In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout, I sit down with John, a headteacher at a special school, to explore a powerful and emotional question: "Do you still remember why you came into teaching?"
Together, we reflect on the “why” behind our decision to enter education, and what keeps us going in such a challenging profession. John shares his unexpected journey into teaching, and we dive into personal stories that shaped our careers, students who challenged us, moved us, and reminded us of the profound impact we can make.
We talk openly about:
Why many of us stay in education despite burnout
How shared values shape a healthy school culture
The importance of recognising the impact we’ve had
Correcting “faulty narratives” and shifting our mindset
Avoiding the trap of overwork and modeling sustainable leadership
John brings honesty, depth, and humour to the conversation, and I share some of my own experiences as well. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected from your purpose, or stuck in imposter syndrome, this episode offers a meaningful reset.
Mentioned in the episode:
Trauma-informed leadership practices
Practical strategies for sustainable leadership
The importance of team culture and aligned values
Connect with John Dexter:
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