The Teacher’s Compass

Teaching Through Perimenopause: What No One Talks About

In this week’s episode of The Teacher’s Compass, I’m opening up a conversation that far too many women in education are silently struggling with - perimenopause. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, emotional, forgetful, or just not yourself lately, this episode is for you. You’ll hear: * What perimenopause actually is and how it can affect your body and mind * The subtle ways symptoms show up in the classroom and impact your confidence, focus and relationships * Why so many women feel like they’re “burning out” when in fact their hormones are changing * Simple, practical steps to support yourself, and how colleagues and schools can help too * My own story of navigating perimenopause as a teacher, and what I wish I’d known sooner This is a topic we need to talk about more openly. Because when women understand what’s really going on, they can get the help and compassion they deserve and make choices that truly support their wellbeing. 🎧 Tune in now to feel seen, supported and empowered to take back control of your health and happiness. 👉 Take the Burnout Quiz & download your Teacher Reset Guide: https://hub.theteacherscompass.com/teacher-burnout-quiz [https://hub.theteacherscompass.com/teacher-burnout-quiz] 👉 Join The Teacher’s Compass Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theteacherscompasscommunity/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/theteacherscompasscommunity/]

Recognising the Signs of Burnout (And What To Do About It)

Are you exhausted no matter how much you rest? Snapping at friends, family or students over little things? Feeling like the joy has gone out of teaching? These could be the early signs of burnout, and catching them now can make all the difference. In this episode, I’m sharing: ✨ The subtle warning signs of burnout that teachers often ignore ✨ Why it’s so important to spot burnout early ✨ Practical steps you can take this week to start feeling better ✨ How to protect your energy so you can thrive — not just survive — in the classroom Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of your teaching story. With the right tools and support, you can reset, regain control and feel like yourself again. Resources & Links: 🔎 Take the Free Burnout Quiz: Find out where you are on the burnout scale and get personalised tips to start your reset journey. 👉 Teacher Burnout Quiz [https://hub.theteacherscompass.com/teacher-burnout-quiz] 📖 Download the Teacher Reset Guide: Packed with simple, practical strategies to help you take back control of your wellbeing. 👉 You'll get it instantly after you complete the quiz [https://hub.theteacherscompass.com/teacher-burnout-quiz]! 👥 Join The Teacher’s Compass Facebook Community: Connect with like-minded teachers and TAs, share your struggles, and get encouragement from people who get it. 👉 Join the Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/theteacherscompasscommunity/] Let’s Connect: If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a colleague who might need it, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode. You can connect with me on my social media channels or email me hello@theteacherscompass.com Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thelouiseschwartz], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thelouiseschwartz], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@louiseschwartz], Linked In [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelouiseschwartz], YouTube [https://youtube.com/@theteacherscompass?si=_uOCB6Jb-dU4IIHh]

Finding Balance in the Chaos: Teaching, Family Life & Digital Boundaries

In this episode of The Teacher’s Compass, I’m joined by my friend and fellow teacher, Louise Salt, who shares her honest experience of balancing life as a full-time Year 5 teacher and a busy mum. We dive into the realities of teacher wellbeing, the pressure of juggling it all, and the small changes that make a big difference. We also explore the power of switching off — from social media, doom scrolling, and constant stimulation — and recommend some brilliant books to help you reconnect with yourself. Plus, we touch on how teachers can start using AI as a tool to save time and boost creativity, not just add to the overwhelm. Whether you’re feeling stretched thin or looking for fresh ways to find balance, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable conversation. Our top book suggestions: * Verity by Colleen Hoover * The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary * This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay (maybe don't read this one if you haven't already had children or are currently pregnant!) * The Housemaid by Freida McFadden * Let Them by Mel Robbins If you don't already use AI in your teaching (for yourself or your class) here are some suggestions to get you started: * Fit2Teach - UK based app that focuses on teacher wellbeing and work-life balance * DCPro - a platform designed to streamline administrative tasks for teachers * iSAMS - a suite of tools to support teacher workload and wellbeing * Educator - assessment and data management tools for schools * Teacher Tapp - an app that gathers real time data on teachers' working habits and wellbeing * Teachwire - free lesson plans, worksheets and teaching articles across various subjects and key stages * TeachPlan - an intuitive lesson planning tool for teachers * EuHu - a collaborative platform offering free curriculum resources for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 * Magic School AI - free tool made specifically for teachers * Adobe Firefly - generates images from descriptive text If you find any of these suggestions helpful, I'd love to hear from you. Drop me a comment or get in touch via my social media channels Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thelouiseschwartz ] LinkedIn [www.linkedin.com/in/thelouiseschwartz] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thelouiseschwartz] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@louiseschwartz]

When Life Gets in the Way: Living in the Moment and Rebuilding Community

In this episode of The Teacher’s Compass, I’m sharing a personal update after an unexpected break from the podcast. Life doesn’t always go to plan — and sometimes, we need to pause, breathe and focus on what truly matters. I’m talking about the importance of living in the moment, giving yourself grace and rebuilding connection when you’re ready. I’m also so excited to introduce The Teacher’s Compass Staffroom and invite you to our online Launch Party happening this Monday! Plus, I’ll share two powerful books that have been helping me navigate the past few months: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway and Let Them. Come join the community, reconnect with yourself and others, and remember — you’re never alone on this journey. 👉 Here's the link [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1311568349239?aff=oddtdtcreator] for all the details about the Staffroom Launch Party! 👉 Check out our brand new website for all the latest information from The Teacher's Compass [https://theteacherscompass.com/] 👉 If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube — it really helps us reach more teachers who need this space. 👉 Let's connect on social media, I'm on: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thelouiseschwartz] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@louiseschwartz] Linked In [http://www.linkedin.com/in/thelouiseschwartz] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thelouiseschwartz]

Life After Teaching: How Jenny Found Freedom in Coaching

In this episode of The Teacher’s Compass, I chat with Jenny Sharp, a former teacher who recently transitioned into life, career,and business coaching. Jenny trained as a teacher in 2014-2015 and spent several years in the classroom, navigating the challenges of teaching—including the impact of Covid—before making the bold decision to leave. We discuss her journey, what led her to step away from teaching, and how she found a new sense of purpose in coaching. Jenny shares insights on transferable skills, overcoming fears around career change and practical steps for teachers who feel stuck but aren’t sure where to start. If you’ve ever wondered what life after teaching could look like, this episode is packed with inspiration and advice! 🔗 Connect with Jenny: Website [https://jennysharp.co.uk/⁠] https://www.instagram.com/jennysharpcoaching https://www.tiktok.com/@jennysharpcareercoaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-sharp-coaching/ 🔗 Join The Teacher’s Compass Community:  https://louiseschwartz.co.uk/theteacherscompass/ [https://louiseschwartz.co.uk/theteacherscompass/] 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow teacher who needs this!