13 Comments
User's avatar
Angela Langlands's avatar

This resonates a lot.

That's what we do. The invisible load is all too real. The emotional labor, the cognitive juggling, the quiet holding of so many stories at once. From the outside it looks like competence. Inside, it’s constant processing. I keep seeing is the visual of teachers as ducks paddling like crazy under the water while keeping the bulk of their body motionless and smooth.

What strikes me most is your focus on relationships as the foundation. When connection is strong, so much else becomes possible — engagement, growth, belonging. That's why I've started doing the work I do.

I’ve found that one of the ways we reduce that hidden toll is by shifting from individual endurance to collective responsibility. When educators plan together, reflect together, and share the emotional and academic load, the “holding” doesn’t disappear — but it becomes sustainable. It becomes shared.

Creating space for honest, thoughtful conversation is part of that shift. When we name what’s really happening, we honour the profession instead of quietly surviving it.

I’m ready to listen during my lunch walk.

These are exactly the conversations education needs right now. Listen first. Then make change!

TheHonestEducator's avatar

We’re all here for it. We’re all here for you!

The Heart of Education's avatar

Thanks @TheHonestEducator 😊

Scottishteacher's avatar

Ahhh! How exciting! I love the fact that so many people said yes. I will definitely give this a listen.

Mentoring with Reese's avatar

I am excited for this podcast! I don't think I have honestly wanted to think about what teaching was taking out of me for the past 25 years. I am now in a place where I realize what successful teaching and mentoring requires... and am not sure if I want to continue.

The Heart of Education's avatar

@Mentoring with Reese I absolutely get it and I’m here with you. Is it worth it? Will it change? I’ve been asking myself these questions for a while now.

I know the impact you’ve made just through the care you show is incredible.

Keep in touch, and thank you. There are some really interesting conversations coming!

VJ's avatar

“The first episode explores relationships and connection as the foundation for everything else in schools: engagement, behaviour, belonging and growth.”

Looking forward to it.

Debbie Thompson's avatar

It's great that you're planning on having these conversations with teachers. I've been teaching for over 24 years and it's rare for teachers to talk about how their well being is affected by all the roles they hold together. Wishing you well with this interesting work.

Ruth Poulsen's avatar

Sending you lots of support for your new venture!! 😊

The Heart of Education's avatar

Thanks Ruth!! Been thinking of you. Hope you’re going well with everything.

Tim Cavey's avatar

This is fantastic. Yes to these conversations! I'd love to feature you and your message on The Teachers on Fire Podcast if you're down.

The Heart of Education's avatar

Amazing Tim. That would be great!

Birgitta Car's avatar

Such a necessary dialogue to be holding space for 🙏🏼💕