Hello. My name’s Grace and I’m a recovering teacher. I taught for 11 years and loved it, but in 2018, the demands of three children and the effects of chronic stress took their toll. I realised it was time for a rethink and a change of direction. My story is not uncommon. Most of the people I trained with back in 2006 are no longer classroom-based. Some left the profession all together, some are consultants, some are part-time. The majority cite the lack of teacher wellbeing as a key reason for their departure. Teacher wellbeing, let that sink in. Not pay or material benefits. Just the chance to not be consumed by the job. This article at Teacher Toolkit is an interesting read.

So, here’s my plea to my erstwhile sisters and brothers in arms – please safeguard your wellbeing this half term. The job is never done, you know this, so make peace with it and look after yourself. Focus on your own teacher wellbeing.

Spend some time with your loved ones, meet up with friends (they’ve probably forgotten what you look like), book some reflexology, get a massage, go to see your GP about that health issue that’s been bugging you, eat nice food, go outside and feel the sun (or rain) on your face, look for a new job, go to the dentist, go to bed early or stay out late. Paint, sing, draw, swim, cycle, freedive, BASE jump, parkour or do absolutely nothing. You get the picture. Do some work if it’ll make you feel better, but not at the expense of living your life.

Teachers and teaching assistants are a precious and vital resource, they are what makes a school what it is, not the buildings or other resources. Next time you have a reason to speak to a teacher, check in with them. And watch out at half term for Mrs. Smith from Year 2 trying parkour…