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WellBeing

27/1/2018

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Unfortunately, in what can be a turbulent and panic-stricken career path, people at all levels lose the run of themselves: snap decisions, bad moods and personal neglect take over, as we are often torn between wanting the best for our learners, or following poorly written instructions, written by those with no knowledge of our schools. 

And for this reason, the number one cause for most teachers leaving this glorious profession is stress related - either from workload or undue treatment from management.

The second of those - management based - I'm sad to say is out of your control. However, I choose to use that knowledge as a motivating factor; work hard to be the person IN management, that can promote the well-being of both staff and pupils. Get up the ladder, rather than falling off it.

The first of those - workload based - is absolutely in your control. Granted, the work you are asked to do is likely directed by those above, but a simple change of school will rectify that (there are hundreds of amazing places out there doing amazing things - we just need to share them!)

Our well being is our responsibility, and these are my top five tactics to looking after yourself, in order to get you in the best shape for working hard:
1. Eat
I am the worst hypocrite for this one, but eating decent food prepares your mind and body for all aspects of life. Junk food makes you sluggish and changes your body in a negative way, leaving you distracted from your primary goal; sometimes the sugar-rush isn't worth it. Eating well, however, does the opposite. When I'm on top of my motivation game, I use Joe Wicks' (The Body Coach) recipes to eat well. Well-being is very much a cause and effect, all-encompassing project, and it starts at home.

2. Drink
No, not that. Water. Your body is mostly water, so water is what it needs. Again, it's likely the healthiest drink you can have (fuelling every single part of you), rather than a caffeinated, carbonated quick-fix that will have you on a downer once the instant effects have worn off. Plus, I think the amount of time you spend waiting for a kettle is laughable.

3. Move
Do something physical. I was convinced that I was extremely active at work: up and down corridors, around the classroom, etc. However, after using a step-counter for a pretty normal day, I was shocked at how few steps I had done. Sweat out your stresses with some activity. A long walk, a quick HIIT session or something more substantial can really help you in all areas. Again, I use the Body Coach to help me (and if you have ay motivational tips to help me, I'd be really grateful). You'll sleep better, making you more productive when awake (which means you'll get more done, immediately cancelling out your likely response of, "I don't have time") making more time for yourself.

4. Socialise
If you EVER cancel plans for the sake of work, I'll be cross at you. Please note, however, that this is different to MAKING plans, when you know you have a lot to do. It's a balance. I used to do something I called Social Wednesdays, which meant that every Wednesday, after Staff Meeting, I did something with friends. I loved it, but it became expensive. The idea is the same though. Agree with yourself a slot of time when you'll be doing something you love.

​5. Rest
My school is all about mindfulness at the moment. Our aim is to have the teachers and children practising it. Mindfulness comes in all forms, but (probably rather superficially) we all related it to relaxation. While it's supposed to be about 'living in the moment' and such when used prim and properly, there's no denying that it helps you chill out too, often sending you to sleep (a sign that your mind and body probably NEEDED to sleep). Take a moment to rest. Going from activity straight to bed, probably won't help. Stop, breathe and think of nothing.

If you've had a productive day of eating well, keeping hydrated, storming through a chunk of your undeniably increasing to-dos, a quick sweat, you're going to be delightfully smug, leading to a better sleep and an already winning tomorrow.

​COMING SOON!
Keep an eye out for a weekly well-being post, written by a group of generous volunteers; a community of positive thinkers, armed with a wealth of experience, so that we can help ourselves be the best educators possible. If you'd like to contribute (via a short, 5-question interview), contact me here, or use any of the social links on the top right.
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Check

20/1/2018

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Disclaimer - This cautionary tale is a little different to the usual content at teachmrn.com, and may be uncomfortable to read.
This January marks 2 years since recovery from a hospital jaunt, keeping me out of work for a fortnight. The topic you're about to read is likely the message I'm most proud of. It was tough, but in the face of difficulty (and an overwhelming guilt that I was letting my class down), I wanted to find a way to turn what was quite an awkward time, into something productive. 

Let this be a lesson to you all; you're not invincible, and no matter how married to this glorious profession you may be, there will be points where you must take a step back. All is well and good now, but the experience taught me many lessons:
  • Don't be scared to ask for help; that's why other professions exist.
  • Learn to let go; it's impossible to be in control of everything.
  • You can pretend to be as strong as you like, but ultimately you can't perform your job properly if you're not in good health.
Prepare to learn. To the right is the photo I posted while waiting for the Consultant. And below is the caption I wrote with it.
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Over a year ago, I felt something wasn't quite right; there was an ache. I ignored it for a very long time because I didn't want any impact on my life, work, travel plans, etc. I was frightened, and I felt like my professional and personal schedules took priority. However, the pain became a visible lump on my testicle. It grew. As did the ache. Naturally, I assumed the worst, yet still did nothing about it!

Thankfully, with the support of loved ones, I eventually took myself to my GP, and the process had started. Yes, it felt awkward, but it was necessary. Lots of "please cough" and "are you able to..." After a little while, you get used to being fondled by doctors and dropping trousers on command. You find the humour in it.

A jelly-filled ultrasound and an oddly relaxing MRI later, they diagnosed a very simple (long word beginning with E) and it needed to be removed. Letters flew back and forth, appointments and assessments to ensure I was fit for surgery. Today is the day!

We are so lucky to have our National Health Service and all who work for this public amenity. You might wait a while, the receptionist might be a little miserable sometimes, but the end goal is the same. This lump could have been a lot more serious, and without the support I have received from everyone around me, I would have continued to be very uncomfortable for a very long time. I dare not think what it could have become. 

Men should talk more. Ladies are stronger than us, and the male species should be the same! How are you feeling? Don't be afraid; you'll never know until you get it checked out. 

Initially, it might take a while to get somewhere, but trust that someone out there is working hard to help you.
​Use trusted sources to find out more information, and follow it up with a professional opinion.
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Demographic

13/1/2018

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Before I begin (although I suppose I've technically already started), I'd like to stay a massive thank you for such a positive response about the third year of teachmrn.com! You can catch up on last week's posts here and here!

There are now even more ways to stay connected and engage with our growing community. Use the buttons below to stay in touch through whatever channels you choose; I love hearing from you, and feedback is always welcome!
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While we are still in a period of catching up with each other, I wanted to tell you a story. In my post last week, I told you that I'd learnt about my demographic, and that I was keen to find out about my audience. Here's where it all started...
Back in September I was proud to be asked to deliver a workshop at Learning First Greenwich. As per usual, the nerves were sky-high, yet I was so pleased to be invited.

In whatever capacity you attend these weekend CPD events, you can't help but learn. There's something extremely empowering about a group of people getting together - by choice - to share ideas and come to a common understanding. 

Each time I've been asked to complete a workshop or lecture, I've come away with something new. Be that about the content, public speaking, creating relationships, anything. And this was no different. 

On this occasion I learnt about energy. I wasn't as dynamic as I'd have liked, and it was one of those moments, where to switch it up half way through, would have been strange. I was disappointed with my performance, staying seated the entire time. I wouldn't do that with my class, so why would I do that with adults who had chosen to be there? What's more, I hadn't done that in any of my previous workshops or lectures.
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Develop reading skills with my app, Booked! Click the image for more information and FREE resources!
Despite my own personal feeling towards it, I was so appreciative for the feedback. I received such generous tweets from people that attended, and I'm still extremely thankful (give them a follow if you haven't already done so!). In times of fear and nerves, they're so encouraging.

However, upon our return to the Lecture Hall for the rest of the Keynote speeches, we were handed an Evaluation Form. The layout of the day was in two halves: one workshop in the morning, one in the afternoon, and keynotes sprinkled throughout. This meant I got to attend a workshop, as well as deliver my own (I'll tell you about the one I attended another time because it was fascinating). The evaluations were handed out, and over the shoulder of the participant in front of me, I observed them write this:

"The *first workshop* I attended was extremely useful. Unfortunately, Mr N's was not."

Months on, I still remember it word for word, and I'm so grateful. For in that moment, I learnt the most:
  • Firstly, that you will never be able to please everyone, and you have no option but to accept that.
  • Secondly, there will be opinions out there that you may never know, but you may be able to make a positive change if you seek them out.
  • Thirdly, knowledge about your audience is key, because then you can make reasonable adaptations. 

Moving forward, and from my experiences to far, I know my audience is looking for a positive spin, to be uplifted. They may be trainees, qualified teachers, or ANYONE with an interest in education, looking for ideas that may not have occurred to them. But then really, aren't we all? The critique comes from the fact this participant likely thought they were being told things they already knew, but that's the gamble of attending.

In life, not just teaching, a thick skin is paramount. Resilience is an easy word to throw around, but I think it's only developed through putting yourself in situations where you are required to have one. It may bruise to begin with, but that's where the development comes in. It can't always be learnt via a series of pretend scenarios, a 'what-would-you-do-if?'

I'm so thankful for every piece of feedback and advice I am given. I am able to use it to progress and be even more successful. We shouldn't shy away from risks out of fear of criticism. We should relish the chance to better ourselves by trying something new. This learning is going to become even more useful as I take my next few steps.

That said, if you're looking for some motivation, and perhaps some ideas that may be different to your current way of thinking, I cannot wait to meet you at Learning First Canterbury, on January 27th 2018.
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New Beginnings

7/1/2018

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2018 is already well-under-way, and at teachmrn.com, it begins with some exciting opportunities. As yesterday's post suggested, we're limbering up for the third year of the site, and there's some fresh content coming your way. Here's an idea of what's to come:

New Partnership!
First of all, it's a honour to tell you I've been invited by the lovely people at RealiseMe to be a guest blogger! They specialise in recruitment (which our profession very much needs at the moment) and I'm so pleased to have been asked to promote positivity within our sector by being a contributor. I'll keep you posted with each month's entry.

New Learning!
I'm so proud to have been accepted on the NPQSL course to begin my leadership journey. With this in mind, you can expect a lot of reflective posts, as I navigate my way through roles and responsibilities that I am going to experience for the very first time. I'll be sharing my notes as I progress through the course. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

New Challenges!
My favourite things about this world of blogging are the challenges and adventures it brings. The latest is going to be my second Learning First Canterbury Conference. I learn more and more each time I do it. It's always terrifying, but it's so good to meet teachers at my workshop, from around the country, to share ideas together. Check the sweaty video below for details. Deer in headlights comes to mind!
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ThreePointZero

6/1/2018

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Welcome to the launch weekend of the third year at teachmrn.com! I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown!

2017 was a big year. Conferences, lectures and brand new projects filled the months, and I was so grateful for your support along the way. Booked had its first birthday, and I delivered my first ever workshops at two Learning First events! I don't think I've ever been so scared. That said, the community feeling throughout the teaching profession really strengthened to become stronger than ever, and I'm excited to see how we build on the professional progress made in 2018.

The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice some visual changes at teachmrn.com. The last few months have seen some redesigning, background re-coding and behind the scenes prep work for some upcoming projects. I'm so thankful for your patience, as some of these changes have been necessary, rather than desired, leading to a halt in the 'Back To School Week' posts we saw in September. I can only apologise, and tell you the same content (including the annual Office Reveal) will be coming soon.
While they'll be more announcements tomorrow, here's a brief rundown of the changes:
  • New Content!
I learnt a lot about my demographic last year. The lectures and workshops I delivered, and the resulting feedback, have really helped me discover more about my audience, allowing me to better tailor what I deliver. Eyes peeled, it's all for you!

  • New Navigation!
All blog entires are now categorised to help you find specific content faster. Use the Categories section (on the right) to sift through every post featured on teachmrn.com! In addition, the Menu bar (at the top) has been streamlined to make navigation easier. 

  • New Connections!
While the website has been going through some visual changes, it's been so good to be able to connect with you all on Twitter. To further support teachers and families, you can now Like TeachMrN on Facebook, and Follow TeachMrN on Instagram, allowing us to share even more in our growing community!

As always, thank you for your amazing support. More tomorrow.

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