Beat Teacher Burnout!

Rowena Hicks

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Self-Improvement
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Burnout is NOT OK! Every episode of The Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast is filled with the motivation and strategies you need plus deeply personal stories, relatable topics and research-backed advice to help you become the best version of you to overcome the overwhelm and burnout in order to thrive!

Sep 25

Trauma-Informed Schools: Stress, Regulation and Preventing Burnout

What happens when stress, pressure and past experiences affect the way we respond at work and at home? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Jemma King, a trauma-informed coach and trainer, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, trauma, nervous system regulation and creating safer environments for adults and children. Jemma shares her own experience of reaching exhaustion and explains how understanding the nervous system can help us recognise stress responses and find practical ways to regulate rather than simply pushing through. We explore how trauma can affect the brain and body, why everyone responds differently, and how understanding our responses can reduce shame. We also discuss co-regulation, how children can be affected by adult stress, and why staff wellbeing needs to be part of a trauma-informed approach. Jemma shares practical strategies educators can use, including breathing exercises, movement, butterfly tapping and creating a pause between work and home. In this episode, we discuss: Stress, burnout and traumaNervous system regulationFight, flight and freeze responsesPractical strategies for managing stressCo-regulation between adults and childrenCreating trauma-informed schoolsSupporting staff wellbeingThis episode is for teachers, nursery practitioners, SENCOs, headteachers, school leaders and education professionals interested in trauma-informed practice, stress management, nervous system regulation and preventing burnout. If you enjoyed this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, please follow, rate and share the podcast. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier working environments. ____ Connect with Jemma King: Website: jemcoaching.thementalwellbeingcompany.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jemma.alexander.12 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jemma-king-coach Email: jemma@jem-coaching.com ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Sep 11

How to Build a Calmer Early Years Team

What happens when stress leaves us with no space to pause, reflect or respond calmly? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Diana Bradley, Executive Director at Montessori Society UK, for an honest conversation about stress, burnout, reflection and wellbeing in early years settings. Diana shares how stress can affect the way we work, interact with children and respond to our teams. We explore why reflection matters, how coaching can create safe spaces for staff, and how colleagues can support one another through listening, collaboration and shared knowledge. We also discuss the importance of creating safe environments for adults as well as children, the role of self-awareness in managing stress, and how the prepared environment can support children’s independence while reducing pressure on practitioners. A powerful reminder throughout the conversation is that safety comes before hierarchy. Children do not care about job titles. They look for adults who make them feel safe. In this episode, we discuss: Recognising signs of stress in early years teamsReflection and responding rather than reactingCoaching and professional wellbeingCreating safe spaces for staffSupporting children’s independenceThe prepared environmentCollaboration with parents and colleaguesCPD and sharing knowledgeBuilding calmer, healthier early years teamsWhy safety comes before hierarchy This episode is perfect for nursery leaders, early years practitioners, Montessori educators, teachers and education leaders interested in staff wellbeing, stress management and preventing burnout. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Your review helps more educators discover conversations that support healthier workplaces. ____ Connect with Diana Bradley: Website: montessorisociety.org.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/montessori.society.ami.uk Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-bradley Twitter: x.com/AMIUKSociety ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Aug 28

Beating Burnout: Stress, Boundaries & Stronger Teams

Burnout doesn't always look like burnout. Sometimes it looks like pushing through stressful days, struggling to switch off, taking worries home or feeling like you have to keep everything together. In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I'm joined by Angelica Celinska, founder of The Voice of Early Childhood and BookedIn, for an honest conversation about stress, wellbeing and creating more supportive teams. We explore how stress can show up physically and emotionally, why recognising the signs early matters and how setting boundaries can help protect your wellbeing. We also discuss psychological safety, supporting neurodivergent colleagues and the connection between adult wellbeing and children's emotional regulation. Angelica shares practical ideas for creating healthier working environments, from simple wellbeing check-ins to making space for honest conversations within teams. This is a conversation about noticing what your mind and body are telling you, knowing when to pause and creating a culture where people feel supported rather than expected to cope alone. In this episode, we discuss: Recognising the early signs of stress and burnoutSetting boundaries and learning to say noThe connection between the mind, body and stressCreating psychological safety within education teamsSupporting neurodivergent colleaguesHow adult wellbeing can influence children's emotional regulationUsing simple wellbeing check-ins to support staffBuilding healthier and more supportive workplacesIf this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Every review helps more educators discover practical conversations that support wellbeing and help prevent burnout.____ Connect with Angelica Celinska: Websites: waitlist.bookedin.online thevoiceofearlychildhood.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/bookedin.online Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/bookedin-online www.linkedin.com/in/angelicacelinska Youtube: www.youtube.com/@BookedInVoices Twitter: x.com/BookedInOnline ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout :https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Aug 14

How Nursery Leaders Can Prevent Burnout, Wellbeing & Leadership

Burnout in early years leadership rarely comes from one big problem. It can build through staff shortages, recruitment pressures, increasing responsibilities, Ofsted expectations and the constant pressure to support your team while keeping a nursery running. In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Tracey Hughes, a regional manager with extensive experience in early years leadership, who currently oversees 15 nursery settings. Tracey shares her journey from nursery nurse to regional manager and offers an honest insight into the challenges facing nursery leaders today. We explore staff shortages, team wellbeing, workplace culture and why leaders need support too. Tracey explains how sharing resources, developing an in-house agency and creating a strong culture can help teams manage pressure and maintain morale. We also explore the importance of reflective leadership and coaching, including why room leaders need the right support and training to become confident leaders themselves. Most importantly, this conversation highlights why effective leadership isn't about doing everything yourself. It's about creating a culture where people feel supported, valued and able to ask for help. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest challenges facing nursery and early years leadersStaff shortages, wellbeing and building a supportive workplace cultureReflective leadership, coaching and developing confident room leadersWhy asking for help is a strength, not a weaknessIf you work in early years, nursery leadership or education and you're feeling stretched or overwhelmed, this episode offers practical insights into leading well while protecting your team's wellbeing. If you found this episode helpful, follow Beat Teacher Burnout for more honest conversations about educator wellbeing, leadership and preventing burnout. ____ Connect with Tracy Hughes: Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tracy-hughes Email: tracyhughes2000@aol.com ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Jul 31

Why Teachers Burn Out | Guilt, Stress & Learning to Thrive

Burnout rarely happens overnight. For many teachers, school leaders and early years professionals, it builds quietly through relentless pressure, impossible expectations and the belief that caring more means doing more. In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I’m joined by Dr Jane Todd, former teacher, school leader, lecturer and nursery owner, for an honest conversation about the hidden emotional cost of working in education. Jane shares her personal journey from thriving in leadership to experiencing burnout and physical collapse. Together, we explore why so many educators struggle to switch off, why guilt makes setting boundaries feel impossible and how perfectionism can slowly erode wellbeing, confidence and relationships. This isn't a conversation about doing less. It's about creating a more sustainable way of working, so you can continue making a difference without sacrificing your wellbeing. Whether you're a teacher, nursery practitioner, school leader or anyone working in education, this episode will help you recognise the warning signs of burnout and remind you that looking after yourself isn't selfish. It's one of the most important things you can do. In this episode, we discuss: Why burnout develops gradually and the warning signs to look out forHow guilt, perfectionism and people pleasing keep educators trappedPractical ways to set healthy boundaries and protect your wellbeingWhat it takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in educationIf this episode resonates with you, please follow, rate and share Beat Teacher Burnout. Every review helps more educators discover practical conversations that support wellbeing, prevent burnout and help people thrive in education. ____ Connect with Jane Todd: Website: janetodd.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/early_years_jane Facebook: www.facebook.com/jane.todd.165 Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jane-todd ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Jul 17

Burnout, Boundaries & Being Present with Angelica Celinska

What if burnout doesn't begin when you feel exhausted? What if it starts much earlier, when being constantly busy becomes your normal? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Angelica Celinska to explore why so many educators, school leaders and early years professionals find it difficult to slow down, switch off and truly look after themselves. Together, we talk about the hidden signs of burnout, the pressure to always keep going and why putting yourself last can quietly become a habit. Angelica shares her own experiences and practical insights into creating healthier boundaries, becoming more present and recognising that caring for yourself isn't selfish - it's essential. This is an honest conversation about what it really means to thrive in education, not just survive. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, carrying the weight of leadership or simply wondering why it's become so hard to switch off, I hope this episode reminds you that your wellbeing matters too. In this episode, we explore: Why burnout often develops gradually rather than all at once The hidden emotional load carried by educators How boundaries protect both your wellbeing and your effectiveness Why being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others Practical reflections to help you protect your energy without losing your passion If this conversation resonates with you, I'd love you to follow the podcast, leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Together, we can help create a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone working in education. ____ Connect with Angelica Celinska: Website: thevoiceofearlychildhood.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevoiceofearlychildhood Spotify:⁠ open.spotify.com/show/2kXHzjEqapUCAjOHQinh7m Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-voice-of-early-childhood www.linkedin.com/in/angelicacelinska Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TheVoiceofEarlyChildhood ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Jul 3

What if the environment around you is affecting your wellbeing more than you realise?

In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, educator, Montessori specialist and spaces expert Lucy Gibson shares why stress isn't always about workload. Sometimes it's the pace we live at, the spaces we spend time in and the expectations we place on ourselves that quietly drain our energy. Lucy reflects on her journey from Brazil to the UK and explains how embracing change, slowing down and creating calm, intentional environments can transform the way we live and work. Together, we explore why resilience isn't about constantly pushing through, but about recognising what helps us thrive. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, nursery practitioner, parent or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life, this conversation is full of practical ideas to help you create more balance, protect your wellbeing and reconnect with what matters most. In this episode, we explore : Why your environment plays such an important role in wellbeingBuilding resilience through periods of uncertainty and changeThe benefits of slowing down in a fast-paced worldHow nature can support mental wellbeingCreating calmer spaces for ourselves and the children we supportLiving with greater purpose, gratitude and balanceIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow Beat Teacher Burnout, leave a review and share it with someone who could benefit from the conversation. Your support helps more educators and professionals discover practical ways to reduce stress, prevent burnout and thrive both at work and beyond. ____ Connect with Lucy Gibson: Website: positivelysimple.org. Instagram: www.instagram.com/positivelysimple.uk Spotify:⁠ open.spotify.com/show/0EH7FtkOvrUqLnenA2uwNn Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/positivelysimple Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Institute_Montessori_Training ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: 👉https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : 👉https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67
Jun 19

Teacher Burnout: What Ross McGill Wishes Every Educator Knew

What happens when one of education's most respected voices admits that he nearly burned out? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with Ross McGill, founder of Teacher Toolkit, to explore the reality of teaching in a profession that asks so much of the people within it. Ross shares the personal experiences that shaped his career, from working unsustainable hours and navigating redundancy to reflecting on the pressures that many educators now see as simply "part of the job". Together, we discuss why stress has become normalised in education, what happens when work begins to consume every part of life, and why so many dedicated professionals struggle to recognise the difference they're making. This is an honest conversation about workload, wellbeing, resilience and the challenge of sustaining a career in education without sacrificing yourself along the way. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, SENCO, nursery practitioner or anyone supporting children and young people, you'll find practical insights, reassurance and a powerful reminder that looking after yourself isn't separate from your work, it's part of it. In this episode, we explore : The hidden cost of teacher burnoutWhy workload isn't the whole storyThe pressure of accountability and inspectionsCreating healthier boundaries between work and homeRecognising your impact when you're feeling overwhelmedWhat schools can do to better support staff wellbeingHow to build a sustainable career in educationIf this conversation resonates with you, follow Beat Teacher Burnout and share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear it. Because education needs great teachers. Great teachers need support. Connect with Ross Morrison McGill : Website: www.teachertoolkit.co.uk Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/teachertoolkit Facebook:⁠ www.facebook.com/TeacherToolkit Linkedin: uk.linkedin.com/company/teachertoolkitofficial Youtube: www.youtube.com/@TeacherToolkit ✨Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : https://amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: https://www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks/ — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉https://www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: https://amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : https://amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: https://calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67

Burnout is NOT OK! Every episode of The Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast is filled with the motivation and strategies you need plus deeply personal stories, relatable topics and research-backed advice to help you become the best version of you to overcome the overwhelm and burnout in order to thrive!

Creator

Rowena Hicks
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

98
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Rowena Hicks
Show Website

Beat Teacher Burnout!