Blog - Page 8 of 9 - Voicing Education

What’s life like being a ‘young’ headteacher?

In this second conversation as part of the Women Leaders series, I sit down with the headteacher at my current school – Laura Pearce.

Laura has been a headteacher for five years but received the title of headteacher at age of 28. Being young and dynamic, enabled Laura to make some tough decisions which resulted in success, proving that age simply is nothing but a number.

I wanted a team that was very united, that I could feed off them as much as they could feed off me.

Laura Pearce

Headteacher

Since 2016, Laura Pearce has been a leader in her current school, part of the Enfield Learning Trust. The original Infant school and Junior school were merged to form a large five-form entry primary school in the heart of a highly diverse area of London. The school is one of the largest in the country.

Laura, originally from the Midlands, moved to London where her career rapidly progressed in just a few years. With more than ten years of education experience, she also worked in the role as Executive Headteacher, leading her school alongside a new one form entry primary in its initial stages of becoming a school.

She has provided training within the Trust to other leaders as well as on behalf of Enfield Local Authority, specifically focusing on Leading Wellbeing. The school she is currently leading has recently been awarded the Sandwell Chartermark for wellbeing which adds to other awards during her years in leadership.

Learning points:

20:39 – On confidence in your own ability

24:17 – On wellbeing

26:01 – On support and help

Resources

The Key – How to prioritise staff wellbeing (Laura Pearce)

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Please leave a review:

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Scroll down and click the 5-star rating.
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Why are women great leaders?

Women Leaders

In this inaugural episode, which begins this series about Women Leaders in education, I’m in conversation with Christalla Jamil. We discuss her role within #WomenEd and how the movement has grown since 2015; it is now in over 34 different countries. In our conversation, we discuss how impactful the support of non-judgemental women has encouraged and empowered women to get their voices heard.

I’m a real woman. I am strong. I am protected by my courage.

Christalla Jamil

Executive Head Teacher and National Leader for #WomenEdEngland

An Experienced Executive Head Teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Christalla is skilled in Inspections, Coaching, Primary Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Consulting, Leadership and School Improvement.

In her ‘spare time’, Christalla is a National Leader @WomenEdEngland and lives by the motto: Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. Christalla holds the torch and leads the way for others encouraging others to be #10%Braver.

Follow Christalla on:

Learning points:

Do not be afraid.
Have critical friends.
Develop self-awareness – know what you are good at and what you need to develop.

Resources:

Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

Charted College of Teaching

Book: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Connect with #WomenEd

Twitter: @WomenEd Website: www.womened.org

Have you left a review for Voicing Education – The Podcast?

Each and every review really does make a difference. If you are enjoying the episodes, I’d just like to ask for you to share your appreciation.

Please leave a review:

Head to voicingeducation-thepodcast/apple or search Voicing Education – The Podcast in Apple Podcasts. (This is easier to do on your phone.)
Scroll down and click the 5-star rating.
To show extra appreciation and support – please add a quick sentence (or two) to share what you enjoy about the show.

Why empathy matters for us all

Leadership, Personal Development

Do you feel run ragged by Monday evening each week? Are you fed up of the criticism from parents? Have you realised that empathy matters but is not a trait granted to all?

If you’ve answered yes to all of the above, I know this means that you have been working flat out since schools have returned in January.

Teaching remotely is not a walk in the park.

Teaching remotely whilst having your own children to attend to is no holiday.

Teaching right now is a challenge!

Right now educators up and down the country are feeling an immense pressure to do their best for a range of people. Let me list them: the pupils, their school, the parents, their family, and if they have any time left themselves. We are tired! I think I can vouch for many educators when I say that we are not trying to upset parents intentionally but we really can’t please all. Empathy matters and is key.

Who are the priority?

As educators, our single most important priority are the pupils. It has been, and always will be. Most teachers enter the profession because they want to make a difference: an impact, and to leave each day with a feeling of fulfilment.

With my hand on my heart, I can honestly tell you that at the moment, not many educators feel fulfilled. We (the royal we) are still however doing our best for the pupils in school. We are catering for the children of critical workers, the vulnerable pupils and those children working at home remotely to the best of our ability. I doubt there is a headteacher, who has thought, “I think we can just let the gap get wider for our pupils. Let’s just plan a scaled back curriculum because it is easier. Our pupil’s mental health will be fine. I think whilst they’re not able to socialise or see their friends that they will remain focussed and attentive all day when doing their remote learning. They’ll be ok…I mean children they’re resilient aren’t they?!”

No headteacher wants the pupils at home. No teacher wants to keep teaching remotely for the foreseeable future. And what does the phrase ‘foreseeable future’ even mean right now?!

Confusion v clarity?

It is an understatement to say that the recent weeks have been concisely confusing. The lack of clarity has been criminal. Change is challenging to manage in schools at the best of times but coupled with confusion, it certainly is not the best concoction for success.

All educators can safely unite in the collective consciousness of confusion. We are not confused because we do not know what to do for our pupils, but confused by the manner in which the government are communicating. As I have written before, Leadership requires the skill of perspective, yet this is not being modelled by our government in a time of great need. Where is their empathy?

At the very last minute, headteachers clamber to gain clarity, make decisions, and communicate this to our community: our pupils and their parents.

Consequently, we become the messengers who are being shot!

Empathy really matters

This is where empathy matters.

Parents, I hope, are not doing this intentionally yet their comments and criticisms over our decisions are beginning to have an impact on teachers and headteachers. Take a look at this letter written by an experienced headteacher I know. He is voicing his opinions and frustrations at the criticisms that his teachers have received from some parents at his school. His letter expresses emotion and demonstrates empathetic leadership at its best. He has the ability to understand the feelings of his teachers. He is fully aware of the many perspectives but as an empathetic leader he used his voice and made a sacrifice for his staff. This is commendable! Yet it shouldn’t have to be like this. With empathy from all, educators should be able to serve without fear of being shot on the frontline.

Let’s be honest – criticism only comes from a place of fear.

Emotional intelligence enables us to overcome challenge and deal with conflict.

What we need is understanding

The pandemic has evoked feelings of fear. For some, it lays dormant and is only unleashed when triggered. For others it’s worn as a weapon ready to be used in action. When we understand this and know that it is the fear that is speaking we can take a step back and gain a different perspective. When we understand that parents, our colleagues and some pupils may be communicating from a place of fear, we are better equipped to handle the situation.

Educators may not always make the best decisions but aim to lead from a place of understanding.

All schools operate differently to the clients that they are serving. Our pupils are our clients and we know them well. We have taught, cared, fed and nurtured them. Some for many years since nursery. As educators we understand that parents want the best for their children. So do we. We have the same goal. For children to learn and thrive to the best version of themselves.

Having the ability to understand that everyone is living through the same pandemic is crucial. Knowing this means that there should be an understanding that everyone may be experiencing this in a number of ways. Once again perspective is key.

When we view the world through just one lens this can only lead to blindness. We become accustomed to one way. One perspective and it becomes the only way. There is no room for empathy. There is little understanding and there is certainly no growth.

There is strength in perspective.

What more can we do?

Empathy matters. It must be the choice for us all. We are all suffering or beginning to show signs of fatigue and it’s only the beginning of what may be another gruelling year. I am a realist at heart and know that nothing is permanent. This pandemic will end. Children will always need to learn and educators will always want to do the best for the pupils.

However, my concern is for teachers. If there isn’t an understanding of the varying perspectives in education from the government, I fear that many teachers may leave the profession. A greater sense of empathetic leadership in needed in schools and for educators right now.

Resilience is great, yes, but understandably, we all have different pressure points. I hope that we can continue to support each other and show non-judgemental understanding.

As the educational world morphs around us, we must continue to adapt. But most importantly, we must teach and lead without fear. We know we can teach well, we are simply evolving.

Reflection:

Why do we sometimes wait until our feelings are built up inside before talking?

Why is it that harsh messages are listened to more than the quiet voices?

Why does it take a volcano to erupt for people to believe that it is active?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Growth of a New Voice

Personal Development

Do you take time to reflect on your growth and achievements? Are you recognising support from others? Who do you need to voice gratitude to?

Recently, I noticed that I hadn’t taken the time to acknowledge my achievements; instead I was caught up in the continuous journey of development. The value of reflection is underrated. I believe this now as I take time each week to celebrate my growing ‘wins’. Celebrating my small wins allows me to recognise the value in small steps towards a goal. Writing this down in a journal is even more rewarding as you can go back at a later stage and reflect on your growth.

Reflection is an important part of self-development enabling you to notice what you may not have seen when caught up in a moment. Awareness is a great component of life but as educators we know that this can easily slip away as thoughts, tasks and time overwhelm us.

Accepting Support to enable Growth

We don’t need to do this alone, we were never meant to.
Brené Brown

I included the above Brené Brown quote in my #WomenEdEngland New Voices talk back in July and today it still stands. In fact, the words resonate deeper now. Accepting support is beneficial. The first global #WomenEd Unconference (Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th Oct) has highlighted the need and importance of this movement. The #WomenEd network has enabled numerous women across the world to share their growth and encourage one another through discussions and sharing of experiences. The unconference enabled women with varying approaches, perspectives and experiences to connect. Despite the range of locations, many of us could identify with each other’s narratives. Female educators across the world are facing similar issues. Yet each story and discussion shared was layered with individuality and inspiration. It is clear to see how the #WomenEd network has impacted others.

A person’s success can never be attributed to just one person. It is important to recognise and value this as educators and leaders.

Taking steps to growth — Accept support each step on your journey

Without saying yes to the opportunity to speak in July, I wouldn’t have been asked to reflect on my growth in my most recent talk. Small stepping stones in your journey should never be taken for granted. How could saying ‘yes’ impact you?

Growth, change and development

Growing and changing enables you to reinvent yourself. This is development. Looking at this from a constructive-developmentalist perspective, although we make meaning of ourselves and the world the key is to know that this changes over time. Right now, evolution is crucial as an educator, a leader and for all in the world we are currently living in.

We cannot afford to stand still and teach how we used to. Styles in leadership need to develop. By default, many of us have had to adapt to a new way of looking at education. This can be debated as a blessing in disguise, nevertheless change was inevitable.

Since July, my awareness of impacting others has expanded. So much so that I have created this special corner on the internet to express my voice to encourage educators to uncover their self-worth, amplify their voice and empower others. The adrenaline from the first #WomenEdEngland event: #NewVoices, back in July, created a ripple effect for many of those nine women including myself. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support from #WomenEd.

Related: New Voice or an Unheard Voice

A ripple effect approach was born from that one opportunity.

It is this that I find both inspiring and motivating. The beauty in supporting others by creating opportunities can have a profound impact. I am the embodiment of this. Supporting others enables you to grow too, like a boomerang inspiration arrives right back at you.

However, I should highlight that true growth requires transformation.

What is the role of Transformation?

In order to grow a change needs to take place.

You cannot begin a journey by standing in the same place.

As stated earlier, speaking in July was the catalyst for many changes. However this could not happen without a conscious effort to change. Following the event, I took a step back and reflected on how I wanted to proceed. I knew I wanted to develop my voice, to speak and to inspire. But the question was why?

At times, you may think you know why you are doing something but we must be careful to check that our beliefs and values are still in alignment and that these are being reflected in our daily actions. Once I knew my why, effortless changes followed. I was driven. The transformation process flowed as my purpose was clear. With an awareness of my why, my actions became intentional.

Knowledge of what you want to achieve is not enough. A growth mindset is not enough. A marriage of behaviour, attitude and action leads to change. Transformation occurs when there is an awareness of your behaviour and attitude towards the change.

If you are considering doing something that you have never done before. I would urge you to do this. Taking the first step can be the hardest but with one step, you are getting closer to your outcome. One talk led to me making connections, which has opened possibilities for other actions.

Take a moment to consider the following questions. If you have a journal write down your responses:

Who has helped you recently in your teaching career? How have you shown gratitude for this?
What is your why?
How are you impacting others?
What one change can you do tomorrow that will impact those who work with you?

Reflection

Do remember to reflect and celebrate your achievements weekly. Too often we beat ourselves up and at the end of the week and focus on what has not gone well. However remember this is all about perspective. It may not have happened exactly how you wanted but this is fine. At times we are impacting others in ways we will never know. Be mindful of this and never forget to support others on your journey whilst showing gratitude for the help you have received. Keep the ripple effect going…

If you are interested in finding out more about #WomenEd and their work click here.

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5 Ways to Increase Your Productivity

Productivity

Have you been working hard continuously yet still feel like you are at square one? Do you need to create some balance in your work life? Would you like to boost your productivity?

Each week I celebrate my small wins on a Friday as part of my weekly reflection. However this week, I felt as though I hadn’t been ‘productive’. When I was questioned about my feelings of being unproductive, I had to take a step back and think.

‘What did you do in place of being productive?’ I was asked. I paused as I had to think about it. Although I felt like I was procrastinating, I Intuitively knew that the rest and recuperation (which took its place) was vital for my process of productivity.

At times, taking a step back to rest feels as though you are wasting time or being unproductive but this simply isn’t true. Rest and relaxation allows the mind time to process.

How do you define productivity?

This means different things to different people. For some it’s how much work they produce in a given time. Often when we tick off the tasks we set out to do we feel productive. But really we must be careful to ensure that the work that we do complete is of a good quality. Recently, I have begun to measure my productivity on the quality of work produced rather than the amount of tasks I have completed. Quality over quantity. The satisfaction I get is far more rewarding.

So how can you gain that satisfaction of being productive? Below are 5 ways to increase your productivity. Consider these tips when you feel you may be procrastinating or lack focus.

1. Engage in a hobby

Yes you read that correctly. To develop productivity a hobby will help. Have you got a hobby? Deep play, as Alex Soojung- Kim Pang founder of Strategy + Rest refers to it, offers many of the same pleasures we gain from work in a very different context. When you engage in a hobby it offers you (as a busy person) an alternative to your working life.

We all know the feeling, when we complete a 5K run challenge or added the summarising statements to a report we have been working on. That feeling is exhilarating. Both are personally satisfying. However, a hobby offers the same psychological benefits as work minus the frustrations. Putting your best efforts into something without criticism or comments is great for your wellbeing and productivity.

With hobbies we get the ability to switch out of work mode and experience the feeling of passion.

As an educator, wherever you are in your career journey, I think it’s fair to say that we all started with passion. We were all attracted to the career as we wanted to make a difference in young people’s lives. For most, this is our passion. However, many educators sadly lose this passion because we work too hard without any planned leisure time falling victim to burnout. Statistics published by the Department of Education revealed that almost one in three teachers sadly leave the profession within five years of qualifying. Perhaps scheduling leisure time may have an impact as well as the retention packages that some schools offer.

Finding productivity in painting — Finding productivity through a hobby

Additionally, leisure time can offer an opportunity for your subconscious mind to process ideas even when you are focused on something else. Think about those answers that pop-up in your mind when you’ve taken a break and are doing something else. This has happened to me on many occasions. In fact, many of my best ideas or solutions to my problems arrive when I’m not working. I’ve always thought that they just popped into my head, but what I now believe is that my mind has had time to process solutions in the background and is offering up a solution.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic also speaks about this notion of an idea visiting you and trying to get your attention. At times, we do not notice solutions or ideas. Often we are so entangled in the complexities of work, or put simply in others words, our minds are unreceptive to inspiration.

Finding time for a hobby will facilitate the environment for solutions and ideas to arise. Teachers have a right to engage in deep play.

Do more — Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash

2. Structure your work day

Do as you do with your social life.

We all work differently yes but having a structure has never caused anyone any harm. Having a list of tasks works but how about allocating time periods to your tasks? It works in a school timetable so why not with your own personal tasks?

Structuring your work calendar into smaller jobs allows you to clearly see what needs to be completed. Have you ever found that a task absorbs all the time that you spend on it? The task expands to fill the time given. However, when you allocate a job to a specific timeframe you work more efficiently to complete the task. This is especially true if you have a list of jobs scheduled to complete.

Try to plan work for shorter, more focussed hours. This may be in one hour to 90 minute periods. Working in this way allows you to give your best in small bursts, then if need be, return to it at another time for another 90 minute interval. Remember it’s quality over quantity.

A small change like this may increase your productivity especially when you see that you are completing these tasks over time. Schedule your week but remember to build in those opportunities for those day-to-day unplanned contingencies that school life likes to serve up.

3. Unplug: have a no technology evening

To have one evening at home a week without any technology will allow your mind time to process the information that it has gathered throughout the day. Not only this but it will also allow you time for that hobby or time quality time with family and/or friends.

Unplug: switching off from screens allows the brain to rest and access.

But how can I do this? I understand that for many the only time you can get in the day is in the evenings to sit down and work through your emails. However, have you considered why this is? Could you create time in the day where you avoid and say no to distractions in order to respond to emails. During this time you may even be able to compose your own.

4. Set clear boundaries

With the recent blur of work and home-life, it has been challenging to define our life between home and work. Unfortunately, for many of us, the boundaries between work and our personal life has been significantly blurred. Work physically entered our homes for many months becoming the new normal. It was clear to see how the lack of boundaries could cause work to completely submerge our home and personal space. Many of us have had to learn the hard way, first becoming overwhelmed before taking a step back and drawing a healthy boundary line.

Set clear boundaries between work time and personal time.

Once you know your values and have clarity with your intentions you will develop the confidence to set clear boundaries.

Individuals are not skilled in setting the boundaries between work and home (and) colleagues fail to respect other’s rights to free time.
Steve Harvey

Often we spend time talking to colleagues about matters that are not really going to help with your productivity at that time. Discussions and sharing ideas is essential yes, but even these discussions can be scheduled. Make time to have valuable discussions with teachers/leaders during your lunch break. (Yes you should be having this! Remember your work expands to fill the time.)

Eventually, your colleagues will know when they can contact you and will respect your boundaries.

Healthy boundaries are different to barriers to work. With a boundary people respect the line – there is still communication. A barrier creates disconnect and demonstrates that you are not part of the team.

Setting boundaries is not self-fish. It is crucial. If you don’t you may find that you feel under appreciated which can lead to feelings of resentment. These feelings are not motivating and decrease your productivity.

5. Plan time to rest for productivity

Making time to rest is not avoidance of a task, it actually boosts productivity. A twenty minute nap has been proven in studies to boost your mind and ability to be productive. Perhaps we can’t quite fit in time for a nap during the school working week but what about the weekend?

Alex Soojung-Kim Pang’s work around rest and shorter working hours is fascinating and really does challenge our old beliefs and attitudes towards work. His belief is that we should be resting more and working less. Again he uses the term active rest which implies that rest should be intentional. Once we appreciate the benefit that rest has within our working life, I doubt many of us will continue to attach guilt to rest and recuperation.

There is in fact productivity in rest. Recouping allows renewal and this process is valid in its own right. As he states breaks should be seen as a partner to work. Both rely on and sustain each other.

Alex Soojung-Kim Pang – Words of Wisdom

Rest is not our competitor to work but our partner to it.
Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

This awareness enables balance and aids mental wellbeing.

Teaching is a rewarding yet challenging job. As productivity is a personal definition. It’s vital that you establish your balance between work, rest and play. Schedule time to be productive so there are frequent opportunities for you to reflect on your accomplishments. They should be recent memories.

Which action will you take to boost your productivity? Share your comments below.

Related posts:

Why do Habits Matter?

15 Self-Care Tips for Teachers

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Why is empathy important for leaders?

Leadership, Personal Development

Are you wondering how to show more empathy at work? Have you been ridiculed for showing care and understanding? Do you empathise with staff but are afraid to show it?

With recent events, empathy in the workplace is essential. The current pandemic and worldwide events have impacted society in ways yet to be known. This has called for a need for empathy from all.