Let's Talk About Teacher Wellbeing

Join educator and coach Carolyn Aukafolau as she explores how to teach at your best by taking a strategic approach to your own wellbeing. Carolyn has years of experience, from classroom teacher to school principal. She has taught in New Zealand, Tonga and most recently in Hong Kong leading a team supporting neurodiverse students, their teachers and their families. She has tons of lived experience and stories, along with up to date wellbeing science to share with you. This show is designed to support you to gain clarity over YOUR version of wellbeing. Find out more at teachingsuccess.co.nz

Your Body Knows Best: Listening to the teacher within - Episode 7

In this episode, Carolyn explores the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways your body might be signalling that your teaching life is out of balance. From jaw clenching to an upset tummy, she walks you through five powerful physical cues that often go unnoticed, and what they might really mean.You’ll hear practical tips to reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and respond with compassion, not just coping. Whether you’re running on adrenaline, battling tension headaches, or simply exhausted no matter how much you sleep, this episode will help you tune in and reset.Perfect for new teachers, experienced educators, and anyone feeling the physical toll of classroom life.

06-12
16:21

Building Confidence as New Teacher - Episode 6

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Teacher Wellbeing, we’re diving into something every new teacher feels at some point — self-doubt, comparison, and that sneaky inner critic. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough or felt like everyone else has it all together, this one’s for you.Carolyn shares three powerful strategies to help you build real confidence in your early years of teaching — from the inside out. Learn how to move through doubts, celebrate the small wins that matter, and find the right people to support you on your journey.Plus, get access to a free resource: Becoming a Confident Teacher — a printable journal full of tools and prompts to help you grow your confidence with courage and clarity.Download it here: www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/confidence

05-07
13:08

Managing Stress at School: Practical Strategies for New Teachers - Episode 5

Starting out as a teacher can be exciting — but also overwhelming, especially when stress creeps in day after day. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Teacher Wellbeing, Carolyn shares three practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help new teachers stay calm, focused, and in control when things feel stressful.You’ll learn:How to use micro-pauses to stay grounded during busy momentsA simple way to plan ahead for common classroom stressorsA quick end-of-day reset routine to leave school at schoolPlus, don’t miss the chance to learn more with Carolyn’s free online workshop: The New Teacher Recharge Plan: How to Reset Without Starting Over.You’ll walk away with a fresh plan to support your wellbeing — without needing to find more hours in the day. Sign up at www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset

04-17
17:10

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

04-13
09:54

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.

12-23
12:18

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 info@teachingsuccess.co.nz Click the button to subscribe!

12-12
18:20

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

12-04
20:07

Trailer Episode - Let's Talk About Teacher Wellbeing

Listen to an overview of what to expect in upcoming episodes.

12-03
05:40

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