#Freeschoolmeals. I know I'm admitting to terrible naivety and ignorance here, but I've spent the day staggered at how ANY family can survive on an income of £7400 a year, having realised that's it for those entitled to free school meals so far. In a first world country, in 2025. 1/2

Returned today from the proudest of teacher-moments. The wedding of my former student Balan, with the best of best men from my tutor group from 2001-2006, Amit, in glorious Sicily. Even in the most challenging of weeks, it's impossible to forget what an honour this job is. 1/2

Grateful for a week with two brilliant school teams. Huge thanks to Alfriston School & Chess Valley Trust for your warmth, insight, and humour made the sessions on #teacherwellbeingselfcare truly special. Always a privilege to do this work. Get in touch to find out more: www.those-that-can.com

This weekend, I’m attending the wedding of a young man I taught from 2001-2006, and this is one of the many reasons why teaching is the best career in the world.

NEW guest blog: A SCITT Survival Story An #ECT opens up about the reality of teacher training while navigating grief and neurodivergence. Read it here: www.those-that-can.com/a-scitt-surv... #TeacherTraining #NeurodivergentVoices #Education #SCITT #WellbeingInSchools #BlueskyEdu

After 100s of hours (and 26 yrs), I’ve written the last sentences of my book, Real Lives of Teachers. It’s been a battle at times, but I’m finally proud. These final words echo my late friend & headteacher Kevin, who taught me to believe my words mattered. More soon. #teachers

NEW podcast appearance, in which I share as yet untold stories about guilt, presenteeism, hyperaccountability, over-work and the reasons why I am so passionate about the work I do now with schools on #wellbeing, #communication + thriving #cultures podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e... 1/2

Intensive Easter Coaching with me, Emma Kell, of Those That Can Limited: back by popular demand! Spaces limited. 🪺 A trusting and non-judgemental space? 🐣 An opportunity to gain clarity and perspective? 🪴 A chance to articulate and enact your next steps? DM for more detail. #coaching

There is an awkward situation brewing about the fact that, at one point, the ‘go to work, get your quals, get a great job and a nice house’ was, mainly, true. These days, the jobs and the houses are looking much further away…

This week, I received some feedback that means the world. Sharing it puts me outside my comfort zone, but I'm part of a wonderful group of women and we encourage one another to do so, so I'm taking a deep breath. Thank you so much Laura Light and AAIE. It was epic.

I asked my teen why some of her friends have low attendance. ‘Because they don’t like school and don’t see the point. Or they have bigger problems.’ Shaming ch’n, schools and parents isn’t working. Any ideas for fresh approaches? #attendance

Today, I'm contemplating 'squiggly careers'. To what extent has yours turned out as you expected? What surprises have there been along the way? Feel free to DM. #IAmWriting

#SENDCos, I know it's tough for many of you. Thank you for the difference you make. Grateful to spend time with @hertscc.bsky.social DPSL3 recently on looking after their own #wellbeing. There was pragmatism, passion, purpose, laughter and such a powerful sense of community and connection.

We're all juggling. Some balls are glass (mental health, relationships, key commitments), + some plastic (fleeting pressures, opinions, minor urgencies). Drop a glass ball, + it shatters. Drop a plastic one, and it bounces. What are your glass balls? #TeacherWellbeing #SelfCare

With teenage daughters and their friends navigating the world, this quote is proving more useful than motherly advice!

#Mfl #French teachers, help pls. Best engaging online platforms to help students learn/revise a lot of vocabulary independently and quickly (context below). Used to love Memrise but it seems to have changed...? Seneca good but engagement levels varied. 1/2

'Never forget a five lesson day' has always been my advice to school leaders. Folks, today I have had a six lesson day and, whilst it was fab, I am DONE. Of all the things I do, my teaching is my most rewarding - and most exhausting!

Today, I am fiercely avoiding the news and focusing on doing the good I can, within my zone of control...

The Long Game is out now Here’s what @thosethatcan.bsky.social thought

Parenting teens. Big transitions. The 17.5 year old is out with friends. One is driving. She is sensible (so are they ) and we trust her. When can we remove ourselves from the stress ceiling, please? And how did parents do life without online trackers…? #parentingteens

Daughter and friends answered. Categorically no was the answer. They felt it was cheating them out of a decent education. My daughter " So you get teachers and we get bots"

My dear network... I'm gathering perspectives. Please could you turn around and ask your nearest young person the following question? *Can (or should) teachers be replaced by AI?* Then post below what they say? Mouths of babes and all that. Thanks in advance! #edusky

Play bows in the snow with Rebel’s best mate.

Finding My Work-Life Balance as a New Teacher Thanks so much to ⁦‪@TeacherTapp‬⁩ for sharing this excellent blog by a teacher I know. www.those-that-can.com/finding-my-w...

Daughter’s school football team won 18-0 in the first round of the national cup today! In fact, the game was brought to an end 15 mins early after all the extra subs on the opposition were allowed to join in. We’ve been on both sides of this one, so well done to all girls!

The Gavin and Stacey fuss is a bit much, but I’m still watching because Rob Brydon and everything he does gives me joy. And my husband’s met Ruth Jones and says she’s wonderful.

If you're looking for a book to curl up with during the final days/hours of the holiday, this is magnificent. Tracy Chevalier is truly a master of her craft

As we enter 2025, I'm re-sharing my #TEDx talk - on loving your work, taking control of what truly matters and protecting yourself from burnout. I hope it chimes and would love your thoughts: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ZE...

I am probably the only person in the country not to have seen #Nativity, but I'm so glad the girls insisted we watch it this evening. It warmed every cockle of my teacher and parent heart, once I learned to ignore the safeguarding klaxons 😀

I have the privilege of meeting many educators who share their stories with me, and I just wanted to say thank you and well done for making it to the end of this term. It's a rewarding job but I know the challenges have taken their toll on many passionate, dedicated people. 1/2

'Are you ready for Christmas?' What does that even MEAN?! Let's take the ridiculous pressure off ourselves and everyone else, please. So many are struggling. Even I can feel myself drawn into the MORE mentality and it's entirely pointless. Love from Scrooge. (But seriously.)

Shout-out to fellow members of the ‘sandwich generation’. I am so grateful for everything I have, I really am. And supporting parents, teenagers, a career, a marriage and a house can, on some days, feel really hard and as if nothing is enough. Trying to remember who I am and how to have fun!

I’d love to say I’ve never shouted in the classroom. I have. I also remember: - overheating, fast heartbeat, lost control. - a child asking me to calm down. - apologising to the class afterwards. - realising that nobody was winning. I didn’t do it again. I’m the adult.

Henry (Year 7) says: No, because children need teachers who understand people and AI doesn’t understand people or their feelings. He is also dubious about AI’s behaviour management skills.

My dear network... I'm gathering perspectives. Please could you turn around and ask your nearest young person the following question? *Can (or should) teachers be replaced by AI?* Then post below what they say? Mouths of babes and all that. Thanks in advance! #edusky

Ah, the uniquely fierce independence of the mid-teenage years. Mum, I’ve got training. But Dad, I need to get to work. I’m going to London tomorrow. Adore the bones of them, and I’ll miss this fearless busy phase, but it’s exhausting! Need a virtual twin. Em le taxi

The decline of Twitter genuinely makes me sad, as it opened so many doors over many years and introduced me to inspirational and life-enhancing people and views. Hope this platform will be able to do the same for all of us!

I’ve taught 6 solid lessons for the last few Thursdays. I love it but it’s a pertinent reminder that NOTHING I do or have done is so exhausting 😃 Hats off to mainscale, full-time teachers.

This morning, I got to focus on wellbeing + effectiveness with leaders from 10 (!) primary schools in Gateshead, and it really is a special place - I'm inspired by the combination of realism, pragmatism, humour and powerful relationships within and between schools. @gatesheadcouncil.bsky.social

🙂

Rebel v much enjoyed her walk today, thanks for asking. Bloody retrievers.

Amazing 😁

"Open the curtains!" *Gasps*

Today, I learned of a headteacher who felt compelled to hold an assembly to directly address the rumour that she was a vampire. This story has made me smile all day. I too wish to know how she proved otherwise.

Empathy, compassion, emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, effective communication, ability to collaborate, creativity, integrity, patience, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to lifelong learning.

Empathy. Resilience. Emotional intelligence. Understanding of pedagogical approaches. Self motivated. Reliable. Honest. Understanding and appreciation of rugby league. Amongst other things.

Would you help me with a bit of research I'm doing, please? Working in schools in 2024 is challenging - but can also be hugely rewarding. What qualities do we need/want from the adults working in our schools today?

I am so sick of the in-your-face marketing of Christmas which puts pressure on all of us and ignores the fact that it’s either irrelevant or bloody hard for loads of people. There. Pollyanna is having a break.