Teacher Well Being

Teacher Well Being

Recently I attended a SENCO conference on mental health and well being.  It was a truly fantastic conference organised by Forest Way Teaching School Alliance.

One of the speakers, Des Hewitt, was very inspiring when he spoke about the importance of looking after teachers mental health and well being.  It made me realise some of the elements in my career that have helped me to keep going.  

1. Connect with others

For me the connection with other teachers has always revitalised me when I am feeling uninspired.  This is mainly through connecting with teachers around Europe through eTwinning.  I know that the network of UK eTwinners and European eTwinners are always there to support and offer suggestions.  I also know that this community holds the principles of education as being collaborative as central.  The ideas and resources that are shared, as well as, the fantastic opportunities I have had through eTwinning have ensured that I haven't become disillusioned with teaching.

2. Learn something new

I have always enjoyed learning and have had plenty of opportunities to be a lifelong learner. In my career, I have been fortunate enough to have head teachers who allowed me to take part in a range of CPD.  Some of my passions are SEN, literacy and iPads.  However, through eTwinning, I have learnt a lot about computing and technology.  I have been able to attend courses at the future classroom lab.  The future classroom lab is in Brussels and the presenters there are so inspiring, with some great ideas for activities to inspire learning in class.  Not only therefore have I learnt new things but the pupils I work with also benefit.

3. Be aware of your own feelings

This is a very personal one.  While working at a different school someone suggested I need more resilience.  This led me to question what resilience is and whether I did lack it.  I think that being aware of my own feelings is far more important.  I was very unhappy at that school and once I recognised this I was able to deal with this.  I handed my notice and moved on to the role I am in now.  I am much happier, although it is not easy.  I am also honest with the people around me and make sure I make time to connect with others in school.  It is really important that we are aware of how are feeling affect our interactions and I hope that I have become much better at this.

4. Get Active

Just before the summer I began running again with a couple of friends.  This is something I know has a very positive effect and is one of the hardest to keep doing. I haven't been as active recently and I do notice this.  I know that to keep positive, running is one of the best things I can do.  However, at the moment I am trying to do either a walk or a run as I have hurt my knee.

5. Do something good for others.

At school at the moment there is a lot of pressure from external advisors.  This is leading to staff feeling quite low at the moment.  Des Hewitt, talked about an NQT who made some well being bags for staff at her school.  It was such a lovely idea that I wanted to try and do something similar.  I contacted a number of educational companies to see if they would be willing to donate anything to my teacher well being bags.  The response was absolutely amazing.  

Thanks to Twinkl, eTwinning, TTS, Worth it projects, Be the Jellyfish, Curve Theatre, Action for Happiness, Education Support Partnership and Nasen for sending donations.

Tomorrow I will be giving these bags out to all the staff in school not just teacher's but every adult who works in school.  I hope it goes a little was to helping everyone feel their contribution is valued and hopefully they will all try to do follow the advice of the teacher 5 a day for mental health and well being.