategies for managing stress
• Co-regulation between adults and children
• Creating trauma-informed schools
• Supporting staff wellbeing

This episode is for teachers, nursery practitioners, SENCOs, headteachers, school leaders and education professionals interested in trauma-informed practice, stress management, nervous system regulation and preventing burnout.

If you enjoyed this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, please follow, rate and share the podcast. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier working environments.

____

Connect with Jemma King:

Website: jemcoaching.thementalwellbeingcompany.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jemma.alexander.12

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jemma-king-coach

Email: [email protected]

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What happens when stress leaves us with no space to pause, reflect or respond calmly?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Diana Bradley, Executive Director at Montessori Society UK, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, reflection and wellbeing in early years settings.

Diana shares how stress can affect the way we work, interact with children and respond to our teams. We explore why reflection matters, how coaching can create safe spaces for staff, and how colleagues can support one another through listening, collaboration and shared knowledge.

We also discuss the importance of creating safe environments for adults as well as children, the role of self-awareness in managing stress, and how the prepared environment can support children’s independence while reducing pressure on practitioners.

A powerful reminder throughout the conversation is that safety comes before hierarchy. Children do not care about job titles. They look for adults who make them feel safe.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Recognising signs of stress in early years teams
• Reflection and responding rather than reacting
• Coaching and professional wellbeing
• Creating safe spaces for staff
• Supporting children’s independence
• The prepared environment
• Collaboration with parents and colleagues
• CPD and sharing knowledge
• Building calmer, healthier early years teams
• Why safety comes before hierarchy

This episode is perfect for nursery leaders, early years practitioners, Montessori educators, teachers and education leaders interested in staff wellbeing, stress management and preventing burnout.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier workplaces.

____

Connect with Diana Bradley:

Website: montessorisociety.org.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/montessori.society.ami.uk

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-bradley

Twitter: x.com/AMIUKSociety

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

Burnout doesn't always look like burnout.

Sometimes it looks like pushing through stressful days, struggling to switch off, taking worries home or feeling like you have to keep everything together.

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I'm joined by Angelica Celinska, founder of The Voice of Early Childhood and BookedIn, for an honest conversation about stress, wellbeing and creating more supportive teams.

We explore how stress can show up physically and emotionally, why recognising the signs early matters and how setting boundaries can help protect your wellbeing. We also discuss psychological safety, supporting neurodivergent colleagues and the connection between adult wellbeing and children's emotional regulation.

Angelica shares practical ideas for creating healthier working environments, from simple wellbeing check-ins to making space for honest conversations within teams.

This is a conversation about noticing what your mind and body are telling you, knowing when to pause and creating a culture where people feel supported rather than expected to cope alone.

In this episode, we discuss: 

• Recognising the early signs of stress and burnout

• Setting boundaries and learning to say no

• The connection between the mind, body and stress

• Creating psychological safety within education teams

• Supporting neurodivergent colleagues

• How adult wellbeing can influence children's emotional regulation

• Using simple wellbeing check-ins to support staff

• Building healthier and more supportive workplaces

If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Every review helps more educators discover practical conversations that support wellbeing and help prevent burnout.____

Connect with Angelica Celinska:

Websites: waitlist.bookedin.online

thevoiceofearlychildhood.com          

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookedin.online

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/bookedin-online  

www.linkedin.com/in/angelicacelinska

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@BookedInVoices

Twitter: x.com/BookedInOnline

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

Burnout in early years leadership rarely comes from one big problem.

It can build through staff shortages, recruitment pressures, increasing responsibilities, Ofsted expectations and the constant pressure to support your team while keeping a nursery running.

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Tracey Hughes, a regional manager with extensive experience in early years leadership, who currently oversees 15 nursery settings.

Tracey shares her journey from nursery nurse to regional manager and offers an honest insight into the challenges facing nursery leaders today.

We explore staff shortages, team wellbeing, workplace culture and why leaders need support too. Tracey explains how sharing resources, developing an in-house agency and creating a strong culture can help teams manage pressure and maintain morale.

We also explore the importance of reflective leadership and coaching, including why room leaders need the right support and training to become confident leaders themselves.

Most importantly, this conversation highlights why effective leadership isn't about doing everything yourself. It's about creating a culture where people feel supported, valued and able to ask for help.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The biggest challenges facing nursery and early years leaders
• Staff shortages, wellbeing and building a supportive workplace culture
• Reflective leadership, coaching and developing confident room leaders
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

If you work in early years, nursery leadership or education and you're feeling stretched or overwhelmed, this episode offers practical insights into leading well while protecting your team's wellbeing. If you found this episode helpful, follow Beat Teacher Burnout for more honest conversations about educator wellbeing, leadership and preventing burnout. 

____

Connect with Tracy Hughes:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tracy-hughes

Email: [email protected]

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

Burnout rarely happens overnight.

For many teachers, school leaders and early years professionals, it builds quietly through relentless pressure, impossible expectations and the belief that caring more means doing more.

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Dr Jane Todd, former teacher, school leader, lecturer and nursery owner, for an honest conversation about the hidden emotional cost of working in education.

Jane shares her personal journey from thriving in leadership to experiencing burnout and physical collapse. Together, we explore why so many educators struggle to switch off, why guilt makes setting boundaries feel impossible and how perfectionism can slowly erode wellbeing, confidence and relationships.

This isn't a conversation about doing less. It's about creating a more sustainable way of working, so you can continue making a difference without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Whether you're a teacher, nursery practitioner, school leader or anyone working in education, this episode will help you recognise the warning signs of burnout and remind you that looking after yourself isn't selfish. It's one of the most important things you can do.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why burnout develops gradually and the warning signs to look out for
• How guilt, perfectionism and people pleasing keep educators trapped
• Practical ways to set healthy boundaries and protect your wellbeing
• What it takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in education

If this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Every review helps more educators discover practical conversations that support wellbeing, prevent burnout and help people thrive in education.

____

Connect with Jane Todd:

Website: janetodd.co.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/early_years_jane

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jane.todd.165

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jane-todd

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What if burnout doesn't begin when you feel exhausted?

What if it starts much earlier, when being constantly busy becomes your normal?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Angelica Celinska to explore why so many educators, school leaders and early years professionals find it difficult to slow down, switch off and truly look after themselves.

Together, we talk about the hidden signs of burnout, the pressure to always keep going and why putting yourself last can quietly become a habit. Angelica shares her own experiences and practical insights into creating healthier boundaries, becoming more present and recognising that caring for yourself isn't selfish - it's essential.

This is an honest conversation about what it really means to thrive in education, not just survive. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, carrying the weight of leadership or simply wondering why it's become so hard to switch off, I hope this episode reminds you that your wellbeing matters too.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why burnout often develops gradually rather than all at once

• The hidden emotional load carried by educators

• How boundaries protect both your wellbeing and your effectiveness

• Why being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others

• Practical reflections to help you protect your energy without losing your passion

If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love you to follow the podcast, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can help create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone working in education.

____

Connect with Angelica Celinska:

Website: thevoiceofearlychildhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevoiceofearlychildhood

Spotify:⁠ open.spotify.com/show/2kXHzjEqapUCAjOHQinh7m

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-voice-of-early-childhood                

www.linkedin.com/in/angelicacelinska

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheVoiceofEarlyChildhood

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, educator, Montessori specialist and spaces expert Lucy Gibson shares why stress isn't always about workload. Sometimes it's the pace we live at, the spaces we spend time in and the expectations we place on ourselves that quietly drain our energy.

Lucy reflects on her journey from Brazil to the UK and explains how embracing change, slowing down and creating calm, intentional environments can transform the way we live and work. Together, we explore why resilience isn't about constantly pushing through, but about recognising what helps us thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, nursery practitioner, parent or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life, this conversation is full of practical ideas to help you create more balance, protect your wellbeing and reconnect with what matters most.

In this episode, we explore :

• Why your environment plays such an important role in wellbeing
• Building resilience through periods of uncertainty and change
• The benefits of slowing down in a fast-paced world
• How nature can support mental wellbeing
• Creating calmer spaces for ourselves and the children we support
• Living with greater purpose, gratitude and balance

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Beat Teacher Burnout, leave a review and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation. Your support helps more educators and professionals discover practical ways to reduce stress, prevent burnout and thrive both at work and beyond.

____

Connect with Lucy Gibson: 

Website: positivelysimple.org.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/positivelysimple.uk

Spotify:⁠ open.spotify.com/show/0EH7FtkOvrUqLnenA2uwNn

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/positivelysimple

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Institute_Montessori_Training

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨

Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: 👉https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : 👉https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here:

https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What happens when one of education's most respected voices admits that he nearly burned out?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Ross McGill, founder of Teacher Toolkit, to explore the reality of teaching in a profession that asks so much of the people within it.

Ross shares the personal experiences that shaped his career, from working unsustainable hours and navigating redundancy to reflecting on the pressures that many educators now see as simply "part of the job". Together, we discuss why stress has become normalised in education, what happens when work begins to consume every part of life, and why so many dedicated professionals struggle to recognise the difference they're making.

This is an honest conversation about workload, wellbeing, resilience and the challenge of sustaining a career in education without sacrificing yourself along the way.

Whether you're a teacher, school leader, SENCO, nursery practitioner or anyone supporting children and young people, you'll find practical insights, reassurance and a powerful reminder that looking after yourself isn't separate from your work, it's part of it.

In this episode, we explore :

• The hidden cost of teacher burnout
• Why workload isn't the whole story
• The pressure of accountability and inspections
• Creating healthier boundaries between work and home
• Recognising your impact when you're feeling overwhelmed
• What schools can do to better support staff wellbeing
• How to build a sustainable career in education

If this conversation resonates with you, follow Beat Teacher Burnout and share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear it.

Because education needs great teachers. Great teachers need support.

Connect with Ross Morrison McGill :

Website: www.teachertoolkit.co.uk

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/teachertoolkit

Facebook:⁠ www.facebook.com/TeacherToolkit

Linkedin: uk.linkedin.com/company/teachertoolkitofficial

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TeacherToolkit

✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  

✨Follow Rowena:

👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks

👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926

👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks

👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com

—

Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧

New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1

👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571

👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ 

—

Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books

Buy on Amazon:

👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV

👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg

Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here:

https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Lisa Lea-Weston from Talking Heads Supervision to explore the connection between leadership, wellbeing, and burnout.

Together, we discuss what supervision really is and why it offers something different from coaching. We explore how having a dedicated space to reflect can help leaders process the emotional weight they carry and ultimately support the children and young people they serve more effectively.

A major theme throughout the conversation is burnout and the shame that often surrounds it. We talk openly about how many leaders continue pushing through exhaustion because they care deeply about their work, their teams, and the people they support.

We also explore the reality that we do not leave our personal lives at the school gate. Life events, stress, loss, illness, and emotional challenges all impact how we show up at work, and pretending otherwise can come at a significant cost.

Another important focus is workplace culture. We discuss the kinds of environments that allow people to thrive, where honest conversations are encouraged, support is available, and people feel able to ask for what they need. We also explore how creativity, collaboration, and innovation flourish when people are trusted to learn from mistakes rather than fear them.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the importance of self-awareness, recognising the early signs of stress, and understanding why those who care the most are often the people most vulnerable to burnout.

Finally, we share practical ways to reconnect with ourselves during difficult periods, including the role of nature, gratitude, connection, and finding moments of joy in everyday life.

Overall, this is a compassionate and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, wellbeing, empathy, and creating healthier ways of working.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• What supervision is and how it differs from coaching
• Why leader wellbeing impacts children and young people
• The connection between empathy, caring, and burnout
• Why shame often prevents people from seeking support
• How healthy workplace cultures support wellbeing
• Why creativity thrives when people feel trusted
• How to recognise the early signs of burnout
• Practical ways to resource yourself during challenging times

Key Message

Burnout doesn't happen because people don't care.

Often, it happens because they care deeply and continue giving long after their own resources have been depleted.

When we create space for honest reflection, recognise the signs of overwhelm, and allow ourselves to seek support, we are better able to care for ourselves, our teams, and the people who rely on us every day.

Connect with Lisa Lea-Weston:

Website: talkingheadssupervision.co.uk

Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/talkingheadsoak⁠

Facebook:⁠ www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsOak

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/talkingheadssupervision

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

Website: www.rowenahicks.com

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