Assertive communication with Difficult Parents
Working with parents is an essential part of working in schools, yet conversations can sometimes feel challenging—especially when emotions run high. Assertive communication is a vital skill that helps teachers, leaders and other staff in schools, stay calm, clear and in control, while still building positive relationships.
When Teaching gets Tough
Working in schools can be tough and seems to be getting even more challenging. Each year things seem to get tougher! Changes in the curriculum, increased accountability, demanding or absent parents, poor student behaviour, changes in society, tightening budgets and a push to do more with less, all contribute to increased pressure in schools. We work with people every day and people are unpredictable
Learning to Say “No” (Without the Guilt)
Staff who work in schools are caring, generous and committed people. That’s what makes you amazing—but it’s also why many of us struggle to say no. You may feel that if you don’t do it, no one else will. Or perhaps you feel you should say yes because that’s what a “good person” does.
Email Madness- Keeping it under control
We need to consider how and why we are using email. Whilst it can be an effective communication method if used well, used poorly, it wastes a lot of unnecessary time. Think before you write, not when you write – remember that a face-to-face conversation is the best form of communication.
Productivity Tips For Self-Leadership
A study by Microsoft found that a third of our day is unproductive. That’s more than two and a half hours each day. That’s too much! If you feel like a lot of your day gets wasted, keep reading. It can be beneficial to look a lot deeper at what you are doing. We need to pay attention to what’ s going on around us and how we show up and impact on our own productivity. Self-leadership starts with self-awareness.
Thinking Clearly in a Busy school
Schools are full of quick decisions—on the run, between classes and often under pressure. Whether it’s responding to student behaviour, interpreting a parent email or navigating the latest initiative, staff in schools, make hundreds of judgments every day. In The Art of Thinking Clearly, author Rolf Dobelli highlights the many mental shortcuts (or “cognitive biases”) that trip us up. Understanding these can help you think more clearly, reduce unnecessary stress and make better decisions.
Focusing on What You Can Control
Working in schools can feel overwhelming. There’s always more to do, more to think about and more to worry over. When things feel hectic, one of the most helpful strategies is to bring your attention back to what you can control. The 3 Circles Framework (popularised by Stephen Covey) is a simple but powerful way to do that. The three circles are:
Recharge you batteries over the break
As we get to the end of the term and the holidays approach, it’s imperative that you make the most of the opportunity to recharge your batteries. It’s important to feel like you have actually had a holiday and are ready to take on the challenges of a new term.
Prepare Early for Happy Reporting Later
Report writing time can be stressful — late nights, pressure and additional workload at a busy time. Instead of dreading the approach of report writing time and using weak coping strategies like counting down the days till the holidays, try planning early (super-early – like, now!) to make reporting time much calmer. Planning early can make the whole process calmer and smoother.
Moments of Truth – Keeping parents on our Side
Our school’s reputation and holding in the community is dependent on Moments of Truth. A Moment of Truth is any time a parent or student interacts with our school and forms an opinion about us. The concept started in the airline industry.
Successful Parent – Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are ‘Moments of Truth’ for parents. They are important times where parents come into direct contact with us and form an impression of our school. Be Prepared Ensure that you have notes about the key areas you want to discuss and the key messages that you want the parent to understand.
Teacher Well-being in Inclusive Classrooms
Practical strategies for supporting yourself while supporting every student: Teaching an inclusive classroom with a mix of special needs and neurodiverse learners is challenging and it can stretch your energy, patience and emotional reserves. Looking after your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you are balanced, rested and supported, you can show up fully for your students.