Not Another Teacher Podcast Martin Malone and Poppy Gibson

Summary
In this episode, Martin and Poppy interview Jordan Firth, a primary school teacher and creator of humorous teaching videos. They discuss Jordan's career journey, his favorite and hardest moments in teaching, and the importance of humor in the classroom. Jordan shares three things he can't live without: moments of reflection, sarcasm, and his gym workouts. He also offers the advice to not take teaching too seriously and to find humor in the everyday challenges.
Takeaways
Teaching can be challenging, but finding humour in the everyday challenges can make it more bearable.Taking moments to reflect and have a laugh can help protect your mental health and well-being as a teacher.Finding activities or hobbies outside of teaching, like going to the gym, can provide a much-needed break and help you recharge.Don't take teaching too seriously. Remember to have fun and find joy in the classroom.Humour can humanise you as a teacher and create a positive and engaging learning environment for your students.

SummaryIn this episode, Martin and Poppy discuss the concept of finding one's purpose and passion in life. They explore the first two questions from Margie Worrell's book: 'What makes you come alive?' and 'What are your innate strengths?' Martin shares his excitement and passion for fitness and teaching, while Poppy talks about her love for connecting with people and coming up with new ideas. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of being true to oneself and taking risks. In this conversation, Poppy and Martin discuss their different career journeys and how they have found purpose and added value in their respective roles. They explore the importance of finding what serves you and what you want in life, and how this can lead to a fulfilling career. They also discuss the value of building relationships and supporting others, and how coaching and mentoring can make a difference. They reflect on measuring their lives by the freedom and happiness they experience, and the importance of living without regrets.
Takeaways
Finding one's purpose and passion in life is essential for mental and physical well-being.Reading can be a great form of escapism and self-actualization.As educators, it's important to remember our why and reconnect with our passion.Excitement and passion are key factors in coming alive and finding fulfillment.Being true to oneself and embracing authenticity is a strength.Problem-solving skills and finding alternative ways to do things can lead to greater satisfaction.Taking risks and trying new things can be both a strength and a weakness.Connecting with others and learning from different perspectives can enhance personal growth. Finding what serves you and what you want in life is key to a fulfilling career.Building relationships and supporting others adds value to your work.Coaching and mentoring can make a difference in people's lives.Measuring your life by the freedom and happiness you experience is important.Living without regrets and making choices that align with your values leads to a fulfilling life.

SummaryIn episode seven of the Not Another Teacher podcast, Martin and Poppy discuss the high levels of stress and coping mechanisms among teachers. They explore the findings of a study that revealed one in four teachers drinks to cope with the job, and 12% of teachers are on antidepressants. They discuss the pressures of the job and the need for teachers to find healthy coping strategies. They share their own coping strategies, such as voice noting to friends and taking time for oneself. They also highlight the need for schools to prioritize teacher well-being and for teachers to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. The conversation explores the reasons why people turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism and suggests alternative strategies for dealing with stress and negative emotions. It emphasizes the importance of making conscious choices and finding joy in healthier ways. The hosts discuss the accessibility and affordability of alcohol and the need for better coping strategies. They also mention the benefits of meditation, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others. The conversation concludes with the idea of focusing on the positive aspects of teaching and the power of talking and sharing experiences.
Takeaways
One in four teachers drinks to cope with the job, and 12% of teachers are on antidepressants.Teachers need to find healthy coping strategies to manage the stress of the job.Coping strategies can include voice noting to friends, taking time for oneself, and engaging in activities that bring joy.Schools should prioritize teacher well-being and support teachers in setting boundaries and practicing self-care. Question whether reaching for alcohol is really what you want and consider healthier alternatives for coping with stress and negative emotions.Find joy in activities that don't involve alcohol, such as spending time outdoors, practicing meditation, or connecting with others.Focus on the positive aspects of teaching and share the good moments with others.Make conscious choices and be aware of the reasons behind your alcohol consumption.Talk and share experiences with others to find support and new strategies for coping with challenges.

SummaryIn this episode, Martin and Poppy discuss the study that suggests jogging makes people angrier and explore alternative fitness activities. They emphasize the importance of finding time for fitness and establishing a routine that works for individual schedules. They also discuss the significance of taking breaks during the day and setting boundaries to prioritize self-care. Martin shares a helpful tool for creating a to-do list that includes self-care activities. They highlight the importance of getting to know oneself and making changes to routines to find joy in life.
Takeaways
Finding time for fitness and establishing a routine is crucial for overall well-being.Taking breaks during the day and setting boundaries can help prevent burnout.Creating a to-do list that includes self-care activities can help prioritize personal well-being.Getting to know oneself and making changes to routines can lead to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

SummaryIn this episode, Martin and Poppy discuss strategies for managing anxiety in teaching. They emphasize the importance of preparation and organization, such as planning outfits and meals in advance. They also highlight the value of setting boundaries and living authentically to reduce anxiety. Gaining perspective and talking to others about worries and concerns is another helpful strategy. However, they caution against relying on negative online communities for support and suggest choosing positive and supportive groups instead. In this conversation, Martin and Poppy discuss strategies for managing anxiety as a teacher. They emphasize the importance of being authentic and seeking support from others. They also discuss the balance between professionalism and personal expression on social media. The conversation explores coping mechanisms for anxiety, such as creating positive routines and gaining perspective. They highlight the importance of switching up routines to reduce anxiety and finding joy in everyday life. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of setting boundaries with work and taking control of one's well-being.
Takeaways
Be authentic and seek support from others.Balance professionalism and personal expression on social media.Create positive routines and switch up routines to reduce anxiety.Gain perspective and offer advice to others.Find joy in everyday life and take control of your well-being.

SummaryIn this episode, Martin and Poppy discuss the importance of setting boundaries and saying no in the teaching profession. They explore the pressure to go above and beyond, the fear of what others will think, and the impact of budget cuts on workload. They provide strategies for saying no, such as using the school diary and taking time before making a decision. They emphasize the power and worthiness of teachers and the importance of seeking opportunities that serve you. By setting boundaries and saying no, teachers can protect their mental and physical health and thrive in and out of the classroom.
Takeaways
Setting boundaries and saying no is crucial for protecting mental and physical health in the teaching profession.The fear of what others will think and the pressure to go above and beyond often prevent teachers from setting boundaries.Using strategies like checking the school diary and taking time before making a decision can help teachers say no effectively.Teachers should seek out opportunities that serve them and align with their career goals and personal enjoyment.