Almost a year ago I was picking my son up from a Scout meeting when I ran into a teaching friend that I hadn't seen in years. As the sun was setting and we were waiting for the meeting to end, Kirsten revealed how she was struggling with the teaching profession. Although she still felt passionate about her students, the pressures of her workload and her colleagues was overwhelming. Earlier that year she had taken some time off at the instruction of her psychologist to battle the burn out, social anxiety and depression that she was still fighting, and she had long-term work accommodations in place to protect her mental health.
She agreed to an initial meeting with me which led to her enrolling in the Positive Intelligence course that I ran. Despite being in a group with 2 other women, which was particularly difficult for Kirsten's anxiety, she decided to fully commit to the 8 week course.
By the end of the fourth week, her psychologist commented to her about the progress she was making with making boundaries and her positive outlook. Now Kirsten is back teaching full-time without any accommodations and (although the workload is still there) loving it. She learned to intercept the saboteur voices in her head, view life as a gift and opportunity, and to use the five problem solving strategies of the PQ system. She is also on her way to recognising her own innate worth.
That is what I do.
I work with teachers to
build their mental fitness,
re-ignite their love for teaching
and be present for their most challenging students.
58% of teachers intend to leave the profession
(Monash University, 2019)
Classroom teachers have greater levels of stress than any other education role (Social Psychology of Education, 2022)
Currently, 1 in 5 teachers are experiencing depression, and 50% of teachers suffer from anxiety (Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2021).
58% of teachers intend to leave the profession
(Monash University 2019)
Almost half of serving teachers say they have considered leaving the job due to stress
(ACU, 2022).
When teachers supported their well being there were flow on effects in their teaching practice and student learning.
(Swinburne University of Technology, 2019)
The ADHD Responsivity Manual
Mindset
Change the way you think and approach life.
Be clear about your priorities and boundaries.
Have a better understanding of what drives you
and how you are getting in your own way.
See the motives and saboteurs in those around you
(your children, partner, colleagues, other parents)
and know how to respond effectively.
Knowledge
Know ADHD inside out and upside down.
Recognise how ADHD influences the behaviour and skills of your child and be able to predict what your child will need support for.
Get a plethora of ideas and strategies that you can try to see what sits well with your family.