Shows
The Leaders Team PodcastLeading from the Middle: Boundaries with Gemma DrinkallEducation Support's research report, "Pressure on Middle Leaders," highlights the rewarding and challenging aspects of being a middle leader. While most find their role fulfilling, increased accountability can lead to pressures. Learning to set boundaries is key to managing these challenges and maintaining well-being. Gemma Drinkall, an expert on middle leader boundaries, shares practical tips with Twinkl's Leaders Team to help implement boundaries for improved wellbeing.2024-02-2114 min
Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools381: Teachers with Boundaries - Gemma DrinkallGemma is an educational wellbeing coach, trainer and supervisor with the ambition to transform middle leaders’ quality of life for the betterment of themselves, their students and their team. With over 9 years’ experience working in the education sector as a classroom teacher, head of year and co-head of department, Gemma is well-versed in the challenges and daily grind that teachers face just to survive.The switch from career-obsessed teacher to qualified coach, trainer and supervisor is the source of Gemma’s superpowers. Having experienced panic attacks, low mood and anxiety, she crashed and burned out of her teachi...2024-02-0545 min
LearningDustLearningDust 5.02 - Gemma DrinkallGemma Drinkall, creator of Teachers With Boundaries and HeadSphere joins us to discuss the dangers of being a "yes" person, how being a teacher can become all-encompassing, and how doing your best doesn't have to mean doing it all.2023-11-141h 05
Psychology in the ClassroomHow to thrive in teaching with Gemma DrinkallAs we start a new academic year how can we ensure that we manage our own wellbeing? This week my guest, Gemma Drinkall, a qualified coach, trainer and supervisor shares her top tips on setting boundaries, managing expectations and learning how to look after your own wellbeing, after all you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you would like to learn more about Gemma’s work you can find it on these links: Website: https://headsphere.co.uk/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/teacherswithboundaries/ Twitter: @Gemma_D...2023-09-0639 min
The Nourish PodTeacher5ADay Trailblazers - Gemma DrinkallTeacher5ADay Trailblazers - Empowering Educators Through Passion ProjectsJoin me as I chat to Gemma about how she fits Teacher5ADay into her life and what she has planned for her workshop at Pedagoo Hampshire on 16.9.23Get your free tickets to the event herehttps://malsamy.wixsite.com/pedagoohampshireConnect with Gemma here -https://twitter.com/Gemma_Drinkall and https://headsphere.co.uk/Back to School Calm Masterclass on Wednesday 23rd August: A free masterclass to take you from overwhelm and anxiety to calm, confident and ready to t...2023-08-2038 min
TandTeaching - The Educational PodcastTEAchable Moment: Gemma DrinkallGemma Drinkall, host of the Teachers with Boundaries podcast, shares her TEAchable moment with us.
Welcome to TEAchable Moments where we ask educators to share their top tips and give you ideas that you can take straight into your classroom.
Share your teachable moment using the #TEAchablemoment
Here's a little image to help spread the word
#edupod #TEAchablemoment
2023-05-1701 min
NetSupport RadioOf Primary Importance Podcast by ReallySchool: Ep. 26 - Putting teaching back into its job boxWelcome back to Of Primary Importance! In this podcast series we are exploring all things EYFS and primary with different topics and special guests each fortnight. In this episode, I am joined by Gemma Drinkall to talk about ‘Putting teaching back into its job box.’Gemma is an educational wellbeing coach and trainer who also hosts the ‘Teachers with Boundaries Podcast’. Her ambition is to transform middle leaders’ lives to benefit themselves, their students and team. With 8 years’ experience in education including middle leadership, Gemma understands the challenges that middle leaders...2023-04-1234 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHave your teacher emails taken over your life?Despite going into teaching to “teach”, it turns out a large amount of your job is responding to emails. This can leave you feeling switched “on” beyond your time each day in the classroom. This makes it difficult to escape teaching when you are seeking a happy work-life balance. What you will learn in this episode: The negative impact multitasking can have on your productivity The habit loops that form when you have email notifications switched on The positive impact reducing your contactability can have on your stress levels By reducing the time you spend on your...2023-02-2711 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow come some teachers enjoy a happy work balance?With the never ending workload, pressure and scrutiny that teachers face, the job can feel like it has taken over your life. However, some teachers manage to develop a positive work-life balance that empowers them to treat teaching like the job it is whilst enjoying life outside of the classroom. This episode explores some of their secrets. What you will learn in this episode: How some teachers manage to have a happy work-life balance The importance of acknowledging that teaching is an impossible job Tips that will help you to create your own work-life balance ...2023-02-1311 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastIs it possible to have a work-life balance in teaching?It is often said in teaching that the only ways to get a work-life balance is to go part time (and work on your days off) or quit. The statistics appear to support this view as 1 in 3 teachers are leaving in their first five years. However, there is another way: boundaries. What you will learn in this episode: Why teachers may quit or go part time The importance of having a work-life balance in teaching Steps you can take to create a work-life balance Accelerate your progress by signing up for the FREE 3 Steps to...2023-01-3012 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastWhat is the cost of saying no to yourself in teaching?Sometimes saying no in teaching just feels wrong. It feels wrong to disappoint someone. It feels like you are saying no to the students and that is the worst thing a teacher can do. Yet, when you keep saying yes to school, you risk saying no to your own needs, which can ultimately impact the quality of your teaching and work-life balance. What you will learn in this episode: How saying no to yourself may be impacting you The value of saying no in teaching How saying no can improve the quality of your teaching ...2023-01-2310 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastWhat may be blocking your teacher work-life balance?Finding a happy work-life balance in teaching is tricky. It feels like the job is a never ending onslaught of tasks, emails and paperwork. And that’s before you get into the classroom! There may be things in your way that are preventing you from creating the work-life balance you crave. This episode explores some of these and the small steps you could take to make valuable changes. What you will learn in this episode: How you may be standing in the way of your ideal work-life balance The power of saying no Ways you can re...2023-01-1615 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow can boundaries help you to thrive in teaching?Christmas and New Year begin to feel like a distant memory this week. The enjoyment of the festive season pales as the new school term takes hold. It is important to take stock and explore how you can create a work-life balance that enables you to enjoy teaching and life during the new term. What you will learn in this episode: How physical boundaries can help you create a happy work-life balance Why having boundaries benefits your students How a change of perspective can help you enjoy teaching again The New Year brings an opportunity...2023-01-0915 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow to start the New Year thriving in teachingThe New Year can fill you with optimism, hope and excitement. And you may begin the New Year with high expectations for yourself. Sometimes though this can result in disappointment. Yet, there is a fine balance to be had that will help you to thrive in teaching as you begin 2023. What you will learn in this episode: • How to make time for yourself • The importance of setting boundaries in the new school term • How to thrive in teaching in the New Year As you return to school this week, priori...2023-01-0207 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow to find space for yourself in the Christmas holiday rushChristmas is a festive blur. You spend the run up to Christmas frantically buying presents for family and friends, buying and decorating a tree and buying enough food for everyone. Then before you know it, the New Year is in and you’re back at school having hardly taken a moment of pause for yourself. In truth, Christmas is just plain exhausting for most of us. It can be challenging to find space for ourselves during this time. What you will learn in this episode: • How to find time for yourself over Christmas • The be...2022-12-2608 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow to switch off from teaching guilt-free for ChristmasNo matter how much you look forward to Christmas, teacher guilt can follow you into the festive season. You feel guilty for having left some items on your to-do list. You feel guilty that there is a bag of marking in the corner vying for your attention. Let’s face it, teaching can put a dampener on the festive season! What you will learn in this episode: • How to switch off from teaching guilt free over Christmas • The importance of being organised during Christmas • That you deserve to have time off from sch...2022-12-1907 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastHow the B.O.U.N.D.A.R.I.E.S. Framework helps you to thrive in teachingThe B.O.U.N.D.A.R.I.E.S. Framework has been created to empower you to thrive in teaching. It aims to help you to create a work-life blend that works for you, switch off from teaching and switch on in your life and also reduce your workload. What you will learn in this episode: • How the Framework helps you to create clear boundaries • How the Framework benefits schools • What you can do to put the B.O.U.N.D.A.R.I.E.S. Framework into action...2022-12-1215 min
Teachers with Boundaries PodcastWhat teacher wellbeing lessons can you learn from Advent?Whether you are a Christmas Elf or a Scrooge, there is no denying that the festive season is finally upon us! It is now completely legitimate to stick on Wham!, deck the halls and begin wishing anyone and everyone a Merry Christmas. (Is it obvious yet that I am, in fact, a Christmas Elf?) Yet, the time of Advent can give us some valuable reflections when it comes to teacher wellbeing. What you will learn in this episode: • How Advent can lead us to appreciate the small things • The importance of treating yourself ever...2022-12-0508 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast41 What impact is teacher presenteeism having on your teacher wellbeing?Teacher presenteeism is rife. Education Support report that 46% of teachers always go into work when unwell. Although this may seem admirable, it is actually having a negative impact on your teacher wellbeing and that of your colleagues. In order to thrive in teaching, you must put your needs first. What you will learn in this episode: • The pressures to go into school when you are unwell • How going in when you are unwell is not in your students’ best interests • The importance of putting your needs first Teacher presenteeism is a pan...2022-11-2812 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast40 Teacher wellbeing: how can schools become more human-centric?Despite schools being full to the brim of human beings, the sector is guilty of not always treating its occupants in the most compassionate and humane manner. Data-driven, results-based, progression-centred: the education sector has lost its heart. Although schools are dedicated to the needs and wellbeing of their students, it’s not always so easy to see this care being given to staff. In order to retain staff and help them to thrive, schools can become more human-centric. What you will learn in this episode: • What the human-centric model is • How it will help s...2022-11-2118 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast39 What are the barriers to a teacher work-life blend?Teaching can often feel like a never-ending to-do list. More seems to be added at the top with not enough things being ticked off at the bottom. It can feel like an endless cycle. If you feel like this, you’re not alone. According to TES, 37% of teachers reported that they work more than 51 hours a week and a total of 68% say the volume of workload was a “major reason” for considering leaving the profession. When this is the case, a work-life blend can feel like a pipe dream. What you will learn in this episode: • Th...2022-11-1416 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast38 How can boundaries help to resolve the teacher retention crisis?Despite the attractions of teaching, the education sector has a retention crisis on its hands. The government is trying to make teaching appealing to graduates with the increased pay for NQTs and the EC. Yet, 1 in 6 teachers are still leaving the sector in their first year. Although there are no easy fixes or short-term wins that will immediately alleviate the crisis, teacher boundaries will help to reform teaching and empower teachers to find a way to thrive in teaching by protecting their wellbeing. What you will learn in this episode: • The steps that the DfE are...2022-11-0717 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast37 Why is it important to say no in teaching?In teaching, it is easy to fall prey to saying yes to everything: saying yes to SLT requests and demands, saying yes to opportunities that may bring you your next promotion or saying yes to students. Yet, there are consequences to saying yes all the time: too many plates to keep spinning, overwhelm or a never ending to-do list! Saying no is tough in teaching but it is vital for creating clear boundaries. What you will learn in this episode: • How saying no can avoid disappointment • How you can say no in a safe...2022-10-3111 minTandTeaching - The Educational PodcastCreating Boundaries with Gemma DrinkallWe discuss everything well-being with Gemma Drinkall. Gemma is an educator and well-being coach who runs the Teachers with Boundaries podcast. She talks to us about the importance of being able to create boundaries between our work and home life and the need to create coping mechanisms to deal with everything teaching throws at us.2022-10-2439 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast36 How can schools help teachers to create clear boundaries?When you are trying to create clear boundaries for yourself in teaching, it can often feel like you are coming up against a system that does not support teachers having boundaries and work-life blends. 1 in 3 teachers are leaving in their first five years of being in the classroom. The education sector currently struggles to recruit enough teachers. Teacher wellbeing is at a low with 77% experiencing symptoms of poor mental health due to their work. No wonder many teachers resolve to leave the profession. It can feel like an uphill struggle with little support from schools themselves to make positive...2022-10-2413 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast35 What steps can you take to switch off from teaching?Teaching is an incredibly fulfilling career but it has a tendency to take over your life if you let it. Learning to switch off is vital because it empowers you to thrive in teaching and enjoy a long, fulfilling career. What you will learn in this episode: • What may be stopping you from switching off • To remember that you are enough and are worthy of switching off • 3 steps you can take today to help yourself switch off from teaching To help you switch off more effectively, check out episodes 16 and 28...2022-10-1709 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast34 What does teacher work-life balance look like?Work-life balance can feel like a pipe dream for many teachers. Teaching can often seep into all areas of your life simply because it is a valuable element of your life and can be all consuming at the same time. So, how do you create a work-life balance that works for you? What you will learn in this episode: • How you can create a work-life blend that works for you • The power of choice that you have • Steps you can take today to create a happy work-life blend with teaching The...2022-10-1013 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast33. What are the benefits of having teacher boundaries?Having clear teacher boundaries is hugely beneficial. Not only do you feel better about school and get to have a life outside of school, but studies have shown that your students also benefit when you have better wellbeing. What you will learn in this episode: • How you can benefit from having clear teacher boundaries • The positive impact it can have on your students and colleagues • The extensive benefits boundaries can have for schools too If this episode has left you feeling inspired to create your own clear boundaries in teachi...2022-10-0316 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast32. Why are teacher boundaries not yet part of the teaching culture?Why do teachers struggle to create a work-life blend? Sometimes the answer seems to be, “it’s just the way teaching is at the moment.” There are barriers in the way of teachers creating clear boundaries. There are problems within the education sector. This episode explores some of the reasons why the sector struggles to support teachers’ work-life blends. What you will learn in this episode: • Some common reasons why boundaries in teaching are challenging • The toxicity of calling teaching a vocation • What is in your power to change It is importan...2022-09-2618 min
Leaders Team PodcastLearning How to Say No with GemmaWelcome to our brand new podcast series with Education Support, "Leading From The Middle".In this series we explore everything about Middle Leadership, from job hacks, to saying no and maintaining the right balance.In this episode we talk to Gemma Drinkall, Founder of HeadSphere and education podcast legend about how to say no whether that is to people you lead or to the people leading you.2022-09-2212 minLeaders Team PodcastLearning How to Say No with GemmaWelcome to our brand new podcast series with Education Support, "Leading From The Middle".In this series we explore everything about Middle Leadership, from job hacks, to saying no and maintaining the right balance.In this episode we talk to Gemma Drinkall, Founder of HeadSphere and education podcast legend about how to say no whether that is to people you lead or to the people leading you.2022-09-2212 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast31. How do you know if you have teacher boundaries?Now that the new school year is in flow, it is important to be aware and maintain your teacher boundaries. There will be common signs that suggest that your teacher boundaries need support so that you can keep thriving in teaching. When you have clear boundaries, you are able to work more efficiently, saving yourself time in school and earning you time and energy outside of teaching. What you will learn in this episode: • How you can tell if you need to work on your teacher boundaries • The impact emails can have on your...2022-09-1918 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast30 What are the 4 types of boundaries you need to thrive in teaching?When you have teacher boundaries, you give yourself the opportunity to thrive in teaching. Boundaries are the red tape that you put around yourself to protect and promote your teacher wellbeing. They are not a nice-to-have; they are a necessity. What you will learn in this episode: • What the four types of boundaries are that you need in teaching • How the different types of boundaries support one another • What steps you can begin to take to put these boundaries in place Boundaries involve creating new habits that empower you to pri...2022-09-1218 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast29 Listener Takeover: What are your top tips for the new school year?September is officially here! And the summer holidays will soon feel like a distant memory. To counteract this, this week’s episode celebrates both the summer holiday and the new school year by turning the podcast over to you, the listener! Join us to hear your summer highlights and celebrations as well as some amazing top tips for beginning the new school year on a high! Thanks go to our contributors! Resources: • FREE 5 tips to switch off from teaching and switch on to your life: https://www.subscribepage.com/switchoffteaching • Join our friendly Facebo...2022-09-0509 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast28 How to set clear boundaries for SeptemberWelcome to Part 5 of a mini sessions that will help you to make the most of your summer holidays! September is almost upon us and the back to school adrenaline is pumping! Before you dive in, make sure that you have created clear boundaries for yourself that enable you to manage your work-life blend. Take a moment to pause, grab a cuppa and give this episode a listen so that you are sure to start September well. What you will learn in this episode: • What boundaries are and how you can take to put them in...2022-08-2913 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast27 How to manage back to work stress and prepare for September wellWelcome to Part 4 of a mini sessions that will help you to make the most of your summer holidays! Returning to school can feel like the Sunday evening dread amplified by 10. You may begin to feel the anxiety fluttering in your stomach or your mind may be whirring with new school year worries. Now is the time to prepare for the kind of September that you want. This episode will give you some tools for how. What you will learn in this episode: • The steps you can take to prepare for September now • How...2022-08-2211 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast26 How can you work constructively for September without overworking?Welcome to Part 3 of a mini sessions that will help you to make the most of your summer holidays! It is now mid-August and the new school year anxiety is beginning to creep in, slowly but surely. You’re experiencing a conflict: a desire to be ready for September but also to hold on to the holiday feeling for a bit longer. Ultimately, it is a decision that only you can make: you need to decide how much preparation you want to do for school compared to how much you want to relax in holiday mode. What yo...2022-08-1512 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast25 How do you make the most of your time off school?Welcome to Part 2 of a mini sessions that will help you to make the most of your summer holidays! At the beginning of the summer holidays, the weeks stretch ahead of you, full of hope and possibility. And because of this, you may apply pressure on yourself to make the most of the time. This pressure can then detract from your enjoyment and prevent you from not making the most of your time. What you will learn in this episode: • The impact your expectations can have on your summer holiday enjoyment • How...2022-08-0808 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast24 How can you box off thoughts of school during your summer holidays?Welcome to Part 1 of a mini sessions that will help you to make the most of your summer holidays! The beginning of the summer holidays is both a blessing and a curse. School is finally over and you no longer are expected to work all hours to keep up with the to-do list. However, how do you switch off and box off ideas of school so that you can make the most of your valuable holiday time? If this is a question you are pondering, you are not alone. What you will learn in this...2022-08-0114 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast23 How can you step off the teacher treadmill?When you train to become a teacher, you become accustomed to the intense workload and hours. Once you qualify, those habits that helped you to survive your teacher training can remain with you although they no longer serve you. You may find yourself overworking, overcompensating and spending all of your time and energy in teaching. It can feel like a never ending treadmill. What you will learn in this episode: • How you came to be on the teacher treadmill in the first place • The risks to you by staying on the teacher treadmill 2022-07-2509 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast22 How to get ready for summer and September nowYour gut instinct right now may be telling you to run for the hills at the end of term and forget about school for the summer holidays but actually, the summer holidays are the perfect time to slowly but surely get yourself ready for September. But this episode won’t be telling you how to get your resources and planning in order for the new school term. Instead, you will learn about the processes that you can take that will get you ready for September without sacrificing your much deserved summer holiday. What you will learn in th...2022-07-1813 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast21 What unhelpful advice have you received in teachingDoes this sound familiar to you? “You work too much, you should just go on strike” or “You should just do the minimum work and then they’ll have to hire another teacher”. These are good intentioned but unhelpful bits of advice that our friends and family may give to us about teaching! They mean well but ultimately, they don’t get teaching because they themselves are not a teacher. What you will learn in this episode: • Why friends and family may give you poor advice • How you can make use of that advice •...2022-07-1109 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast20 Why you should start thinking about September nowIt’s nearly the end of the school year and you are so close to the finishing line! School is getting a little bit quieter but you have a niggly feeling in your gut that you should be using this time to get ready for September. Yet, the school year has taken its toll on you and you feel exhausted. It is tempting to ride out the school year and think about September during the summer holidays. However, by taking steps to prep for September now, you are putting yourself in the best position to enjoy both September and yo...2022-07-0410 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast19. Why is it difficult to have teacher boundaries?Teaching is a great job but it can take over your life, physically, mentally and emotionally. When this happens, you can feel overwhelmed and wrung out. Boundaries are a great way to help you achieve balance in your life where teaching can be a valuable part of your life but not the whole thing. What you will learn in this episode: • The different types of boundaries • Why boundaries are important • Steps you can take to protect your boundaries Boundaries are hard because as teachers, we are not taught how to man...2022-06-2713 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast18. How can you quieten your teacher brain?When your mind is whirring with ideas, worries and school-related thoughts, it’s like having your very own snow globe in your head. Often, our minds have already done a full day of school thinking before we even arrive at school. This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and stressed. What you will learn in this episode: • The impact that your teacher brain is having on your wellbeing • Tips that will help you to switch off your teacher brain • How your quality of thinking is your own responsibility Make time thi...2022-06-2009 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast17. How can you love teaching and your life?According to Ofsted, 98% of teachers enjoy teaching. However, 42% report having a low or medium life satisfaction. Sometimes in teaching, it can feel like an “either, or” situation. You are either engrossed in teaching or, it’s half term and you are more engrossed in your life outside of teaching. There doesn’t seem to be a midway point. However, there is another way. And it comes down to boundaries. What you will learn in this episode: • The importance of having clear boundaries • How to make incremental changes that bring your life back into focus 2022-06-1309 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast16. How can you say no in teaching?No feels like a taboo word in teaching. It often feels wrong to say no, like we are being disrespectful, selfish or even disruptive. The “yes” culture of teaching can feel toxic and lead to teacher resentment, teacher burnout and the retention crisis that the education sector is currently experiencing. What you will learn in this episode: • The power of choice: you can say no • What may be driving you to say yes when you want to say no • Ways that you can learn to say no to others Find small...2022-06-0612 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast15 How can you make your teacher to-do list work for you?As a teacher, it often feels like the to-do list is queen. It dictates your actions, how you feel about your work and your ability to switch off from teaching guilt free. However, is your to-do list working for you or are you working for it? What you will learn in this episode: • The difference between a brain dump and a to-do list • How to make your to-do list work for you • The benefits of batching similar tasks Having a separate brain dump away from your to-do list keeps your h...2022-05-3011 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast14 How can you achieve more by doing less?The best thing about teaching is that you can make it your own. There are so many ways to teach and many of them involve you working less! This week’s episode is jam-packed with practical tips and advice that will get you achieving more, whilst working less. What you will learn in this episode: • How you can reduce your marking and achieve effective feedback • How you can make your lesson planning work for you • How you can work smarter, not harder This week, be brave and try something new. Wit...2022-05-2311 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast13 What helps to reduce teacher overwhelm?Teacher overwhelm is that feeling you have when you cannot take any more on. You feel like a saturated sponge, unable to take in more information, make decisions or even walk away. It’s a common feature of teaching and you are not alone in how you may feel. However, there is another way. What you will learn in this episode: • What decision fatigue is • Things to do when you feel overwhelmed • Things to avoid when you feel overwhelmed This week, take time to notice what may be triggering teacher...2022-05-1610 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast12 How can you reduce the amount of time you spend doing school work?When you are a teacher, it often feels like the to-do list expands to fit the time you have available. Unfortunately, that time is usually your free time! This episode is all about how you as a teacher can create more time (and energy!) for yourself using Parkinson’s Law. What you will learn in this episode: • What Parkinson’s Law is • How you can use time blocking to improve your efficiency • How you can use Parkinson’s Law to create time for yourself This week, give time blocking a go. Schedu...2022-05-0910 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast11 Are you a professionally selfish teacher?You may be aware of the safety guidance that says in a plane crash, you need to put your oxygen mask on first. The same applies in teaching. It is perfectly professional to be selfish and put your needs first. By doing so, you are being an even more awesome teacher for your students and team. What you will learn in this episode: • Ways that you can be professionally selfish • The benefits of filling your cup first • Why it is your responsibility to protect your teacher wellbeing Unfortunately, no one wi...2022-05-0208 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast10 How might perfectionism be impacting your teaching?When you are a teacher, you may be a glutton for perfectionism. High expectations of yourself in teaching comes from a desire to be, have and do the best for our students. It’s an honourable cause but it may not be benefitting you and your students as much as you might think. What you will learn in this episode: • The different ways perfectionism can manifest itself in teaching • How perfectionism can get in the way of your enjoyment of teaching • How reducing your work input may not negatively impact the outcome...2022-04-2514 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast09 What is the best way to spend your half term break?For many teachers, half term is what they live for. For one or two weeks, you are free to go to the toilet when you wish, make a cuppa and drink it hot and catch up on the school workload. However, treating half term break as an extended free period may impact your ability to begin the new term fully rested and restored. What you will learn in this episode: • Different ways you can spend your half term break. • How long term stress is impacting your half term break. • Ways that you ca...2022-04-1813 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast08 If the education sector is broken, what can you do?It may feel like the education sector is broken. It’s poorly funded, teacher retention is at an all-time low and students often disrespect you. It can feel like an uphill battle with little reward at the end. If that’s the case, what control do you possibly have? Despite the challenges, there are steps that you can take. What you will learn in this episode: • The impact that the state of the education sector may have on you. • What responsibility you may have for your own wellbeing. • How a change of perspec...2022-04-1114 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast07 Are you thinking about quitting teaching?Sometimes, you just want to quit teaching. The workload is too much. The students don’t listen to you. You don’t feel appreciated. This stops you enjoying being in the classroom and can drain you of the will to carry on. You’re not alone. 1 in 6 teachers leave within their first year; 1 in 3 leave within five years of qualifying. What you will learn in this episode: • How to discover if it may be time for you to leave teaching. • Why it is ok to leave teaching. • Small changes you can make that will help yo...2022-04-0408 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast06 What can be done to reduce stress among teachers?Stress among teachers is high. It can sometimes feel like stress is such an inherent part of being a teacher that if you were to google image ‘stressed out teacher’ you may find yourself in the results. In today’s episode, I shall be discussing the impact stress can have on your health and teaching. What you will learn in this episode: · What long term stress is · How it can impact you · What changes you can make to prevent long term stress It can be challenging to break the mould and work to reduce teac...2022-03-2813 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast05 Can you really have a teacher work life blend?Creating work life harmony as a teacher can feel incredibly challenging, especially when your boundaries have been corroded. Is it possible to achieve work life blending? Yes but it may not look like your generic work life balance but instead looks more like "intentional imbalance". What you will learn in this episode: · Why the idea of ‘work-life balance’ is a myth · Why striving for ‘intentional imbalance’ may work better for you · How you can be intentional with how you choose to manage your time and energy Take time out this week to assess what areas...2022-03-2112 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast04 What time management strategies are you missing out on?When you’re a teacher, one of the most valuable commodities you have that you wish you had more of is time. You feel like you never have enough time. Yet, if you had more time, you’d be able to not only get everything done but also enjoy life outside of the classroom as well. Time is finite yet, it is possible to learn how to make better use of it. What you will learn in this episode: Ways that you may be losing time How you may get back some of that time ...2022-03-1416 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast03 Are you ruled by your teacher emails?As a teacher, you feel like you are ‘on’ all the time. Teacher emails are one way that you feel you can never switch off. You may always be contactable and so you are always being a teacher. This stops you enjoying your life outside of teaching, something you need in order to both enjoy teaching and reduce the stress of it. What you will learn in this episode: • The negative impact that being switched ‘on’ all the time can have. • Ways that will reduce your contactability. • How reducing your contactability will reduce your stress now. Wh...2022-03-0714 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast02 How can non-negotiables help you set boundaries?As a teacher, it can be really difficult to learn boundaries that protect your time, energy and focus. Non-negotiables are the first step to setting boundaries. By imagining yourself as a battery, you can get a clear idea of the people, activities and events that drain you, and the ones that rejuvenate you. These are your non-negotiables and will help you to protect your teacher wellbeing and thrive in teaching. What you will learn in this episode: What non-negotiables are How little actions can make a big difference to your wellbeing How to...2022-03-0410 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast01 What are teacher boundaries?As a teacher, it can be really difficult to learn boundaries that protect your time, energy and focus. Non-negotiables are the first step to setting boundaries. By imagining yourself as a battery, you can get a clear idea of the people, activities and events that drain you, and the ones that rejuvenate you. These are your non-negotiables and will help you to protect your teacher wellbeing and thrive in teaching. What you will learn in this episode: What non-negotiables are How little actions can make a big difference to your wellbeing How to...2022-03-0416 min
Teachers with Boundaries Podcast00 Welcome to the Teachers with Boundaries Podcast!If you are a teacher in search of a better work-life balance, if you are tired of working all the time and having no time for yourself, your family, friends or your hobbies, then this is the podcast for you. I'm Gemma Drinkall, an educational wellbeing coach, former secondary school middle leader and host of the podcast. In this podcast, I'll be sharing insights into how you can create clear boundaries that put you back in the driving seat of your life and help you to love teaching again. I'll also be giving hints and tips that will help you...2022-03-0416 min
The We Lead Well PodcastGemma Drinkall - Supporting your staff to stay wellThis week I interviewed Gemma Drinkall who takes us through her experience of burnout as a middle leader. It's so important, as leaders, to get to know our staff, to understand them, so that we can notice when things are not right. In the episode, Gemma shares her personal experience of how teaching affected her mental health in the hope that by sharing what she went through, school leaders can develop their awareness of others so that they are able to empathise with staff and support their wellbeing in the workplace. Gemma came out of the other side of her...2021-12-031h 08
The Teachers' PodcastCreating boundaries to protect teacher wellbeing: Gemma Drinkall, founder of HeadSphereThis week I chat with Gemma Drinkall, an education wellbeing coach. Gemma talks to me about the importance of creating and protecting boundaries as a teacher. We also discuss tokenistic wellbeing practices and attitudes towards teachers and their wellbeing. In this episode, Gemma shares: - What an education wellbeing coach is and what they do. - Why she is so passionate about the wellbeing of teachers. - Tips for creating those boundaries and sticking to your non-negotiables. If you’d like to learn more about Gemma and Hea...2021-10-1922 min