Beat Teacher Burnout!

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Jo Van Osch , therapist, occupational psychologist, and researcher in burnout coaching interventions. Jo brings both lived experience of burnout (three times!) and deep professional expertise to the conversation, making her insights invaluable for educators, leaders, and anyone navigating burnout recovery. We explore a powerful reframe: burnou...

In this insightful episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Ginny Bootman, an experienced SENCO of four schools, author of Independent Thinking on Being a SENCO, and passionate advocate for keeping children at the heart of everything we do. Ginny shares her 31 years of experience in education, from class teacher to SENCO, and why relationships between SENCOs, heads, teachers, and parents are...

In this very special episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , the tables are turned! Instead of asking the questions, I’m in the hot seat as my longtime friend Sandra interviews me about my brand-new course: Five Minutes to Thrive for Schools. This course was born out of my own burnout story, ending up in hospital with suspected heart attack symptoms, returning to school without support, and realising no...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I sat down with Sam Gibbs, Lead for Curriculum and Development at the Greater Manchester Education Trust. Sam shares her deeply personal story of burnout, how it shaped her as a leader, and the work she is now doing to ensure staff feel listened to and supported. Can I challenge you to reflect: How do our experiences of stress and overwhelm shape the way w...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sat down with Robbie Swale, an executive coach, author, and creator of The 12-Minute Method and The Coach’s Journey. We dive into the difference between being busy and being truly productive, and explore how to make courageous choices about where we put our time and energy. Can I challenge you to consider: Are you busy or are you productive or both? We ta...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sat down with Sara Rider, a head teacher who dared to reimagine school leadership and the results are transformational. We dive into how creating a culture of trust and flexibility has reshaped her school, reduced teacher burnout, and built a staff that’s happier, more creative, and more resilient. Instead of relying on “feel-good” gestures like muffins i...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , Erika and I open up about our own journeys with teacher burnout, the real signs, the hidden triggers, and the lessons we’ve learned about protecting our well-being. Erika and I talk about: How I first realised I was burning out and how Erika’s own body signaled “enough.” Why we both believe trust is the foundation of teacher well-being and how micromanagem...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , with Dr Adam McCartney, chartered psychologist, we dive deep into the heart of staff resilience, retention, and well-being in schools. I share a meaningful conversation filled with insight and lived experiences from the front lines of education. We explore what really helps staff feel supported, the power of belonging, and how reflective practices can tran...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , we welcome Harry Hastings, former headteacher turned executive coach, who shares his insights on a question many educators grapple with: is it truly possible to work in schools and still prioritise yourself and your family? Drawing on 99 terms of leadership experience and his new chapter as "The Sherpa" coach, Harry reflects on what he’s learned...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I sit down with John, a headteacher at a special school, to explore a powerful and emotional question: "Do you still remember why you came into teaching?" Together, we reflect on the “why” behind our decision to enter education, and what keeps us going in such a challenging profession. John shares his unexpected journey into teaching, and we dive...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I sit down with Nick Osborne, CEO of Maritime Academy Trust and someone whose honest and humorous take on school leadership has inspired me from afar. We dive deep into how we can build healthy school teams, support new leaders, and make space for sustainable leadership without running ourselves into the ground. Nick shares how he went from leading one sch...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I sit down with Anthony, an experienced headteacher whose journey through education has been anything but conventional. We dive into his early years as a reluctant English teacher who came into the profession to make a real difference not just to teach Shakespeare, but to change lives.  Anthony shares how his passion for working with disaffected and disadv...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Brett, a passionate and progressive headteacher from a large secondary school, to explore the realities of flexible working in education. We unpack how leading with a “yes-first” mindset can make all the difference in supporting teacher well-being, improving staff retention, and fostering a culture where people feel genuinely valued. Brett s...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I’m joined by Daniel, the Deputy CEO of a Multi Academy Trust, who shares his powerful and unconventional journey into education. Once told he wasn’t “clever enough” to be a teacher, Daniel turned that comment into fuel for his growth, working his way up from night school to classroom to senior leadership. We talk about how those early experiences shaped h...

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 embr...

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, stra...

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 profe...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we sit down with Andrew Lewin, a former headteacher who now works as a workplace resilience and wellbeing practitioner. With years of leadership experience in education and a deep understanding of the pressures teachers face, Andrew brings thoughtful insights into how burnout takes root in schools—and, more importantly, how it can be addressed.  He sha...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by David Huntingford, the head teacher of William Ford Church of England Junior School. David shares his inspiring journey of implementing significant changes within his school to foster a thriving environment for both pupils and staff.  He discusses the school's core curriculum intent – for pupils to thrive, not just survive – and how this...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , we’re joined by Trystan Williams, an experienced headteacher who shares his insights on compassionate and authentic leadership. With over two decades of leadership experience, Trystan discusses how building deep human connections is key to creating a thriving school environment.  He reflects on how his leadership style has evolved over the years, emph...

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I’m joined by Priv, a passionate and resilient Religious Education teacher from Portsmouth, who shares her powerful and deeply moving journey as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). From beginning her training while five months pregnant during the pandemic to enduring a challenging and unsupportive mentorship, Priv opens up about the overwhelming pressures she f...

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we explore the power of journaling, purpose-driven planning, and emotional management with guest Nathan Marr, coach and co-founder of the Semester Student Planner.  Nathan shares the inspiring journey behind the creation of the planner, born out of personal challenges he and his business partner faced during and after university. From academ...

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we are joined by David Parkin, an experienced headteacher from a primary school in Southampton. David shares his approach to leadership, focusing on the importance of trust, autonomy, and respect in creating a thriving school environment. He discusses how giving staff the freedom to grow professionally, communicate openly, and make mistakes foste...

In this episode doctor Helen Kelly explains that if you feel like you're heading towards burnout you can also move the other way down the continuum towards energy and creativity. She explains that from the causes of burnout the easiest place we can take control is work recovery. Did you know that research says there are four things we should do to maximise our work recovery and the easiest one for...

In this episode of The #BeatTeacherBurnout Podcast, we sit down with Michael, a dedicated deputy headteacher, to discuss his journey through the highs and lows of school leadership. Michael opens up about his personal experiences with burnout, sharing the challenges he faced and the turning points that led him to prioritise well-being. His candid insights offer a relatable perspective for educator...