Questions on Teacher Wellbeing
Creating a Happy and Sustainable School Life as an Early Career Teacher
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 24. June 2026
232 pages
978-1-040-59317-2 (ISBN)
Description
What are the early signs to look for that you'll be happy in a school? How can you be your 'whole self' in the classroom, corridors and halls? How can you build healthy habits into your daily routines?
As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you are likely brimming with questions about how to look after your own wellbeing while navigating a busy and challenging school environment. With answers from a diverse panel of ten expert contributors, this dip-in-and-out guide shares practice-based perspectives to help you manage the demands of teaching and foster a sense of balance and fulfilment.
Each accessible chapter is framed around the questions that matter most to ECTs, covering key topics from finding the right school culture, growing your identity as a teacher and balancing professional and personal commitments, to prioritising wellbeing when you are 'too busy'. Contributors draw from extensive first-hand experience, as well as research-based strategies, to answer common concerns and offer relatable, easy-to-implement ideas and tools that will help you to prioritise self-care and embrace sustainable working practices. Throughout, reflective questions from the Editors encourage you to consider your own journey and take ownership of your growth and wellbeing.
Your wellbeing is not a luxury - it's a necessity and the bedrock of functioning well in your personal and professional life. This rich range of perspectives will offer you honest practical insights and approaches to ensure you not just survive but flourish in your teaching career. It is essential reading for ECTs and a useful staffroom resource for all education settings.
As an Early Career Teacher (ECT), you are likely brimming with questions about how to look after your own wellbeing while navigating a busy and challenging school environment. With answers from a diverse panel of ten expert contributors, this dip-in-and-out guide shares practice-based perspectives to help you manage the demands of teaching and foster a sense of balance and fulfilment.
Each accessible chapter is framed around the questions that matter most to ECTs, covering key topics from finding the right school culture, growing your identity as a teacher and balancing professional and personal commitments, to prioritising wellbeing when you are 'too busy'. Contributors draw from extensive first-hand experience, as well as research-based strategies, to answer common concerns and offer relatable, easy-to-implement ideas and tools that will help you to prioritise self-care and embrace sustainable working practices. Throughout, reflective questions from the Editors encourage you to consider your own journey and take ownership of your growth and wellbeing.
Your wellbeing is not a luxury - it's a necessity and the bedrock of functioning well in your personal and professional life. This rich range of perspectives will offer you honest practical insights and approaches to ensure you not just survive but flourish in your teaching career. It is essential reading for ECTs and a useful staffroom resource for all education settings.
Reviews / Votes
"This timely book combines insight from the classroom with practical tips on how to think about, and actively protect, your wellbeing as a newly-minted teacher. From AI to sleep hygiene, this book is full of ideas about setting and holding boundaries that will help you thrive in your career." - Sinead McBrearty, CEO, Education Support"Questions on Teacher Wellbeing provides an in-depth analysis of teacher wellbeing along with well-researched and experience based practical guidance on how best to maintain your happiness as a teacher. In a personable tone, written by teacher-authors, this book goes far beyond simple 'breathing exercises' or 'learn to say no.' A must read for all teachers, irrespective of experience." - Omar Akbar, Teacher and Author
"This compassionate and practical guide for teachers navigating the relentless demands of the profession, is written with wisdom, empathy and clarity, offering realistic strategies to manage workload, perfectionism and energy across the school year. From the "must, should, could" tool to thoughtful reflections on using AI effectively, the advice is grounded in lived experience and a deep understanding of teaching's challenges. It reminds educators that "good enough" truly is good enough, empowering them to reclaim balance, sustainability and joy in their work. A reassuring, insightful and essential read for every teacher." - Professor Haili Hughes, Director of Professional Development at All Saints MAT and Professor of Coaching at Academica University of Applied Sciences
"This new book is a powerful resource that speaks directly to the challenges faced by teachers, offering practical strategies, and a compassionate approach to wellbeing. At Now Teach, we have seen firsthand how Emma's insight has made a tangible difference in the lives of our participants. This book is a must-read for anyone in education who wants to create a healthier, more balanced environment for teachers to thrive in. Dr. Kell's work continues to inspire and equip us to better support the wellbeing of teachers, and I wholeheartedly recommend her new book to educators and leaders alike." - Sarah Darrall Shaw, Director of Programme and Network, Now Teach
More details
Series
Edition
1. Auflage
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
1 Line drawings, black and white; 1 Illustrations, black and white
File size
2,17 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-59317-2 (9781040593172)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Adrian Bethune | Emma Kell
Questions on Teacher Wellbeing
Creating a Happy and Sustainable School Life as an Early Career Teacher
Book
approx. 06/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Not yet published
Adrian Bethune | Emma Kell
Questions on Teacher Wellbeing
Creating a Happy and Sustainable School Life as an Early Career Teacher
Book
approx. 06/2026
1st Edition
Routledge
€24.00
Not yet published
Persons
Adrian Bethune is a part-time primary school teacher, associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, Deputy Chair of the Well Schools strategic board and the founder of Teachappy. In 2012, he was awarded a 'Happy Hero' medal by Lord Layard at the House of Lords for his work on developing wellbeing in schools. In 2015, he was invited to speak at the Action for Happiness event, Creating A Happier World, sharing the stage with the Dalai Lama. Adrian is author of the award-winning Wellbeing in the Primary Classroom - A Practical Guide to Teaching Happiness (Bloomsbury, 2018 and 2nd Ed. 2023), co-author with Dr Emma Kell of A Little Guide for Teachers: Teacher Wellbeing and Self-Care (Sage, 2020) and lead author for the Oxford International Curriculum for Wellbeing (Oxford University Press, 2021). In 2024, he contributed to the OECD's Global Forum on the Future of Education and Skills 2030, writing a paper on teacher wellbeing. He has two boys and a cockapoo that keep him busy.
Emma Kell is Director of Those That Can Ltd. She has 26 years of experience as a teacher and leader in UK secondary schools and currently teaches in alternative provision. She is a qualified performance coach and speaks regularly on teacher wellbeing and school culture and communication. Emma has written for a variety of publications including TES and BBC Teach. She has completed a doctorate on teacher wellbeing and parenting at Middlesex University, and is author of How to Survive in Teaching (Bloomsbury, 2018) and A Little Guide For Teachers: Wellbeing and Self-Care and A Little Guide for Teachers: Engaging Parents and Carers. Her fourth book, Real Lives of Teachers, was published by Sage Education in January 2026. She can be found at www.those-that-can.com. She wrote a paper 'Teacher Wellbeing and Self-Care During Times of Crisis' for the OECD in 2024. Emma is also mum to two teenagers and a golden retriever.
Emma Kell is Director of Those That Can Ltd. She has 26 years of experience as a teacher and leader in UK secondary schools and currently teaches in alternative provision. She is a qualified performance coach and speaks regularly on teacher wellbeing and school culture and communication. Emma has written for a variety of publications including TES and BBC Teach. She has completed a doctorate on teacher wellbeing and parenting at Middlesex University, and is author of How to Survive in Teaching (Bloomsbury, 2018) and A Little Guide For Teachers: Wellbeing and Self-Care and A Little Guide for Teachers: Engaging Parents and Carers. Her fourth book, Real Lives of Teachers, was published by Sage Education in January 2026. She can be found at www.those-that-can.com. She wrote a paper 'Teacher Wellbeing and Self-Care During Times of Crisis' for the OECD in 2024. Emma is also mum to two teenagers and a golden retriever.
Content
Contributor biographies
Acronyms
Chapter 1: What is wellbeing and why does it matter?
Adrian Bethune and Emma Kell
Chapter 2: Finding the right school culture for you
with Sarah Mijatovich
Chapter 3: Establishing and growing your identity as a teacher
with Luke Hashman
Chapter 4: How to prioritise wellbeing when you're 'too busy'
with Sophie Smith-Tong
Chapter 5: Accountability and self-efficacy
with Rae Snape
Chapter 6: Workload: managing time and energy
with Bukky Yusuf
Chapter 7: Wellbeing and behaviour
with Nikki Cunningham-Smith
Chapter 8: Balancing professional commitments and caring commitments
with Emma Sheppard and Isaac Akinde
Chapter 9: Looking after yourself during challenging times
with Julie Liddell
Chapter 10: Fostering a sense of belonging in school and maintaining personal relationships
with Ben Levinson
Final thoughts
Further reading
Index
Acronyms
Chapter 1: What is wellbeing and why does it matter?
Adrian Bethune and Emma Kell
Chapter 2: Finding the right school culture for you
with Sarah Mijatovich
Chapter 3: Establishing and growing your identity as a teacher
with Luke Hashman
Chapter 4: How to prioritise wellbeing when you're 'too busy'
with Sophie Smith-Tong
Chapter 5: Accountability and self-efficacy
with Rae Snape
Chapter 6: Workload: managing time and energy
with Bukky Yusuf
Chapter 7: Wellbeing and behaviour
with Nikki Cunningham-Smith
Chapter 8: Balancing professional commitments and caring commitments
with Emma Sheppard and Isaac Akinde
Chapter 9: Looking after yourself during challenging times
with Julie Liddell
Chapter 10: Fostering a sense of belonging in school and maintaining personal relationships
with Ben Levinson
Final thoughts
Further reading
Index
