Join teachers and educationalists for #ukedchat each Thursday between 8-9 pm GMT for Edu chat. Education news, resources, and @UKEdSch website with @UKEdMag
I have written a blog about myself and my changed situation in the last six months. I suspect that it could be referred to as part of “journey”. Writing and publishing it is helpful to me, even if nobody else is interested! https://t.co/73JJMRtbaq
Writing messages, taking orders and writing tickets allows role play to create a purpose for writing in a positive and imaginative way. Which is which we have created our role play boxes to encourage learning through play... https://t.co/2YMJLwDLl5#EYFS#EarlyYears#ukedchat
#UKEdChat A1: The most stressful aspect of being a teacher is the feeling that we can do more for pupils, but have hands tied by budget, workload or other directives. My focus will always be the pupils, and I hate the feeling of letting them down #Inclusion#SLTChat
A1 #ukedchat the problem I find is that we have a massively important role in society, so there's a lot riding on us which equates to a lot of pressure/stress. It's just fortunate that most of the time the wins outweigh the rest.
#UKEdChat A1 For the first few years of my teaching it was observations by senior leaders who had already decided on my grade before watching me teach. Now observations aren't stressful, you just crack on! Having to mark lots of work last minute is my worst stress these days...
A1. For me it's the pressure to do a good job, & the fact that there's never an end to what you could be doing to try and get everything right. It's in our contracts that we work as many hours as necessary to fulfil our duty, but who can really say what that looks like? #UKEDchat
Teachers working hard, trying to get the grades through endless and relentless revision classes, etc - some teachers do this because they want the best for their kids. But some schools operate and nurture a blame culture if it doesn't work for some kids. That is awful #ukedchat
The replies to this seem to be uncharitable & unsupportive to a stressed out colleague. Signs to look out for are anyone acting in anyway uncharacteristic & instantly make sure you step in and get ale time to see if they are ok give support. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth#ukedchat
#ukedchat A2 Hiding away, becoming increasingly irritable, making rash decisions in the classroom, becoming more animated and rushing around all the time...
#UkEdChat A2 When some ppl are stressed, the pressure they are under reduces their creativity because their brain is occupied with dealing with the stress and can’t think outside the box or cone up with new ideas - I don’t know if it makes sense, I know it happens to me...
Potential to feel like you have never done enough/ there is always more you could or should be doing to help you students?
Workload of tasks that aren't directly linked to teaching and learning? Time being taken away from teaching? Work spilling over into home life #ukedchat
A3: An open and collaborative approach to staff wellbeing that promotes dialogue about meaningful stress management and mental health. An ethos of wellbeing that present a positive example of mental health to the pupils we teach #UKEdChat#SLTChat
A3: Eliminating/reducing the expectation of time teachers spend on time doing things which don't help students learn; adapting marking policies, centralised systems for isolation/detentions etc. #ukedchat
#UKEdChat A3 a collaborative department where slides, resources and SoWs are all centralised. A supportive department where you are viewed as part of a team and you pick each other up whether you are a HoD, NQT or TA. Biscuits are also a must.
#UKEdChat A3 Get support from someone who is not responsible for appraising/managing, someone impartial who can help with the root cause e.g. if it's workload, get a colleague who is incredibly organised to coach/discuss/help around the issue.
#UKEdChat Q3 this area needs to be invested in properly both in terms of money and leaders seeing it as a way forward for the profession. I greater understanding of true wellbeing, stress and our relationship with our anxious thinking is needed at every lev of every school.
A3 #ukedchat open dialogue about mental health in order to create a culture where it's alright to be feeling the stress of the job. It's easy to forget we're just human and not Robocop. Also, anything to reduce workload is ace. Like removing meaningless data drops...
#ukedchat A3 Make clear how important a life-work balance is, let staff know there is someone who they can talk to who wont judge them and ensure that wrokload balance is fair and manageable!
#ukedchat A3 The opportunity to talk to colleagues openly and without judgement. Full timetables and duties etc can make this seem impossible sometimes but it's so important to be able to share- the good and the bad days
Reduced stigma around not coping. No 'man up' talk. More focus on well-being to prevent stress rather than trying to deal with it when it happens. A reduction in time consuming tasks that have no impact on learning. #ukedchat
#ukedchat A3 The opportunity to talk to colleagues openly and without judgement. Full timetables and duties etc can make this seem impossible sometimes but it's so important to be able to share- the good and the bad days
It’s a ‘what’s going well’ and an ‘Even better if’ approach at all levels- standing agenda items within line management and factored in to CPD- especially as stressors can be working practice/ relationship related. If EBIs are identified, actioned and improved #UKEdChat
#ukedchat A3 timetables allowing extra time for TLRs eg: HoY, HoD. Choosing mindfully which teachers to introduce new initiatives to. In 2FE+ pair newer with more experienced teacher for each year group. Regular kindness and wellbeing focus. Mindfulness & NLP coaching for all
Moreover, it’s modelling the fact that stress is a part of life for our pupils, and the way to deal with it is a vital part of managing mental wellbeing- we are the most stable influences for a lot of our pupils- they deserve a solid example #UKEdChat
A3 a collaborative manageable marking policy that works per department. Mindfulness classes. Protecting and giving more free time to plan and assess (budget allows). Investment in digital resources that reduce marking and save photocopying releasing budget #ukedchat
#UKEdChat Q2 too much thought clogging up the mind. Mostly anxious thought, causing worry and feeling excess pressure, taking things personally and feeling under attack and overwhelmed. As a result their natural flow and capabilities are limited and things feel harder for them
A4 #UKEdChat talk to them, reassure them, speak to their parents about it and try to find common ground and similar strategies to help their child so both school and parents are on the same page and can work together to help
I think it depends on the climate in each individual school. I've experienced huge support from my colleagues but it can be daunting to admit you have had a bad lesson/day if this dialogue isn't actively encouraged by line managers/SLT
A4 #ukedchat Listen and watch (in a non-creepy way). There's a huge difference between 'I'm stressed because of exams' and 'I'm not coping'. For the latter, it's important to make yourself available, your school's resources available and provide them with the options to get help.
A bit cheesy but having ideas and wanting to implement 'above and beyond' strategies for various children and just not having enough time in the day to do them!
#UKEdChat Q1 stakes seem high and we talk about our work like that. It is tempting to raise the stakes in our thinking and tighten up. Because it matters and we want to do right by the students and our colleagues.
#ukedchat A4 A culture of curiosity and compassion. Role model emotional intelligence and equip learners with understanding and tools to help them cope eg: NLP, mindfulness, CBT, creative learning pedagogy
#RoyalWedding2018: The Royal roles have been distributed amongst Y6; a four tiered wedding cake is under construction; each class has made a food item for reception; decorations and place settings nearly done and now the order of service is ready! #PrimaryRocks#ukedchat
I am doing an activity with some students this afternoon about our digital tattoos.
I want to show them a practical example of how easy and quickly things can be shared.
Please take a second, retweet, tag and share this post to help me with a real world demonstration!
A4 assurance that their feelings and emotions are commonplace. Use of school resources to help them cope. Communication with parents and pastoral team. Creating a large safety net. #ukedchat
Going out for a bite this weekend? Before you do, see how much you could save on your meal by joining the Gourmet Society for 3 months - for just £1! https://t.co/Vl679mEApa#TeacherPerks#ukedchat
A4: Creating open environments where ‘stress’ is a conversation topic that is embraced. Pupil awareness of own ‘triggers’ that contribute to feelings around stress and anxiety. Modelling techniques that provide sensory and mental opportunities to act & control stressors #UKEdChat
A4 Daily mindfulness activities, circle time activities that emphasise the importance of sharing feelings and general flexibility of adults, working around stressors rather than forcing them #UKEdChat#EarlyYears
If the school has appropriate resources ( which many don’t have these days) I would agree with you. I would hope that the schools quality assurance systems would pick this issue up and offer appropriate support and coaching to the teacher in question.
In reply to
@BunsenLearner, @savedyouaspot, @ukedchat
#UKEdChat A4 Talk to them outside of the lesson. It might be something trivial, or it might be something more serious you can flag up. Our biggest issue atm is sleep deprivation from home lifestyle. I have covered sleeping students with a lab jacket and continued teaching before!
When you look at your website analytics and see there is one active user right now and you get really happy that someone is using your site, then you realise it's you in another tab... #ukedchat#ukedreschat
Q5: Provide an arena to openly discuss stress, ways of coping, strategies etc but also to create a sense of professional belonging- teaching is stressful, it’s a battle we should be in together, and regardless of stage, no one should be isolated by it #UKedchat#SLTChat
A5 #UKEdChat showing an understanding of what they are going through, being able to relate, help them prioritise so they don’t feel overwhelmed, remind them of the positives, boost their confidence, talk about the summer hols that are approaching! 😁
How do you teach critical thinking?
Try this new online tool and learning resource with students so they can check the claims they read in news stories (via @BBCAcademy)
https://t.co/JWK6sUU9Yt#UKEdChat
A5 #ukedchat Open up, empathise and make them super aware that we've all been there: it's totally ok to ask for help when you need it and some times we will have to be the ones who recommend what might help as there's a lot of fresh peeps in teaching who might not know.
A5. #ukedchat Escape from your own bubble, and take time to recognise that they’re struggling. Listen, and make time. Don’t make it awkward by just paying lip service.
#ukedchat A5 By listening in a non judgmental way, encouraging them to seek help without fear of reprisal and sharing benefit of own experiences and resources that could help. Important not to take over as this disempowers. No guilt or shame. Honesty is good for all involved
A4 #UKEdChat Time. Always let them know you have time (even when you don’t) to listen and support. I’ve found that they often just need someone to say, “I understand”.
A5 be there for them to vent. Try and break down the problems. Find the triggers and look for ways to eat the elephant. (Bite size chunks to achieve successes) #ukedchat
#ukedchat A3 - supportive leaders make a huge difference. Students can be difficult - trust in your good staff and ask how you can support them when they've followed all the strategies in the system - don't blame.
A5 Teaching was never meant to be something you do alone. Find the support from others who are willing to help. School librarians are happy to co-teach, find resources and support teaching and learning. You just have to ask! #ukedchat
A6 #ukedchat eat lunch together, not alone in a classroom. Have a staff social now and again. A bit of team sport. And most importantly remind each other how fabulous you all are.
#UKEdChat A5 Talk about it. Share good practice. See if any other staff are having similar issues. We have been known to have twilight sessions in the local Wetherspoons that have been key to de-stressing!!
Today in Year 4, we excavated and explored Roman Poo! Probably best not to have done it at the end of the day as the kids left as high as kites...eek! #PrimaryRocks#ukedchat#romanpoo
A6 a great stress reliever for me was using breaks and lunch time for me to walk around the site and chat with the students.find things out. Have normal conversations about all sorts. #ukedchat
A6 Join your teachers book club. Share a chat and a drink over a good book. Perfect for destressing and learning too. If you don't have one find one ask your school librarian to set one up :) #ukedchat
#ukedchat A6 Responsibility for own mindset, health and wellbeing. Can’t pour from an empty glass. Regular movement, stay hydrated, keep energy levels up with regular healthy snacks. Get outdoors for fresh air. Learn mindfulness. Communicate with colleagues. Keep perspective.
People are experts at brushing it off, and saying that they’re “fine”, when actually all they want to do is SCREAM! #ukedchat A good friend, or colleague, will recognise this, and address the brush off sensitively.
A3. I think it’s really good when schools put on social activities after work - things like a circuits session or a game of cricket etc. Gives staff s chance to socialise and it’s also good for physical well-being #ukedchat
A6 #UKEdChat Leave your classroom for a break, come to terms with the fact that you will most probably always be behind schedule with the marking, use non-contact times as productively as possible to get through the workload, hang out with colleagues with a POSITIVE mindset! 💜
#ukedchat A6 -isnt this one a killer! So many schools put on staff activities and staff resent them. Sport is always fun. Do something simple like rounders. Cake is nice. A praise board is cheesy but hey, it's nice to see your name
Sometimes your feelings of happiness for the kids that did well on results day is tinged with relief. What does that say about the whole culture of a school and therefore the pressures on teachers? #UKEdchat
#ukedchat A7 With the weather improving, take a twenty minutes walk, anywhere,e.g. around your local park and enjoy the surroundings and just be in the moment.
A4. Acknowledging that it’s ok to feel that way and talking about how this can sometimes be channelled into something positive. Also making sure students give themselves a break and that they don’t give up the things they like and that really them at times Mrs of stress #ukedchat
A7 #UKEdChat do what makes you happy, look after yourself, use your time out of school for yourself to avoid burnout, rest, eat well, exercise, socialise, have fun!
#ukedchat A6 Mindfulness training. T&L groups. An presentation to staff outlining the support and letting them know that it is ok not to be ok - teachers who are trained as Emotion coaches, RQTs having mentors, etc
#ukedchat a7 - work/ life balance. What makes you happy? Does that promotion really suit you? If not, give it up. Teaching doesn't have to be in steps up, you can go down, sideways, up when you're ready.
#UKEdChat A7 Something that nobody is brilliant at. Go karting, bowling, kayaking, high ropes course stuff, stuff where staff can laugh at each other and get some good photos for assembly...!!
#ukedchat A7 Anything legal that energises, relaxes, empowers, excites and recharges each individuals spirits! Blend of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing tools. Make time for friends, family, new adventures, learning and fun!
#ukedchat A3 Acknowledge that this is an issue, so staff don't feel they are being judged and implement small practical changes to help staff manage stress throughout the day.
Taught my Digital Leaders at @LanchesterEP how to ‘be discerning in evaluating digital content’ today by exploring the phenomenon of FAKE NEWS. Children created their own fake news stories by app smashing using @pixomatic_app and the FREE ‘News Booth’ app. #ukedchat#edtechchat
A5. Help out with the little things so that they might be able to focus on the crux of the situation- e.g coveting their break duty, making sure they leave their desk for lunch a couple times a week etc #ukedchat
Tonight's #ukedchat has reminded me how I am truly blessed to be in such a supportive school. Each of my colleagues take time to support each other, from my fellow Maths teachers right up to my Headteacher and CEO. Couldn't be more grateful to each and every one of them. #SLTchat
#ukedchat A7 I don't know how to answer that for anyone but me. I leave my work at work as much as possible. It doesn't happen all the time, but when I'm at home I'm a father and a husband - not a teacher. Otherwise I'd end without what I've got.
A8 I like to think that a lot of the stress is par for the course (not all mind) and that it is the moments in teaching that hit in such a positive way that it makes it worthwhile. Never lose sight that you are changing lives!! #ukedchat Red tape happened.
A8 I don't think it was. I feel we have more given to us to complete in less time and with fewer resources. But then perhaps we'll look back in 10 years and laugh at how easy we had it... #ukedchat
#UKEdChat A8 It's as stressful as you want to make it. I'm lucky enough to work for a school where having a good work/life balance (Dad of 3!) Is easy if you stay organised. I imagine if I still taught 11-18 mainstream 2000 pupil academy it would be much, much harder...
A8 #UKEdChat No it wasn’t. Making education a business happened, trying to constantly prove that you are doing your job happened, administrative obligations, measuring kids, measuring teachers, paperwork happened, all that and trying to teach in the meantime.
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