🧵
First day back was a bit tough, but as I drove home I decided to go for a run. I drive past the stunning Sherwood Pines every day. How could I make this last minute decision? It got me thinking about some habits I've formed over the year. Here are some that have helped me.
Told a Yr 7 to do his top button up today. As I taught, he tried and tried to do it. After some time, he whispered a little, 'Yes! I did it.' Beaming with joy, he stayed at the end to explain his mum had given birth at home this morning and she usually does his top button. 🥺
At my flat in London alone. I've watched my family open their gifts via video call, been for a walk with a friend, crossed paths with
@rickygervais
on the heath and now I'm having mulled wine with my breakfast. It's not all bad. Merry Christmas everyone
#joinin
This is our Associate Head and my line manager. Often, he makes breakfast for the entire staff. He also leaves treats on my desk, so when I arrive to school I'm instantly in a good mood. Today, he gave us this spread. Tomorrow he is leaving for headship.
#teacher5aday
#luckythem
This morning has not disappointed. So many colours. Happy Friday, all. And happy half term like no other. If you do one thing purposefully this week, let it be nature.
#teacher5aday
#notice
#halfterm
I wrote a book about teacher wellbeing! At a time when I almost considered leaving the profession, I made some changes so I could continue doing the job I love. Lots of the changes I made are in the book and could help a teacher.
#teacher5aday
#bloomswellbeing
#livewellteachwell
This week, 2 support staff went above and beyond.
The 1st saw me running round all day and midway through made me a cuppa.
The 2nd knew my MOT was out. Called a friend, had my car picked up from school, MOT passed and car dropped back by 4pm.
I work with the BEST people. 💚
After the longest week of our lives, my dad passed away peacefully this morning. We spent yesterday together playing his favourite classical music and I sang some 60s hits to him. He was very much with us and we held his hand to the end. Sleep tight, Dad x 💔
In complete shock that I got a distinction in my masters dissertation from Cambridge University. ⭐️
I neve dared to dream of becoming a student there.
I lost my dad halfway through the course and it devastated me. This one's for you, Dad. Thanks for always believing in me ❤️
Today, I have seen my family and friends after months apart. I have also achieved a real dream of mine. I've been accepted on to a masters course at Cambridge University and my heart is full. 💛
#teacher5aday
#learn
I went to see my dad today for the first time since it all happened. I didn't know I was going. I just left work early and knew it was time. It doesn't get easier. I hope he knew I was there.
#grief
So much controversy over this tweet.
My school: high standards and the expectation that students try hard.
Also my school: a caring and supportive environment where students floruish.
The two are not mutually exclusive.
Stop eating yourself, Edutwitter.
Told a Yr 7 to do his top button up today. As I taught, he tried and tried to do it. After some time, he whispered a little, 'Yes! I did it.' Beaming with joy, he stayed at the end to explain his mum had given birth at home this morning and she usually does his top button. 🥺
Just spent an hour or so calling my form students, checking up on them and their parents. I'm a wreck. So many voices happy to hear from us. And so many stories of joy and offers of support from food drops to deliveries. My heart is singing. 💛
#teacher5aday
#livewell
After reading Atomic Habits, I knew I had to make the desired behaviour as easy as possible for myself, especially living alone where it can be so easy to just say sod it, pass the wine, (which I still sometimes do). Overall, my life has improved for the better. Hope this helps!
I've been sitting on this for a while as it hasn't felt right to share. However, as we begin making plans for next year, I'm thrilled to announce my new book about student wellbeing. It's filled with practical ideas to support our lovely students. Enjoy!
Two things I love: teaching and supporting others. I'm so pleased to finally announce that I will be Assistant Headteacher for teaching at
@MedenSchool
this September. I can't wait to get started. Moving to the Peak District this summer. Pinch me.
#peoplefirst
#bestjobintheworld
We'll exchange gifts and stories and remember my dad's infectious personality of which I hold so much of in me. After, we'll visit his grave with our wreaths and life will go on without him. Thank you you making me strong, Dad. Merry Christmas, wherever you are. X 8/8
Closed my dad's last account today and when I left the bank, a busker was playing The Everley Brothers, All I Have to do is Dream, and it hit me hard.
#Grief
Grief.
I was driving down to London alone when my sister called to say Dad wasn't going to make it and we could finally go and see him. I pulled into a services and broke down completely. That night, I packed my things, cried myself to sleep and never felt more alone. 1/8
Two significant moments this week. Proud to take on the role of Deputy Head at Meden. It's an absolute privilege to lead such amazing staff and students. But, leadership isn't a title, it's a responsibility. The second image is what it's all about.
A couple of weeks back, I set up my first organised hike as a leader. Today, 20 complete strangers met me in a car park and I led them into the hills for fun. 12k and 4 hours later and we were chatting away in the pub after the best day. 💚
Absolutely over the moon to finally announce I have been promoted at work to Associate Assistant Headteacher. Very excited to get started. My success is made possible by the awesome team of educators around me.
#teamenglish
#teamwhitefield
#teacher5aday
#livewellteachwell
This Easter break has been the best. I spent half of it alone in the mountains where I couldn't be any happier and the other half trying to fit in as many friends and family as possible. I feel so lucky, privileged and grateful to lead the life I do. 💚
I did it, Dad! What a great day. So emotional. And my brother saw me on the TV!
#LondonMarathon
@LondonMarathon
Thanks so much to everyone one of you who supported me. 💚🏃♀️💨👟
I once asked a cohort of NQTs from across a Trust to write themselves a letter of hope and reflection that I would send to them 5 yrs on. The time has come and they went in the post today. Some of them even put sweets in them. Smart move.
#NQT
#teacher5aday
Out of nowhere today, 3 former Yr 11 pupils walked into my classroom and sat down in their old seats. One cried. She said the room brought back so many happy memories and she'd never forget them. It made my day to hear them reminisce so warmly.
#teacher5aday
#littlethings
I'm going to NY in 6 days. It'll be my 5th visit. I've done all the main tourist things and want to explore more widely/do things less well known. Suggestions? 🗽
This is an important read. If you work in a school, you'll have noticed the rise in students who struggle with their mental health, but also the students who cannot sit with reasonable discomfort for any length of time. Why is this? 🧵
3/ If/when I do become part of that exclusive couples club, I won't forget the hidden costs of the lives of my single friends. Happy Valentines Day to those who, either by choice or not, are walking this life solo. I see you and the next round is on me.
#ValentinesDay2022
❤
1. I always have a spare running kit and hiking clothes in the boot of my car. I didn't feel like it, but I know to get myself out of this mood, I have to go. Today, it was worth it. I feel adventure ready all the time.
The best thing about taking my niece to
@unilincoln
open day today wasn't the free croissant, cheeseburger or flapjack which were all delightful. It was the lovely lady who greeted us and assumed we were both there to start a degree together 😂
The Trust I work for gives all staff one extra day off a year. This is how I spent mine today.
Home from a brilliant long weekend that I won't forget for a very long time.
@RichieBrave
It's the 1st anniversary of my dad's death on Saturday. Something I wish I'd knew at the start is that grief isn't linear or predictable. It appears out of nowhere and hits you like the weight of the universe. Best to roll with the emotions and trust that they aren't forever. ❤️
Happy Friday! I started this week in my 30s and I'm ending it in my 40s.
We're halfway through term already.
Life is so short.
Don't wait. Not for anything or anyone.
Time won't.
Have the best weekend.
#AfterLife3
The best season yet. After suddenly losing my dad in between season 2 and 3, I felt this one more than ever. Not sure I'll be able to stop sobbing.
@rickygervais
thank you for expressing grief so beautifully and for making me laugh through the tears. I miss you, Dad
My dad kept records of everything that ever happened. Absolutely everything. When he was particularly moved, he typed poems on his old typewriter. Here's his poem about our beloved childhood labrador, Sam.
@pauladams40
As a school, we have a uniform policy. When students enter my room, I asked them to tuck in shirts, straighten ties and do their top buttons should they be undone. This isn't controvertial. Consistency is key in any school. Uniform or not.
Edutwitter, I'm doing a talk at my school on the benefits of using Twitter. What one piece of advice would you give a new user? Or, what would you say is the most beneficial thing about using Twitter? Pls use
#edutwitteradvice
hashtag
#edutwitter
#ukedchat
#teacher5aday
#edchat
I made it! My first ever marathon. Young people make me smile every day. I'm so happy I've been able to raise money for Young Minds to help them in return. Dare I say it, I actually enjoyed it. 😊
#teacher5aday
#exercise
#BloomsWellbeing
Dad wrote a journal on his typewriter. It begins in 1986 and covers everything from family life to current affairs. It's incredible. Two pages in and he's informing us all of the government's actions regarding the AIDS crisis. It's 400 pages long and I am ready for it. 💔😍
9. I have a one-line-a-day 5 year journal. It's the last thing I do before I go to bed each day and it helps to reflect on the highs and lows of the day. I started this the day my dad died. It's shown a journey from the depths of sadness to a slow but sure move back to myself. 🤍
In 2023, I'll be aiming to complete 23 goals. I did 20 in 2020 and it was a brilliant motivator. I have 16 of them already planned, but what ideas do you have that I could add to my list? Images below show the completed 2020 list and the new 2023 list.
#23in2023
Well, that's it.
MSt in Advanced Subject Teaching at
@Cambridge_Uni
submitted.
After several attempts to get out of it after dad's passing, endless cancelled plans with friends and family, and lots of weekends indoors, it's done.
Naturally, I went for a walk to celebrate 🍾
Shout out to everyone who, for whatever reason, has woken up alone this morning. I hope you find time to do what makes you happy today. You got this! Merry Christmas 🎄
Folks, in exactly 38 days, I turn the prime age of 40. It's been good so far. In celebrating this momentous occasion and the journey I've been on, every day from now until then, I'll be sharing things I am grateful for. So, here's 40, 39, and 38.
Took myself out for a walk on the heath before I begin my assignment. Look at these colours. Autumn is without doubt my favourite season. 🍁🍂🍃
#teacher5aday
#notice
#livewelllearnwell
Well, that's me vaccinated. If you are given this option, please go and get yourself done. Such a fantastically smooth operation at
@RoyalFreeNHS
in Enfield. My vaccinator was a retired orthopedic surgeon.
#nhshero
#teacher5aday
@SianHarper5
With respect, no they wouldn't. It is both normal and expected in school for students to be asked to do things. My classroom is full of warmth, love, respect and learning. Please don't assume I don't understand the needs of the children in my class.
Can't quite believe this is all real, but I actually wrote a book about teacher wellbeing. It's full of practical ideas to support teachers. You can pre order copies from
@BloomsburyEd
.
#wellbeing
#livewellteachwell
I made it! 🏔 I only saw two people on the way up and one on the way down. Honestly, I needed crampons but I managed well enough despite the wind picking up and the path disappearing for a bit. Ben Lomond ✅️