Questions on Teacher Wellbeing

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 Richard 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, on 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 to 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 well-being 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 https://www.those-that-can.com/. She also wrote a paper on Teaching During Times of Crisis for the OECD in 2024. Emma is also Mum to two teenagers and a golden retriever.

• Contributor biographiesAcronymsChapter 1: What is wellbeing and why does it matter?Adrian Bethune and Emma KellChapter 2: Finding the right school culture for youSarah MijatovichChapter 3: Establishing and growing your identity as a teacherLuke HashmanChapter 4: How to prioritise wellbeing when you’re ‘too busy’Sophie Smith-TongChapter 5: Accountability and self-efficacyRae SnapeChapter 6: Workload: managing time and energyBukky YusufChapter 7: Wellbeing and behaviourNikki Cunningham-SmithChapter 8: Balancing professional commitments and caring commitmentsEmma Sheppard and Isaac AkindeChapter 9: Looking after yourself during challenging timesJulie RiddellChapter 10: Fostering a sense of belonging in school and maintaining personal relationshipsBen LevinsonFinal thoughtsFurther readingIndex

"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