After a week of school runs and back to work routines I’ve been reflecting on the African Proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” and thinking about what that means and how very true it is!
This week saw my middle child start high school and as I dropped him to school on day one full of nerves yet quietly confident he told me “It’s ok I did what Miss Austin told me – I visualised, I took deep breaths and I believe in myself – I’m ready.”
And off he went so ready for this adventure.
As I drove to work that morning I thought about all the people who had been, and who still are, in his village. Who have had his back throughout his journey so far and how that has shaped him. From the doctors and nurses (who have kept him alive through allergic reactions and asthma attacks), to the speech therapists, the nursery nurses (who we are still in contact with), the Reception teacher who made a number of visit to his out of town nursery to get to know him, to really know him. The sports coaches in and outside school, the breakfast and after school teams, the teachers who have taught him in school and online, the head teacher who knows him so well and that’s without the family and friends who are like family.
It really does take a village!
The phrase “It takes a village” hit home with me and has made me reflect on how we all need a village. Every single one of us needs a safe, health environment where we have the security to develop and flourish, to realise our strengths and reach for our hopes and dreams. As we start a new academic year and many of us are starting new jobs, new roles or maybe new careers it’s important that we take a moment to reflect on the importance of each member of our village and strength our village brings us.
So….
As we are moving into the busy Christmas Term (sorry to mention the C word in September!) what can we do to support ourselves and ensure that we give ourselves the best opportunities to flourish. As teachers we all constantly try to ensure that all the children (and the families) in our care are having the best opportunities and support that we can provide; but sometimes we exhaust ourselves in the process.
Dylan Williams said
“Every teacher needs to improve; not because they are not good enough, but because they can be even better.”
At Tickhub we all believe this is true – as professionals, as parents, as friends and as colleagues we all strive to improve ourselves, to never be complacent. But, we need to learn how to look after ourselves so we can be the best version of ourselves too!
Let’s take a moment to look at that village and those people we can turn to for support. Take a moment to think about your team at work – who do you turn to for support?
Whether you are consultant, a trainer, a senior leader, teacher, support staff or a member of the wider school staff you need a village to support you to help you achieve your full potential, just as the children we work with do.
When Early Careers Teachers begin their teaching journey, they have mentors and tutors to support them. They have guidance both for the teaching and learning development but for pastoral support too. Because teaching is hard – we want to get it right and there is never enough time!
Who else can teachers turn to for support? School pastoral teams are fantastic at supporting not just pupils and families but staff too. For some teachers its important to be in a larger school with a bigger year group team to work with as a network. If you are a member of the senior leadership are you taking a moment each day to reflect on your team. Small gestures, well done’s and thank-you’s go a long way!
It’s also important when we are thinking about our work village that we learn that it is ok to sometime say no. If you feel that you cannot take on any more, or you need more support its so important that you say this – people can only help if they know you need it!
And what about that home village – take a moment to think of the 5 most important people in this village. Why are they important? What can you do to ensure that you spend quality time with them? How do you support them?
Most teachers have, at some time, reflected on the fact that they have not always successfully achieved that magical work-life balance and that is because the job list never ends; but its about prioritising and organising to ensure teacher wellbeing as well as children’s. Because, if the teacher is tired and cranky the children will not get the best version of their teachers.
So, as we begin another academic year which seems (certainly in Essex where we are) to be filled with a new challenge – if its not Covid its now RAAC - remember to take some time for your own wellbeing and for your own village.
Our top wellbeing tips to survive the year and come out successful and smiling are:
Prioritise and focus on your goals for the day, the week and the half term.
Create clear boundaries between work and home.
Set aside time to connect with your village at home and at work.
Celebrate small achievements – be proud of yourself
Work collaboratively with your colleagues (its saves time and reduces workload!)
Ask for help
Notice others around you
Say no if you can’t take on any more
Put down technology before bed
Eat well, Sleep well and exercise
Take your work emails off your phone
And finally – remember you are not alone, be kind to yourself, be proud of yourself. It takes a village - so go ahead and lean on yours when you need to and support those in your village when they need to lean on you!
If you need further support the TickHub team offer coaching for ECTs, middle leaders and Senior leaders to support your personal career development. Please contact us for further information on hello@tickhub.co.uk
Useful Websites:
Education staff wellbeing charter – www.gov.uk
www.literacytrust.org.uk – teacher and school staff wellbeing
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