Teacher Wellbeing

I’m deliberately doing this episode directly after Gabbie’s 2 part episodes because I know they may have stirred up a lot for some of you. The content of Gabbie’s book Teacher and the content of our conversation, while really important, also touches on some real sore points for teachers. I know because you tell me and I know because they’re sore points for me too. So I want to say right up front that this episode is as much a note to self as it is a message to you. I hope that this episode it brings you as much comfort as it did to me in writing it and putting it together.
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I think this week’s episode is an absolute must-listen for any teacher today. It’s Part 2 of my conversation with Gabbie Stroud, author of the best-selling book ‘Teacher’, and if you haven’t yet, I do recommend you go and listen to Part 1 of this interview which is the previous episode on the podcast. In that episode Gabbie told us a bit about her story, we talked about the expectations on teachers and the state of education in 2019 and the visible and invisible work of the job. Plus Gabbie told us how writing the book was cathartic for her and she shared some of her recovery process too.
In Part 2, we talk about the ‘soldier on’ culture in our schools and why that’s so dangerous, and how important but also how difficult real rest is. Gabbie also shares very honestly her grief over leaving teaching and the struggles that she’s had since then, plus we have what I think is possibly the most important conversation of the year when it comes to teacher health and wellbeing and burnout, which is around financial security.
It’s something that I just don’t think is discussed enough and I’m so so grateful for the absolute honesty that Gabbie displays here. We discuss how when you’re at your wits end and physically and emotionally burnt out, you aren’t always in a great state to be making wise decisions, and while quitting your teaching job may seem to be the thing you should do because it’s causing so much stress, it actually be taking you out of the frying pan and into the fire.
We also talk about what’s on the horizon for Gabbie, including the book she’s writing called ‘A letter to the parents of Australia’, and what wellbeing looks like for her these days. It’s a really great conversation and I hope you enjoy!
You can find Gabbie on Facebook or Instagram @gabbiestroud and Twitter @gj_stroud
The blog post I mention at the end of this episode can be found here, and you can also check out my Teachers Pay Teachers Store here, or the Patreon page here. Thank you all for your continued support!

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I’m so excited to bring you this episode of the podcast with a woman who I’m sure needs no introduction!
Gabbie Stroud is a freelance writer, novelist and recovering teacher. Her critical commentary of Australia’s education system was published in Griffith Review’s Edition 51 Fixing The System. Links to the essay went ‘viral’ on social media and the essay was viewed 24 000 times within the first two weeks of publication. ‘Teacher’ is Gabbie’s memoir, expanding on that essay and bringing readers into today’s challenging classrooms.
So in this episode of the Teacher Wellbeing Podcast Gabbie shares with us a bit about her story and we talk about her brilliant book, and how it has really lifted the lid on the conversation around education in the Australian media landscape. We talk about the shifts Gabbie has seen in education in the last 20 years, and the shifts in her language and feeling and life that eventually led her to making the decision not to teach anymore in this current system.
We ended up having such a great chat that it went for an hour, so I’ve split it into two parts. You’ll hear the first part of our conversation this week and the second part next week, so stay tuned for that!
You can find Gabbie on Facebook or Instagram @gabbiestroud and Twitter @gj_stroud

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It is great that schools are providing wellbeing strategies and services to their staff, but they often seem to cover only half of the wellbeing equation.
Positive Psychology + Positive Physiology = Wellbeing

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In this episode you will hear Part 2 of my interview with Elise. If you haven’t yet, go back and listen to Part 1 so that this half to he conversation makes sense! In Part 1 she tells us about some serious health challenges she’s faced, including a really, REALLY important message about vocal care, plus how important a culture of wellbeing is in a school.
So while in Part 1 we talked a lot about school experiences of wellbeing there, the conversation shifts in Part 2 to be about Elise’s personal life and wellbeing, and the self-care practices in place that she supports herself with. It’s so great to hear how she has changed her practices and also her mindset from paying attention to what’s working and what’s not, and being willing to try things to see how they will or won’t support her wellbeing. Elise’s story is also such a great example of how powerful coaching is to help upgrade and improve our wellbeing both in the classroom and in life.
You can also find out about the Mind Management Pilot Program starting in mid July. Read more and book here: selfcareforteachers.com.au/mind

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In this episode we hear another teacher story, this time from Elise. Elise tells us about some serious health challenges she’s faced, including a really important message for teachers about vocal care.
We cover so many great points and it was such a good conversation that it actually went for nearly an hour, so I’ve split it into 2 parts. This episode, part 1, focuses on workplace stuff, the wellbeing challenges and the impact a leadership team that is proactively supportive of staff wellbeing has been.
In Part 2 we focus on the more personal wellbeing side of things, and Elise shares some great tips there too, so stay tuned for that next week.
Throughout both of these episodes, Elise mentions Katrina Bourke from Katrina Bourke Coaching, who is a friend and supporter of this podcast and has been a wonderful sponsor for a couple of seasons now. I do want to say, though, that this is NOT a sponsored episode, Katrina is not paying me to or Elise to say any of this. This is just a very real and honest testimonial for the power of coaching, and of course for Katrina’s wonderful work both with individuals and with school staff.
If you’d like to work with me there are a number of ways to do that, with individual coaching or group programs, online resources and also some in person workshops. You can find out more and book a discovery call with me at www.selfcareforteachers.com.au/coaching or sign up for all the resources on the Freebies Library, and stay tuned to the SC4T Facebook page for updates, events and resources.
As always, remember you are a person first and a teacher second and you are worthy of your own care x

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Despite the jokes that teaching is 9 - 3 with 12 weeks holiday a year, we know it to be otherwise. We know that the work starts well before 9am, finishes well after 3pm and that large parts of those holidays are usually spent working too. We also know that workload has been increasing over the last 10-20 years. The introduction of new improvement measures such as Professional Standards for Teachers and the national curriculum, as well as the impact of NAPLAN and the My School Website have resulted in more administrative work, much of which arguably has little to do with the actual running of a classroom day to day.
There is a vast invisible workload required of teachers today, much of which isn't only invisible to the general public but it's also going unnoticed and unacknowledged by us too. As well as the administrative requirements of the job, the mental load of running a classroom and the emotional labour inherent in the role are increasing too.
This episode is about that invisible work, and while there are no quick fixes, I offer some steps to take to help survive and practise self-care in the process.
The Teachers Thriving list of Employee Assistance ServicesMental load cartoon by French Cartoonist Emma, in the GuardianMental load ABC article by Leah RuppannahBBC Emotional labour articleToggl AppThe work hours tracking sheet on the Self-Care for Teachers Freebies LibraryBooks mentioned: “The Wife Drought” by Annabelle Crabb and “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

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In this episode I interview Kelsey, a teacher from the United States. She shares with us her wellbeing challenges of being consumed by the job in her first year, and losing her identity as a person. Kelsey then tells us how she has overcome this through intentional personal growth and self-care. We talk about decision fatigue, the power of rituals and routines, and learning to switch off at night.
You can find Kelsey at @adventuringkelsey on Facebook and Instagram and also at adventuringkelsey.com
Connect with me @selfcareforteachers on Facebook and Instagram and at selfcareforteachers.com.au
I also have a couple of announcements!

1. If you’re in South East QLD Miranda from Kickstart Martial Arts and Yoga and I are running another PD, a Teacher Wellbeing Workshop in Toowoomba on Saturday the 29th June, so head to selfcareforteachers.com.au/workshop for the details and to book. Spots are limited so get in quick!
2. Speaking of events, make sure you keep an eye on the Facebook events list because I’m also running another free online video training on Saturday the 15th June at 9am, if you miss it it will be going into the freebies library so head to selfcareforteachers.com.au/library to check that out!
3. I’m also currently taking expressions of interest for a new group program I’ll be running in Terms 3 and 4 of this year, all about having a better time managing and minding your mind. We touch on decision fatigue a little bit in this episode and I know that is something teachers struggle with, and of course there’s a whole lot of other cognitive demands that impact us too, things like focus vs distraction, also called deep work vs shallow work, the mental energy required to be ‘on’ in the classroom all day versus the type of thinking that’s required for planning, preparation, marketing and reporting tasks. Plus just switching off before bed. So anyway, if you’re interested in taking part in a pilot program along those lines, send me a PM or a DM on Facebook or Instagram and let me know you’re interested in the mind management program, and I’ll send through more details.
4. And last but certainly not least, it’s the middle of the year and the end of Term time which is a time often you can feel a bit exhausted and frustrated and just over it. And honestly, that’s the perfect time to think about what you want to change. So I’m making myself available for some one-off Reflect + Refocus coaching sessions on the school holidays to help you get clear on what you’d like to change in the 2nd half of the year and how you’d like to support yourself with your health and wellbeing, as a person first and a teacher second. Now these are one offs, no ongoing coaching commitment, just time for your to Reflect + Refocus on you during the school holidays. So head to selfcareforteachers.com.au/coaching for more info on that!

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In this episode I speak with Linda Back from Zest Natural Therapies. Linda works with a lot of teachers so I felt she was a great guest to cover this topic because she really does have a good understanding and appreciation of the kind of work that we do and the demands of working in a school that are different to other workplaces. We talk about all things to do with gut health and the immune system, which is such an important thing and very timely too at this time of year.
Disclaimer: This podcast episode is NOT medical advice, this is general information only and you need to speak to your health practitioner to get advice that is right for you.
Connect with Linda via her website zestnaturaltherapies.com.au, on Facebook, or email her at [email protected]
Some articles Linda suggests are below, and you can also check out her free e-course on immmunity here.

• Low immunity/continual colds & flus: https://www.zestnaturaltherapies.com.au/why-we-get-sick-and-what-to-do-about-it/
• Burnout recovery: https://www.zestnaturaltherapies.com.au/healing-burnout/
• Zinc https://www.zestnaturaltherapies.com.au/7-things-didnt-know-zinc-really/
• Magnesium: https://www.zestnaturaltherapies.com.au/9-signs-need-make-magnesium-friend/
• Gut health: https://www.zestnaturaltherapies.com.au/5-steps-healthy-happy-tummy

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I share 5 steps to changing your health habits and improving your wellbeing as a teacher. When I’m coaching teachers, running live webinars or presenting workshops and retreats, you tell me that your habits are something you know undermines your wellbeing, especially as the busy times of term set in. So hopefully this episode will be quite timely for you and will help you cultivate wellbeing habits that support your health and happiness not just on the school holidays but throughout the year as well.
Find some helpful worksheets, including a self-coaching worksheet, a healthy habit tracker and a free training about healthy habit hacks, in the freebies library on the Self-Care for Teachers Resource Room: www.selfcareforteachers.com.au/library
I also have some important people to thank. In case you don’t know, podcasts are free to listen to but they’re not free to make and if you’ve been paying attention on the socials, you’ll know I ran a successful crowdfunding campaign earlier in the year to make this Season 5 of the show possible. I want to publicly thank the people who supported this show via that Pozible campaign. So, a big shout out goes to Naomi Arnold, Jessica B, Penny C, Bek P, Kelsey G, Jessica D, Amanda Rootsey, Leanne, Jess H, Amorina, Marie-Therese, David Masefield, Valda, Karly Nimmo, Naomi C, Sarah P, Phil C, Miranda, Katrina Bourke from Katrina Bourke Coaching, Katie McCray from See Me, Know Me, Teach Me, Jessica Terlick from Lead and Inspire, Trudy from Teachers Thriving and Zoe Eather from My Smart Community.
There were also a number of wonderful, wonderful people who contributed to the crowdfunded who wished to remain anonymous, and I completely respect their wish. However, I do want to give them a shout out here as well without mentioning names. So thank you, dear anonymous supporters, you know who you are and I am truly grateful.
Notes and links can be found at www.selfcareforteachers.com.au and follow me on the socials @selfcareforteachers
If you enjoyed this episode, and especially if it made you think about a teacher that you care about who you think needs to hear this message, please share it with them. Hit the 3 dots on whatever podcatcher you're listening in and share the episode to your socials. Or, send your friends to https://pod.link/teacherwellbeing
As always, remember you're a person first and a teacher second and you are worthy of your own care x

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