Beyond Self Care

Connecting Human Resources

Gail, Carolynn, Janet, and Caroline discussed the evolving role of human resources in promoting psychological safety, well-being, and a people-centered approach to governance. They emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication, fostering a shared vision, and engaging in long-term systemic change to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. The group also explored the challenges of implementing change within a complex legal framework, the potential of technology to free up bandwidth for more human work, and the need for a holistic approach to governance and human resources. In this episode, the hosts delve into the evolving role of Human Resources (HR) in the workplace, particularly in the education sector. Janet Stewart and Carolynn Ryan discuss how traditional views of HR as a resource or asset are shifting towards a more holistic approach that focuses on unlocking the potential of individuals. They explore the idea of HR as a facilitator of authentic conversations and proactive well-being rather than merely a compliance enforcer. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating a shared vision and strategy that aligns with the needs of both employees and leadership. By fostering a culture of curiosity, openness, and collective responsibility, HR can transform from being perceived as either a hero or a villain to a true partner in organizational success.

Gathering Well-being Teams

Gail Markin and Caroline Picard host Mike Hooker, “retired” Superintendent, on this episode. Together, they discuss wellness, teamwork, and the importance of building relationships in schools. The conversation explores the challenges and strategies of creating and managing teams in small districts, the importance of establishing a clear vision for any working group, and the need for systemic change to advance wellness at various levels. Whether you're a school administrator, teacher, or other school staff member, this episode offers valuable guidance on creating and being a part of a supportive and thriving work environment for everyone.

Leadership and Well-being: Working Together

In this episode, Dr. Jenny Weiner, an associate professor of educational leadership at the University of Connecticut, discusses her research and advocacy for more inclusive and equity-driven approaches in educational leadership. She emphasizes the need to shift leadership from a focus on individual charisma to creating supportive conditions that allow teachers and students to thrive. Dr. Weiner also touches on the interconnectedness of leadership, wellbeing, and equity, advocating for leaders to foster environments where staff feel safe to take risks, learn, and grow without fear of shame or judgment. Her research delves into the challenges faced by leaders, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains how the pandemic exposed existing inequities and forced school leaders to make rapid decisions under difficult circumstances, highlighting the importance of collective accountability and psychological safety in school environments. Dr. Weiner's work also explores gender and racial biases in leadership, emphasizing that the feminization of the teaching profession has often resulted in leadership structures that fail to prioritize learning and wellbeing.

Psychological Safety: ACTION (Part 2)

In this episode, Gail Markin, Caroline Picard, and Jade Garratt from Psych Safety discuss innovative professional development practices and the crucial role of psychological safety in educational settings. The conversation delves into the concept of Joint Practice Development (JPD), a collaborative approach that pairs teachers to plan, teach, and observe lessons together. This method fosters a supportive environment for growth and reduces the fear often associated with traditional observation models. Also discussed is the "Andon Cord" concept, adapted from Toyota's manufacturing practices, as a tool to encourage open communication and continuous improvement in educational teams. The speakers emphasize the importance of creating a culture where raising concerns is not only accepted but celebrated. Throughout the episode, the significant impact of psychological safety on teacher well-being, retention, and overall educational outcomes is highlighted. The conversation contrasts this with punitive evaluation systems that can stifle innovation and growth. The conversation acknowledges the challenges of implementing these practices, including time constraints and existing cultural norms. However, the speakers argue that investing in psychological safety ultimately saves time and leads to more effective teaching and learning environments.

Psychological Safety: ACTION (Part 1)

In this episode, Gail Markin, Caroline Picard, and Jade Garratt from Psych Safety, a seasoned educator and expert in psychological safety discuss the critical role of implementing action to build psychological safety in education. Jade, who has extensive experience in teaching, leadership, and organizational development, shares her passion and specific techniques for fostering environments where individuals feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and learn from mistakes without fear of judgment. Everyone in a school, not just leaders, plays a role in creating a culture of psychological safety in education. The conversation acknowledges that teachers often create safe environments intuitively in classrooms, but that it is more challenging to establish such safety within educational institutions and workplaces. Jade highlights the fragile nature of psychological safety—how it takes time to build but can be easily destroyed by overwork, stress, and high expectations. The good news is that it can also be protected and fostered with communication and collaboration. The conversation moves to practical steps and the challenges educators face in creating environments where it is “safe to fail." Throughout the episode, Jade's passion for her work and her dedication to making teaching a more sustainable, fulfilling profession shines through.