In this solo episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I turn the conversation on its head by asking what happens when we start with who we are, our strengths, values, and intrinsic qualities rather than what external “fixes” we can bolt on. Drawing on my decades of experience in schools and my own journey through burnout, I share a powerful approach to wellbeing that begins with identifying and using your most valued strengths.

I highlight the alarming levels of stress across the education sector with up to 80% of staff in schools reporting significant stress and the toll this takes on health, relationships, and careers. Instead of quick-fix solutions, I introduce a practical framework designed for real schools: short, culture-shifting practices that help staff rediscover their purpose, build skills to reduce stress and prevent burnout before it takes hold.

Through moving stories from my time as a SENCO, specialist teacher, and leader, I show how using my core strengths of kindness and problem-solving not only energised me but also transformed my ability to support children, colleagues, and whole-school communities. I also share details of my 5 Minutes to Thrive course that fits neatly at the start of your staff meetings, a weekly practice of small, intentional actions to build habits, confidence, and team culture without adding to workload.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

• Why starting with your most valued strengths can be the key to thriving in your role.

• How ignoring those strengths leads to exhaustion, survival mode, and burnout.

• The importance of micro-habits and small culture shifts in building thriving schools.

• The “five-to-one” wellbeing ratio and how noticing positives can rewire daily stress patterns.

• Practical strategies to tackle negative thought spirals and reframe your inner critic.

• How collective reflection in staff meetings can normalise conversations about stress.

• Why redefining your “why” in teaching is vital for long-term sustainability.

This episode is intended to inspire as well as offering practical tips. I offer teachers and leaders tools we can use straight away to bring more energy, joy even work life balance into our week. I believe protecting wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it's a necessity for thriving staff, which of course impacts positively on the students, and schools where people truly want to stay and grow.

Want to find out more about my new course 5 Minutes to Thrive? Go to my website at www.rowenahicks.com

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