Beat Teacher Burnout!

When did someone last remind you that you’re human, not just a job title?In this special compilation of Beat Teacher Burnout, I share powerful moments from guests who have shaped my thinking about teacher wellbeing, school leadership and burnout.After 30+ years in education and experiencing burnout myself, I know how easily we lose sight of our own needs. We explore burnout, self-worth, imposter syndrome, positive leadership and the power of connection, reminding us that we don’t need to have all the answers.Add a clearer viewing call to action make the opening question more specificIn this episode, we discuss:Teacher burnout, stress and the emotional pressures of working in educationStaff wellbeing, positive leadership and creating supportive school culturesImposter syndrome, self-doubt and recognising our own worthOvercoming shame through connection and honest conversationsFinding purpose, asking for help and protecting your wellbeingThis episode is for teachers, school leaders, SENCOs and education professionals who want to understand burnout, protect their wellbeing and create healthier workplaces.If you feel you must keep going or prove you are good enough, remember: you are human. You don't have to be perfect to make a difference.Your health matters. You matter too.Please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout to help more educators.Watch the full episode on YouTube and revisit these conversations:Episode 76 | Can Kindness to Yourself Save Your Teaching Career? | George AthanasiouWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/CS0RuBVEts8Episode 75 | Are We Measuring the Wrong Things? | Chloe FoxWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/5OZsPoIGF8gEpisode 79 | The Weight Leaders Carry and Why It Matters | Dame Alison PeacockWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/idY3z9adeiIEpisode 88 | Kindness Leads to Burnout | Lisa Lee WestonWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/M0leEA5vOikEpisode 52 | From Doubt to Deputy CEO: Daniel's Journey | Daniel TerryWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/1xJ9wL2SQFQ____Connect with Guests:George Athanasiou: Website: www.educationalconsultancy.netLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/george-athanasiouFacebook: www.facebook.com/georgeeducationalconsultantChloe Fox:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chloefoxpastoralDame Alison Peacock:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dame-alison-peacockInstagram: www.instagram.com/damealisonLisa Lea-Weston:Website: talkingheadssupervision.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/talkingheadsoakFacebook: www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsOak Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/talkingheadssupervisionYoutube: www.youtube.com/@lisaleawestonoakpracticet3490Daniel Terry: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-terry___✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ   ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com___Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks___Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What happens when dedication to education comes at the cost of your own health?In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Lucy and Jonathan Coy, founders of HeadteacherChat, to discuss teacher burnout, illness, bereavement and the pressures of school leadership.Lucy shares her experience of facing a possible cancer diagnosis while continuing to work, while Jonathan reflects on starting his first headship during a deeply challenging period in his personal life. Their stories reveal how easily responsibility, guilt and a passion for education can lead us to put our own wellbeing last.We explore why teachers and school leaders struggle to take time off, the pressure to keep going when life becomes difficult and why strong support networks matter. We also discuss practical ways to manage stress, set boundaries and create a healthier balance between work and personal life.In this episode, we discuss:Teacher burnout and the pressures of school leadershipCoping with illness and bereavement while working in educationWhy educators struggle to prioritise their wellbeingGuilt, responsibility and unhealthy working habitsThe importance of peer support, coaching and mentoringSetting boundaries and protecting life outside schoolHow Head Teacher Chat supports school leadersThis episode is for teachers, headteachers, deputy headteachers, SENCOs and education professionals who want to recognise the signs of burnout and build healthier working lives.If you have ever felt that you must keep going because everyone depends on you, this episode is a reminder that your health matters too.If you enjoyed this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, please follow, rate and share the podcast to help more educators discover conversations that support their wellbeing.____Connect with Lucy and Jonathan Coy:Website: headteacherchat.comLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/headteacherchatInstagram: www.instagram.com/headteacherchatTwitter: x.com/HeadteacherchatEmail: [email protected]: www.youtube.com/@SchoolLeaderCommunity✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: www.rowenahicks.com—Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks—Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What happens when stress, pressure and the demands of education begin to affect our wellbeing, our leadership and the way we show up each day?In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I reflect on some of the powerful conversations that have shaped the podcast, bringing together insights from educators and leaders who have explored teacher burnout, school leadership, inclusive relationships and the importance of recognising the signs before burnout takes hold.We revisit conversations about how burnout can creep up silently, why it is so important to pause and notice what is happening and how creating healthier approaches to wellbeing can support educators and school leaders.In this episode, we explore:Recognising the early signs of burnoutThe impact of stress and pressure on educatorsWhy pausing and noticing mattersTeacher wellbeing and sustainable leadershipThe importance of inclusive relationships - what are theySupporting healthier approaches to school leadershipLearning from the experiences of other education professionalsThese conversations highlight the importance of valuing people, recognising what we need and making space for wellbeing alongside the demands of education.If you are a teacher, SENCO, headteacher, school leader or education professional thinking about stress, burnout, wellbeing or sustainable leadership, I hope these conversations give you something to reflect on.Watch the full episode on YouTube and revisit these conversations:Episode 54 | Shaping Education Through Inclusive Relationships |  AnthonyBenedictWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/0wQyI-51Nu4Episode 39 | The Truth About Teacher Burnout and How to Avoid It | Dr Emma KellWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/L_47VYoc-RMEpisode 19 | Have You Paused to Notice? Are You Heading Towards Burnout? |  Emma LewryWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/9aj9HWOll7cEpisode 55 | Creating Healthy Teams and Preventing Burnout | Nick OsborneWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/dlf193QGhRA?si=5Sif5fY7V53dG2LIEpisode 86 | How Burnout Silently Creeps Up on School Leadership | Paul CollinWatch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QEy6x79eZwc____Connect with Guests:Anthony Benedict: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthony-benedictDr Emma Kell:Website: www.those-that-can.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/thosethatcanTwitter: x.com/thosethatcanEmma Lewry:Website: www.emmalewry.co.ukLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lewryNick Osborne:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/coachbright                www.linkedin.com/in/nickosbornemaritimePaul Collin: Website: develop2teach.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/develop2teachLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-collin Twitter: x.com/Inspire2Teachuk___✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: www.rowenahicks.com—Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ —Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz6

What happens when stress, pressure and past experiences affect the way we respond at work and at home?In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Jemma King, a trauma-informed coach and trainer, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, trauma, nervous system regulation and creating safer environments for adults and children.Jemma shares her own experience of reaching exhaustion and explains how understanding the nervous system can help us recognise stress responses and find practical ways to regulate rather than simply pushing through.We explore how trauma can affect the brain and body, why everyone responds differently, and how understanding our responses can reduce shame. We also discuss co-regulation, how children can be affected by adult stress, and why staff wellbeing needs to be part of a trauma-informed approach.Jemma shares practical strategies educators can use, including breathing exercises, movement, butterfly tapping and creating a pause between work and home.In this episode, we discuss: Stress, burnout and traumaNervous system regulationFight, flight and freeze responsesPractical strategies for managing stressCo-regulation between adults and childrenCreating trauma-informed schoolsSupporting staff wellbeingThis episode is for teachers, nursery practitioners, SENCOs, headteachers, school leaders and education professionals interested in trauma-informed practice, stress management, nervous system regulation and preventing burnout.If you enjoyed this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, please follow, rate and share the podcast. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier working environments.____Connect with Jemma King:Website: jemcoaching.thementalwellbeingcompany.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/jemma.alexander.12Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jemma-king-coachEmail: [email protected]✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: www.rowenahicks.com—Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ —Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

What happens when stress leaves us with no space to pause, reflect or respond calmly?In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Diana Bradley, Executive Director at Montessori Society UK, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, reflection and wellbeing in early years settings.Diana shares how stress can affect the way we work, interact with children and respond to our teams. We explore why reflection matters, how coaching can create safe spaces for staff, and how colleagues can support one another through listening, collaboration and shared knowledge.We also discuss the importance of creating safe environments for adults as well as children, the role of self-awareness in managing stress, and how the prepared environment can support children’s independence while reducing pressure on practitioners.A powerful reminder throughout the conversation is that safety comes before hierarchy. Children do not care about job titles. They look for adults who make them feel safe.In this episode, we discuss: Recognising signs of stress in early years teamsReflection and responding rather than reactingCoaching and professional wellbeingCreating safe spaces for staffSupporting children’s independenceThe prepared environmentCollaboration with parents and colleaguesCPD and sharing knowledgeBuilding calmer, healthier early years teamsWhy safety comes before hierarchyThis episode is perfect for nursery leaders, early years practitioners, Montessori educators, teachers and education leaders interested in staff wellbeing, stress management and preventing burnout.If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier workplaces.____Connect with Diana Bradley:Website: montessorisociety.org.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/montessori.society.ami.ukLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-bradleyTwitter: x.com/AMIUKSociety✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ  ✨Follow Rowena:👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926👉LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks👉Website: www.rowenahicks.com—Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on:👉Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1👉Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ —Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉www.rowenahicks.com/booksBuy on Amazon:👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: amzn.to/3Ar6piV👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : amzn.eu/d/0NCDubgNot sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67