Teach On, Teach Strong

[10] You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it: never give up

Teaching, and life in general, will have good days and tougher days. But they are just that - individual days. It can feel like one bad day or experience is permanent and means you're "not cut out for teaching" but that isn't always the case. I share with you some practical tips to help you win your battles, and having to fight them more than once is perfectly OK. You will win if you choose to never give up.

[9] Human first, teacher second

In today's episode we talk about how we need to accept that we can't always do everything perfectly all the time - and that is OK. We need to make allowances for ourselves to be humans first. The same goes for our classrooms: sometimes there are times we need to scrap the plan and do what is right for our students. There's a very good reason why machines would never be able to take over our jobs, so allow yourself to be a human - it's what your children need.

[8] Gratitude turns what you already have into enough

There are many aspects of teaching and the education system that can easily rub us up the wrong way if we let them, but that shouldn't be reason enough to run for the hills and quit! By showing gratitude for the difference you can make as a teacher, you'll see that not only can you be the change you wish to see if you stick with it, but you will feel fulfilled and realise you have everything you already need.

[7] Fall back in love with teaching; seek your peak of the week

We all go into teaching because we are filled with passion and a drive to help others. Somewhere along the way, the daily grind and overwhelm of all there is to do means you can lose your way at times and forget your calling. In this episode I share some practical ways that you can fall in love with teaching all over again and appreciate the wonderful moments that only teachers can experience.

[6] Sacrifice for what you want or what you want becomes the sacrifice

Today's episode I encourage you to be clear on what your goals are for your life both personally and professionally and I share with you some actionable steps to help you move forward in the right direction. In order to make progress in our goals we need to make some sacrifices, if not then our dreams become the sacrifice. As teachers we often sacrifice so much for our job, so in this episode I encourage you to find balance, achieve your goals and continue to fulfil your full potential.

[5] Be proud to call yourself a teacher

In this episode we talk about the views that society often has of teachers and how that can make handling this job so much more challenging. I encourage you to look past what other people think and I share practical tips on how you can shift your mindset in 3 simple steps.

[4] Everything you are going through is preparing you for what you asked for

Ever wondered why you feel like you're being pushed to your limits as a teacher? Do you ever feel like you seem to be having a harder time than those around you? It's likely because it's for a very good and exciting reason! Listen on to hear how in a flash, you can shift your mindset to get you through the challenging times.

[3] Failure is Normal, Natural and Necessary

In this episode, I discuss the reality of failure. There is such a stigma around failure and our initial reaction is to think it's a bad thing, but actually it's a crucial element of growth and improvement that we shouldn't be afraid of. As teachers, we often feel like we are "failing" a lot of the time due to the pressures and our own high standards. I share with you some ideas for how we can adjust our mindset as teachers of how we view and deal with failure.

[2] Success is an accumulation of thousands of small steps

Every Wednesday I'll share a "Quick Quote" to give you a mid week boost to keep you teaching strong until the weekend. Today's quote is all about those little things that seem insignificant at the time and people may even tease you about (laminating, wall displays, grading with stickers?!). But if these small steps are taking you closer towards your goal or mission, then keep going - even if no one else understands or appreciates you yet.

[1] No one said teaching would be easy, but it is worth it

In this pilot episode, I talk you through my turbulent journey as a teacher. I share with you some personal stories of hardship during my time teaching in a very challenging school in London. Although I wanted to quit every day, with a little mindset shift I was able to see things differently. Teaching is not easy and it will challenge you every day, but believe me, you're making a difference in young people's lives and they desperately need you more than you (or they) know.