Whether you are a Christmas Elf or a Scrooge, there is no denying that the festive season is finally upon us! It is now completely legitimate to stick on Wham!, deck the halls and begin wishing anyone and everyone a Merry Christmas. (Is it obvious yet that I am, in fact, a Christmas Elf?) Yet, the time of Advent can give us some valuable reflections when it comes to teacher wellbeing.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How Advent can lead us to appreciate the small things

• The importance of treating yourself everyday

• How to focus on what really matters to you in your life

Whether this is your favourite time of the year or not, there are opportunities to discover that will help you to create clear boundaries so that you can thrive in teaching. Have a go at the suggestions in this episode and see how you get on.

Resources:

• FREE 4 types of boundaries you need to thrive in teaching and 4 steps you can take to create them: https://www.subscribepage.com/typesofboundaries

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Teacher presenteeism is rife. Education Support report that 46% of teachers always go into work when unwell. Although this may seem admirable, it is actually having a negative impact on your teacher wellbeing and that of your colleagues. In order to thrive in teaching, you must put your needs first.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The pressures to go into school when you are unwell

• How going in when you are unwell is not in your students’ best interests

• The importance of putting your needs first

Teacher presenteeism is a pandemic within itself and is weakening education as teachers wear themselves into the ground. Yet, it doesn’t have to be like this. As a teacher, you should always prioritise your own needs first. What you need are boundaries. Check out my free resource below for top tips and advice.

Resources:

• FREE 4 types of boundaries you need to thrive in teaching and 4 steps you can take to create them: https://www.subscribepage.com/typesofboundaries

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Despite schools being full to the brim of human beings, the sector is guilty of not always treating its occupants in the most compassionate and humane manner. Data-driven, results-based, progression-centred: the education sector has lost its heart. Although schools are dedicated to the needs and wellbeing of their students, it’s not always so easy to see this care being given to staff. In order to retain staff and help them to thrive, schools can become more human-centric.

What you will learn in this episode:

• What the human-centric model is

• How it will help schools to support teacher wellbeing

• Steps schools can take to put this model into practice

Despite education being a human-filled sector, more can be done to support the humans within the sector. Schools cannot run without teachers. Therefore, it is imperative that teacher-wellbeing is put in the centre of all schools. Ultimately, everyone will benefit.

Resources:

• FREE 4 types of boundaries you need to thrive in teaching and 4 steps you can take to create them: https://www.subscribepage.com/typesofboundaries

• Human-centred design: https://www.shopify.com/ca/partners/blog/human-centered-design

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall • Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Teaching can often feel like a never-ending to-do list. More seems to be added at the top with not enough things being ticked off at the bottom. It can feel like an endless cycle. If you feel like this, you’re not alone. According to TES, 37% of teachers reported that they work more than 51 hours a week and a total of 68% say the volume of workload was a “major reason” for considering leaving the profession. When this is the case, a work-life blend can feel like a pipe dream.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The difference between a work-life balance and a work-life blend

• Some of the barriers that stand in the way of teachers’ work-life blend

• Steps you can take to give yourself a work-life blend

There are things that you as an individual teacher can do to bring about your own ideal work-life blend. Try out the suggestions in this episode and see how you get on.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Despite the attractions of teaching, the education sector has a retention crisis on its hands. The government is trying to make teaching appealing to graduates with the increased pay for NQTs and the EC.  Yet, 1 in 6 teachers are still leaving the sector in their first year. Although there are no easy fixes or short-term wins that will immediately alleviate the crisis, teacher boundaries will help to reform teaching and empower teachers to find a way to thrive in teaching by protecting their wellbeing.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The steps that the DfE are currently taking to alleviate the teacher retention crisis

• How teacher boundaries can be part of the solution

• Quick wins you can introduce to promote your teacher wellbeing

There will be a period of time where the effects of the teacher retention crisis will felt intensely by all involved in the education sector. However, the department of education, schools and individual teachers can take steps now that will help to turn the tide in education for all.

Resources:

• Maslow’ Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

In teaching, it is easy to fall prey to saying yes to everything: saying yes to SLT requests and demands, saying yes to opportunities that may bring you your next promotion or saying yes to students. Yet, there are consequences to saying yes all the time: too many plates to keep spinning, overwhelm or a never ending to-do list! Saying no is tough in teaching but it is vital for creating clear boundaries.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How saying no can avoid disappointment

• How you can say no in a safe and positive manner

• How saying no can empower your students and colleagues

The key thing to remember is that you don’t have to be a people pleaser in school. It is possible and acceptable for you to say no. Give it a try this week.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

When you are trying to create clear boundaries for yourself in teaching, it can often feel like you are coming up against a system that does not support teachers having boundaries and work-life blends. 1 in 3 teachers are leaving in their first five years of being in the classroom. The education sector currently struggles to recruit enough teachers. Teacher wellbeing is at a low with 77% experiencing symptoms of poor mental health due to their work. No wonder many teachers resolve to leave the profession. It can feel like an uphill struggle with little support from schools themselves to make positive changes. Yet, schools can make minor changes that can empower you to create clear boundaries and love teaching again.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How role modelling boundaries can encourage other members of staff to grow their own

• The impact school culture can have on wellbeing

• The positive impact of teacher wellbeing on student attainment

Take time out this week to consider small changes that could be made in your school to improve teacher boundaries. Take it one step further and chat to your colleagues about what could be done.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Teaching is an incredibly fulfilling career but it has a tendency to take over your life if you let it. Learning to switch off is vital because it empowers you to thrive in teaching and enjoy a long, fulfilling career.

What you will learn in this episode:

• What may be stopping you from switching off

• To remember that you are enough and are worthy of switching off

• 3 steps you can take today to help yourself switch off from teaching

To help you switch off more effectively, check out episodes 16 and 28 for tips on how to say no safely and positively. You can also download a FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life resource below.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Work-life balance can feel like a pipe dream for many teachers. Teaching can often seep into all areas of your life simply because it is a valuable element of your life and can be all consuming at the same time. So, how do you create a work-life balance that works for you?

What you will learn in this episode:

• How you can create a work-life blend that works for you

• The power of choice that you have

• Steps you can take today to create a happy work-life blend with teaching

The word of this episode is CHOICE. You have the choice of how much time and energy you apply to teaching. It’s a case of being brave and taking that active step towards choosing a work-life blend that works for you.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall

Having clear teacher boundaries is hugely beneficial. Not only do you feel better about school and get to have a life outside of school, but studies have shown that your students also benefit when you have better wellbeing.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How you can benefit from having clear teacher boundaries

• The positive impact it can have on your students and colleagues

• The extensive benefits boundaries can have for schools too

If this episode has left you feeling inspired to create your own clear boundaries in teaching, check out my FREE resource that will help you to switch off from teaching, which is available in the links below.

Resources:

• FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching

• “The impact of teacher wellbeing and mental health on pupil progress in primary schools” https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/carnegie-school-of-education/research/carnegie-centre-of-excellence-for-mental-health-in-schools/school-mental-health-network/-/media/253bcf64213a4a8582a2a0a2be6b1d49.ashx

• Join our friendly Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries

• Find me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gemmadrinkall_headsphere/

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GemmaDrinkallHeadSphere

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-drinkall-10a9861a0/

• Twitter: twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall

• Linktree: linktr.ee/GemmaDrinkall