In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Angela, a veteran educator with over 25 years of experience, to explore the often hidden realities behind teacher burnout. Angela shares a powerful story about a time when her personal life and work-related stress led to a mental health crisis, forcing her to step back from her role. What followed was a transformative journey where she embraced vulnerability, leaned into support, and challenged the stigma around not coping. Her insights reveal how the pressure to appear in control - especially as women in leadership - can be isolating and unsustainable, and how showing our humanity can open doors to deeper connection and empathy.

Together, we unpack the importance of school culture, empathetic leadership, and setting realistic boundaries. Drawing from Dr. Corey Keyes' book Languishing, we explore five pillars of wellbeing - curiosity, warm relationships, purpose, transcendence, and play, and how they can help teachers navigate chronic stress and reconnect with joy. Whether you’re leading a team, in the classroom, or simply feeling the weight of unrealistic expectations, this episode reminds us that putting our well being first isn’t weakness - it’s wisdom.

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In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Sahreen, an experienced executive headteacher and director of Teaching School Hubs, to unpack the powerful concept of visible leadership in education. Drawing on her deep leadership and frontline experience, Sahreen explains why tackling burnout and stress in schools requires more than just well-being initiatives—it demands a holistic, strategic approach based on four key pillars: leadership, behaviour, marking and feedback, and sustainable well-being.

We explore why visible, courageous, and child-centred leadership is essential, especially during those high-pressure times like the end of term. Sahreen shares how leadership teams can build authenticity, mutual support, and safe spaces to manage stress effectively. We also dive into behaviour management, with a focus on supporting staff who face challenging students. Sahreen challenges traditional marking and feedback practices and advocates for evidence-informed, even AI-supported, approaches to reduce workload. Finally, we discuss how well-being is both personal and strategic, highlighting the importance of flexibility, empathy, and teaching soft skills like prioritisation and setting boundaries. This episode is essential listening for school leaders and educators who want to lead sustainably and thrive in their roles.

Connect with Sahreen Sadquie:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahreen-siddiqui-a00634b3/

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In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we’re joined by Simon Addison, Headteacher of Hastings Academy, who shares how he’s leading with empathy, flexibility, and trust. After experiencing burnout and a lack of understanding during his own recovery from illness, Simon made a commitment to put people before policies. He opens up about building a school culture where staff are supported both professionally and personally, even when life doesn’t fit neatly into term time.

Simon explains how small but meaningful changes—like coaching sessions, flexible timetabling, and even weekly donut breaks—have created a sense of belonging and psychological safety among staff. He talks about the importance of listening, trusting staff to lead their own CPD, and fostering a community where people feel seen and valued. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes schools can be places where both staff and students thrive.

Connect with Simon Addison:

Website: www.thehastingsacademy.org.uk

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thehastingsacademy

X: www.twitter.com/hastingsacademy

Follow me on:

1. Instagram: @rowenaphicks

2. Facebook: Rowena Hicks

3. Linked In: Rowena Hicks

Email me: authorrowenahicks@gmail.com

Visit my website for Books, Journals, Free Community and lots of other interesting stuff: www.rowenahicks.com