Dear School Leader

Dear School Leader

By Carolyn AukafolauEducation
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Dear School Leader episodes

  • First Term Reflections: A Practical Guide for New Teachers

    You made it through the first term — and whether it felt empowering, overwhelming, or a mix of both, this episode is for you.

    Join me for a calm, thoughtful conversation about what it really means to reflect on your first term of teaching. We’ll talk about why this phase often feels messy (and why that’s completely normal), how to pause without self-judgment, and how to use three simple questions to make sense of what’s working and what you want to change going forward.

    If you're feeling unsure, tired, or ready to reset — this episode will help you.

    And if you’d like more support heading into the new term, I’ve got something for you.
    I’m hosting a free webinar next week called How to Reset Without Starting Over — a short, practical workshop to help new teachers reflect, refresh, and make small, meaningful changes for the term ahead.

    Because a reset doesn’t mean throwing everything out and starting again. It means taking what’s already working, letting go of what’s not, and moving forward with more clarity, energy, and ease — without having to start from scratch.

    Register at: www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset

    You’re doing better than you think — and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

    10 min
  • Unwind and Recharge: Teacher Wellbeing During the Break

    In this episode I talk about strategies to help educators truly unwind, recharge, and make the most of the festive season. The episode is packed with ideas to ensure you return to school ready to teach at your best.

    The holiday season can be both joyous and challenging, so we start by acknowledging the importance of positive relationships and explore ways to connect with friends, family, and colleagues during the break. 

    I discuss how taking time away from school provides an opportunity for reflection, allowing you to recognise the positive changes and progress that has taken place over the year.

    I delve into the challenge of managing a busy mind and share practical tips to help you truly disconnect from school-related thoughts. Your wellbeing matters, and this break is a gift you can give to both yourself and your students.

    Tune in for valuable insights, relaxation techniques, and a warm reminder to prioritise your own self-care. 

    I wish each and every one of you a joyous break filled with warmth, laughter, and relaxation.


    13 min
  • Self-Care Essentials for Teachers

    In today’s episode we will look more deeply into the concept of self-care for teachers. You will hear me say this a million times, but we have to fill our own cup before we can serve others. 

    Please join me as I share my own personal journey with prioritising self-care. We will discuss three essential strategies that can help you thrive in and out of the classroom - from setting boundaries and incorporating self-care into our daily routines to how we talk to ourselves. 

    • The book I reference in the podcast is 'Beating Burnout and Finding Balance' by Melo Calarco (2023).
      • Get your free Morning Routine Checklist by clicking here

      • If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you at [email protected]


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        19 min
      • Busy Teacher Morning Routine

        Hello Teacher,

        Do you want to have a calmer, more organised start to your busy teaching day? This episode will help you create a completely personalised morning routine just for you.

        I have a free downloadable resource called ‘The Busy Teacher Morning Routine Checklist’ to accompany this podcast.

        Click the link below to get the checklist, so you can start feeling better about your mornings and have a more productive day at school. 

        https://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/morning-routine-opt-in-page


        21 min

      About Dear School Leader

      From the publisher's feed

      Most school leaders never get the one thing they need most, space to hear themselves think. Dear School Leader creates that space.