Questions on Teacher Wellbeing by Bethune, Adrian; Kell, Emma;

Short description:

With answers from a diverse panel of 10 expert contributors, this guide shares practice-based perspectives on key questions to help you manage the demands of teaching. It is essential reading for ECTs and a useful staffroom resource for all education settings.

Long description:

What are the early signs to look for that you’ll be happy in a school? How can you be your ‘whole self’ in the classroom, corridors and halls? How can you build healthy habits into your daily routines?

As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you are likely brimming with questions about how to look after your own wellbeing while navigating a busy and challenging school environment. With answers from a diverse panel of ten expert contributors, this dip-in-and-out guide shares practice-based perspectives to help you manage the demands of teaching and foster a sense of balance and fulfilment.

Each accessible chapter is framed around the questions that matter most to ECTs, covering key topics from finding the right school culture, growing your identity as a teacher and balancing professional and personal commitments, to prioritising wellbeing when you are ‘too busy’. Contributors draw from extensive first-hand experience, as well as research-based strategies, to answer common concerns and offer relatable, easy-to-implement ideas and tools that will help you to prioritise self-care and embrace sustainable working practices. Throughout, reflective questions from the Editors encourage you to consider your own journey and take ownership of your growth and wellbeing.

Your wellbeing is not a luxury – it’s a necessity and the bedrock of functioning well in your personal and professional life. This rich range of perspectives will offer you honest practical insights and approaches to ensure you not just survive but flourish in your teaching career. It is essential reading for ECTs and a useful staffroom resource for all education settings.

“This timely book combines insight from the classroom with practical tips on how to think about, and actively protect, your wellbeing as a newly-minted teacher. From AI to sleep hygiene, this book is full of ideas about setting and holding boundaries that will help you thrive in your career.” - Sinéad McBrearty, CEO, Education Support

"Questions on Teacher Wellbeing provides an in-depth analysis of teacher wellbeing along with well-researched and experience based practical guidance on how best to maintain your happiness as a teacher. In a personable tone, written by teacher-authors, this book goes far beyond simple 'breathing exercises' or 'learn to say no.' A must read for all teachers, irrespective of experience." - Omar Akbar, Teacher and Author

"This compassionate and practical guide for teachers navigating the relentless demands of the profession, is written with wisdom, empathy and clarity, offering realistic strategies to manage workload, perfectionism and energy across the school year. From the “must, should, could” tool to thoughtful reflections on using AI effectively, the advice is grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of teaching’s challenges. It reminds educators that “good enough” truly is good enough, empowering them to reclaim balance, sustainability and joy in their work. A reassuring, insightful and essential read for every teacher." - Professor Haili Hughes, Director of Professional Development at All Saints MAT and Professor of Coaching at Academica University of Applied Sciences

"This new book is a powerful resource that speaks directly to the challenges faced by teachers, offering practical strategies, and a compassionate approach to wellbeing. At Now Teach, we have seen firsthand how Emma's insight has made a tangible difference in the lives of our participants. This book is a must-read for anyone in education who wants to create a healthier, more balanced environment for teachers to thrive in. Dr. Kell’s work continues to inspire and equip us to better support the wellbeing of teachers, and I wholeheartedly recommend her new book to educators and leaders alike." - Sarah Darrall Shaw, Director of Programme and Network, Now Teach

Table of Contents:

Contributor biographies

Acronyms

Chapter 1: What is wellbeing and why does it matter?

Adrian Bethune and Emma Kell

Chapter 2: Finding the right school culture for you

with Sarah Mijatovich

Chapter 3: Establishing and growing your identity as a teacher

with Luke Hashman

Chapter 4: How to prioritise wellbeing when you’re ‘too busy’

with Sophie Smith-Tong

Chapter 5: Accountability and self-efficacy

with Rae Snape

Chapter 6: Workload: managing time and energy

with Bukky Yusuf

Chapter 7: Wellbeing and behaviour

with Nikki Cunningham-Smith

Chapter 8: Balancing professional commitments and caring commitments

with Emma Sheppard and Isaac Akinde

Chapter 9: Looking after yourself during challenging times

with Julie Liddell

Chapter 10: Fostering a sense of belonging in school and maintaining personal relationships

with Ben Levinson

Final thoughts

Further reading

Index