EP : 89 Teacher Burnout: What Ross McGill Wishes Every Educator Knew

EP : 89 Teacher Burnout: What Ross McGill Wishes Every Educator Knew

What happens when one of education's most respected voices admits that he nearly burned out? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Ross McGill, founder of Teacher Toolkit, to explore the reality of teaching in a profession that asks so much of the people within it. Ross shares the personal experiences that shaped his career, from working unsustainable hours and navigating redundancy to reflecting on the pressures that many educators now see as simply "part of the job". Together, we discuss why stress has become normalised in education, what happens when work begins to consume every part of life, and why so many dedicated professionals struggle to recognise the difference they're making. This is an honest conversation about workload, wellbeing, resilience and the challenge of sustaining a career in education without sacrificing yourself along the way. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, SENCO, nursery practitioner or anyone supporting children and young people, you'll find practical insights, reassurance and a powerful reminder that looking after yourself isn't separate from your work, it's part of it. In this episode, we explore : * The hidden cost of teacher burnout * Why workload isn't the whole story * The pressure of accountability and inspections * Creating healthier boundaries between work and home * Recognising your impact when you're feeling overwhelmed * What schools can do to better support staff wellbeing * How to build a sustainable career in education If this conversation resonates with you, follow Beat Teacher Burnout and share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear it. Because education needs great teachers. Great teachers need support. Connect with Ross Morrison McGill : Website: www.teachertoolkit.co.uk [https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/] Instagram: ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/talkingheadsoak/]www.instagram.com/teachertoolkit [https://www.instagram.com/teachertoolkit] Facebook:⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsOak]www.facebook.com/TeacherToolkit [https://www.facebook.com/TeacherToolkit] Linkedin: uk.linkedin.com/company/teachertoolkitofficial [https://uk.linkedin.com/company/teachertoolkitofficial] Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TeacherToolkit [https://www.youtube.com/@TeacherToolkit] ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ   [https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ] ✨Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks] 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926] 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks] 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/  [https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/] — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV [https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV] 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg [https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg] Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendly.com/rowenaphicks/30min [https://calendly.com/rowenaphicks/30min] — #TeacherBurnout #TeacherWellbeing #Education #MentalHealthInEducation #TeacherLife #SEN #WellbeingMatters #BurnoutRecovery

EP : 88 Kindness Leads to Burnout

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Lisa Lea-Weston from Talking Heads Supervision to explore the connection between leadership, wellbeing, and burnout. Together, we discuss what supervision really is and why it offers something different from coaching. We explore how having a dedicated space to reflect can help leaders process the emotional weight they carry and ultimately support the children and young people they serve more effectively. A major theme throughout the conversation is burnout and the shame that often surrounds it. We talk openly about how many leaders continue pushing through exhaustion because they care deeply about their work, their teams, and the people they support. We also explore the reality that we do not leave our personal lives at the school gate. Life events, stress, loss, illness, and emotional challenges all impact how we show up at work, and pretending otherwise can come at a significant cost. Another important focus is workplace culture. We discuss the kinds of environments that allow people to thrive, where honest conversations are encouraged, support is available, and people feel able to ask for what they need. We also explore how creativity, collaboration, and innovation flourish when people are trusted to learn from mistakes rather than fear them. Throughout the episode, we reflect on the importance of self-awareness, recognising the early signs of stress, and understanding why those who care the most are often the people most vulnerable to burnout. Finally, we share practical ways to reconnect with ourselves during difficult periods, including the role of nature, gratitude, connection, and finding moments of joy in everyday life. Overall, this is a compassionate and thought-provoking conversation about leadership, wellbeing, empathy, and creating healthier ways of working. What You'll Hear in This Episode * What supervision is and how it differs from coaching * Why leader wellbeing impacts children and young people * The connection between empathy, caring, and burnout * Why shame often prevents people from seeking support * How healthy workplace cultures support wellbeing * Why creativity thrives when people feel trusted * How to recognise the early signs of burnout * Practical ways to resource yourself during challenging times Key Message Burnout doesn't happen because people don't care. Often, it happens because they care deeply and continue giving long after their own resources have been depleted. When we create space for honest reflection, recognise the signs of overwhelm, and allow ourselves to seek support, we are better able to care for ourselves, our teams, and the people who rely on us every day. Connect with Lisa Lea-Weston: Website: talkingheadssupervision.co.uk [https://talkingheadssupervision.co.uk/portfolio-items/lisa-lea-weston-founder-director/] Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/talkingheadsoak⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/talkingheadsoak/] Facebook:⁠ www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsOak [https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsOak] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/talkingheadssupervision [https://www.linkedin.com/in/talkingheadssupervision/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here: www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 87 Why Most Wellbeing Strategies Fail (And What This Trust Did Instead)

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, we explore what it truly looks like to create a school culture where not only children, but staff, leaders, and families are all able to thrive. Leaders from the Stour Academy Trust share the intentional changes they’ve made over time to build environments where people feel supported, trusted, and able to do their jobs well without becoming overwhelmed. What stands out throughout the conversation is that this culture wasn’t created overnight. It has been shaped through years of listening, reflection, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge “the way things have always been done.” A major theme running through the episode is belonging. Not as a buzzword or a one-off initiative, but as something embedded into the everyday experience of staff, children, and families. The conversation also explores the importance of psychological safety and the impact it has on both wellbeing and performance. Another key focus is workload. Rather than relying on surface-level wellbeing gestures, the trust has looked closely at systems, policies, and routines to remove unnecessary pressure wherever possible. We also discuss the power of collaboration without competition. Schools across the trust work together, sharing expertise, resources, and responsibilities so that staff feel supported rather than stretched. One standout idea is the “9 to 3 approach” prioritising being fully present for children and staff during the school day, while streamlining behind-the-scenes tasks to reduce cognitive overload. Overall, this conversation offers a practical and hopeful look at what’s possible when schools prioritise trust, belonging, collaboration, and sustainable ways of working. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * Why belonging is central to a thriving school culture * How psychological safety improves wellbeing and performance * The difference between token wellbeing and real structural change * How reducing small tasks can significantly lower workload * Why collaboration across schools creates stronger support systems * How technology and AI can help reduce cognitive load and pressure Key Message Thriving schools don’t happen by chance. They are built through intentional culture, honest conversations, and the courage to rethink what isn’t working. When leaders truly listen, reduce unnecessary pressure, and create space for people to feel safe and valued, something shifts…Not just in staff wellbeing, but in the experience of every child in the school. Connect with The Stour Academy Trust : Website: https://thestouracademytrust.org.uk/ [https://thestouracademytrust.org.uk/] Facebook- www.facebook.com/thestouracademytrust/ [https://www.facebook.com/thestouracademytrust/] Instagram: www.instagram.com/thestouracademytrust [https://www.instagram.com/thestouracademytrust] Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheStourAcademyTrust [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9J3I_ki7FEkjJw8FhudmuA] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-stour-academy-trust/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-stour-academy-trust/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/ [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 86 How Burnout Silently Creeps Up On School Leadership

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Paul Collin, a former head teacher with over 25 years in education, for a really honest conversation about something many of us experience but don’t always name…running on adrenaline. We explore what it means to show up every day in schools, even when we’re carrying stress behind the scenes. As teachers and leaders,we often feel we have to keep going, keep performing, and keep supporting everyone else, no matter how we’re actually feeling. One idea that really stands out in this episode is what we describe as quiet erosion. We talk about the image of the White Cliffs of Dover, slowly wearing away over time. And in many ways, that’s what burnout can look like. It doesn’t always happen all at once. It builds gradually, through constant pressure, unspoken stress, and the expectation to always be “on.” We also reflect on how different school cultures shape our experience. We’ve both seen environments where pressure feels relentless, where expectations are compressed and people feel constantly stretched. But we’ve also seen what happens when trust builds, when people feel heard, and when the culture begins to shift in a more supportive direction. Paul shares what leadership really feels like behind the scenes: the unpredictability, the constant decision-making, and those moments where adrenaline takes over just to get through the day. And while that can help us cope in the moment, we also recognise the longer-term impact it can have. We spend time talking about something many of us wrestle with: are we good enough? When our days are filled with challenges, complaints, and things going wrong, it’s easy to measure ourselves against those moments rather than the difference we’re actually making. Importantly, we also talk about how we begin to step back before things reach a breaking point. For us, that starts with noticing. It’s about grounding ourselves, creating moments of pause, and finding people we trust to talk things through with. At its core, this episode is about recognising that burnout isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s quiet, gradual and easy to ignore…until it catches up with us. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Why we often rely on adrenaline to get through the school day * How different school cultures shape our experience of stress * What “quiet erosion” of burnout looks like over time * The hidden emotional load we carry as teachers and leaders * Why so many of us question whether we’re “good enough” * How constant pressure and unpredictability impact us Key Message Burnout doesn’t always come from not caring.Often, it comes from caring deeply, for a long time, without enough space to pause. When we give ourselves permission to step back, to talk and to reflect, we begin to protect not just our wellbeing, but our ability to keep doing the work that matters to us. Connect with Paul Collin Website : develop2teach.com/insights-with-paul [https://develop2teach.com/insights-with-paul/] Instagram : @develop2teach [https://www.instagram.com/develop2teach/] LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/paul-collin Paul Collin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-collin/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]

EP : 85 When Passion Meets Burnout: Finding Your Way Back with Becky Dawson

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Becky Dawson, National Wellbeing Lead at Twinkl, for an honest conversation about how a passion for teaching can slowly turn into overwhelm. Becky shares her journey from classroom teaching into the demanding role of SENCO, a position that is both deeply meaningful and incredibly heavy. Supporting students, staff and families all at once, often without time to reflect, can quietly build into burnout. What stands out is a tension many educators feel: loving the work and seeing the impact, yet carrying pressure that becomes unsustainable. Becky describes this period as both the best and the hardest of her career, a time of growth, but also where burnout became unavoidable. Together, we explore why this happens. Not just because the job is demanding, but because of the culture around it, constant doing, high expectations, and little space to pause. Becky highlights the importance of reflection, not as an extra task, but as part of everyday practice. Even small moments to acknowledge what’s been hard can make a real difference. We also discuss how burnout affects confidence, and how the things that go wrong often linger more than the wins. Sometimes, it’s not about doing more, but recognising that the system itself asks too much. Becky shares simple, realistic ways to protect your wellbeing, building connections, creating space to reflect, setting boundaries, and even keeping a “to-da list” to recognise what you’ve already achieved. At its core, this episode is about reclaiming balance. Passion doesn’t have to lead to burnout, but without support, boundaries and reflection, it often does. And the most important reminder: you’re not failing, you’re navigating a system that often asks too much. What You’ll Hear in This Episode * Why roles like SENCO can feel both rewarding and overwhelming * How burnout builds slowly, even when you love your job * The impact of constant pressure on confidence and self-belief * Why reflection is missing in many school cultures * How connection and shared experiences reduce isolation * The importance of recognising what you’ve done, not just what’s left * Why boundaries are essential (and what happens without them) * How to spot when passion is starting to fade Key Message Burnout doesn’t happen because you don’t care.It often happens because you care too much, for too long, without the support you need. When we create space to reflect, connect with others,and set clear boundaries around our time and energy,we give ourselves a chance to keep doing the work we love,without losing ourselves in the process. Connect with Becky Dawson: Website : www.beckydawsonccf.com [https://www.beckydawsonccf.com/] Instagram : www.instagram.com/becsdawson [https://www.instagram.com/becsdawson/] Follow Rowena: Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks [https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 [https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks/] Website: www.rowenahicks.com [https://www.rowenahicks.com/] — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop fortnightly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571] — Looking for Rowena’s books?Explore all books here:www.rowenahicks.com/books [https://www.rowenahicks.com/books] Buy on Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2JJGG3T?ref=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_4SZ8663Z8DRGAT03NZA8&language=en-GB&skipTwisterOG=2] — If you’re ready for gentle, practical support that fits into real school life, explore my courses here:👉www.rowenahicks.com/courses [https://www.rowenahicks.com/courses]