Workload continues to be a top stressor for staff in schools across Australia. Yet, reducing workload feels like a daunting task when there are growing staff shortages, when student behaviour is more concerning than ever before, and when departmental directives mean more tasks are added to everybody’s plate.  

While it may feel like there is no way around this issue, I want to reassure you there is plenty we can do as leaders to ease the impact of workload for staff. 

In this solo episode, I cover:
The key factors affecting teacher workload
Ways to address our school workload problem
Practical solutions to common workload challenges



Links and Resources:

Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey packages

Download the free PDF guide to Addressing Workload at Your School

Blog article: Effective Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads

Blog article: The Leading Causes of Workplace Stress for Teachers and School Staff Across Australia

Podcast Episode: EP2: How A Systemised Focus On Student Behaviour Management Can Improve The Wellbeing Of School Staff With Rob Lans



Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.



Connect with me via:

My website

Linkedin

Instagram 

Email

Workload continues to be a top stressor for staff in schools across Australia. Yet, reducing workload feels like a daunting task when there are growing staff shortages, when student behaviour is more concerning than ever before, and when departmental directives mean more tasks are added to everybody’s plate.  
While it may feel like there is no way around this issue, I want to reassure you there is plenty we can do as leaders to ease the impact of workload for staff. 
In this solo episode, I cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The key factors affecting teacher workload</li>
<li aria-level="1">Ways to address our school workload problem</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical solutions to common workload challenges</li>
</ul>
 
Links and Resources:
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-wellbeing-surveys/">Anonymous Staff Wellbeing Survey packages</a>
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Addressing-Teacher-Workload.pdf">Download the free PDF guide to Addressing Workload at Your School</a>
Blog article: <a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/effective-strategies-for-addressing-increased-teacher-workload/">Effective Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads</a>
Blog article: <a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/the-leading-causes-of-workplace-stress-for-teachers-and-school-staff/">The Leading Causes of Workplace Stress for Teachers and School Staff Across Australia</a>
Podcast Episode: <a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/how-a-systemised-focus-on-student-behaviour-management-can-improve-the-wellbeing-of-school-staff-with-rob-lans-episode-2/">EP2: How A Systemised Focus On Student Behaviour Management Can Improve The Wellbeing Of School Staff With Rob Lans</a>
 
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
 
Connect with me via:
<a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">My website</a>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">Linkedin</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/adriennehornby_coach/">Instagram </a>
<a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">Email</a>

As the rates of professional stress and burnout increase for school leaders, teachers and staff, the solution lies in how we lead our schools and prioritise workplace wellbeing to become "Well-Led" Schools - those that lead with “wellbeing in mind.”

Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Coach, Speaker and School Leader Adrienne Hornby for a host of inspiring conversations with experts and forward thinkers. Covering all things teacher wellbeing, school leadership and culture building - you'll walk away with ideas and recommendations on ways to evolve your leadership, create a mentally healthy workplace and ultimately influence the lives and learning of our students.

As the rates of professional stress and burnout increase for school leaders, teachers and staff, the solution lies in how we lead our schools and prioritise workplace wellbeing to become "Well-Led" Schools - those that lead with “wellbeing in mind.”
Join experienced Wellbeing Consultant, Coach, Speaker and School Leader Adrienne Hornby for a host of inspiring conversations with experts and forward thinkers. Covering all things teacher wellbeing, school leadership and culture building - you'll walk away with ideas and recommendations on ways to evolve your leadership, create a mentally healthy workplace and ultimately influence the lives and learning of our students.

Well-Led Schools

EP 27: Practical Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads

Educator burnout is becoming increasingly common, to the point where many celebrate being so busy as if it's a badge of honor. However, this relentless pace and lack of rest can lead to significant mental health challenges. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of taking a step back and building supports to help us feel resilient and well.

Join us as we sit down with Meg Durham, a former primary and secondary teacher who is now on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation to debunk myths about wellbeing and uncover what educators truly need to avoid burnout.



In this episode, we cover:
The importance of mental health support and finding the right psychologist
Obvious and not-so-obvious signs that we might be at risk of burnout 
Causes of burnout we may not be aware of or noticing
Meg’s 5 P’s of the pressures we put on ourselves which can lead to burnout
Practical steps we can take to address these pressures
5 questions to ask yourself to gauge if you’re at risk of burnout
The differences between being well and thriving 
What it means to feel truly rested and replenished



About Meg

After working as a primary and secondary teacher for more than a decade, Meg Durham is on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. As a speaker, Meg offers a unique blend of practical strategies backed by humor, research, and lived experience—the sum of thousands of hours talking to teachers and living this stuff. Her goal is to help teachers prioritize their wellbeing and thrive.

With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation that cracks open the myths about wellbeing and gets to the bottom of what teachers need to avoid burnout. Meg holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Education in Student Wellbeing.





Links and Resources:

Waitlist for the Well-Led Schools Partnership:adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/



Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.



Connect with Meg via:

Her podcast: The School of Wellbeing https://openmindeducation.com/podcast/

Her Website:openmindeducation.com

On Instagram:www.instagram.com/megdurham__

On LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/meg-durham/?originalSubdomain=au



Connect with me via:

My website: adriennehornby.com.au

Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/

Email: hello@adriennehornby.com.au

Educator burnout is becoming increasingly common, to the point where many celebrate being so busy as if it's a badge of honor. However, this relentless pace and lack of rest can lead to significant mental health challenges. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of taking a step back and building supports to help us feel resilient and well.
Join us as we sit down with Meg Durham, a former primary and secondary teacher who is now on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation to debunk myths about wellbeing and uncover what educators truly need to avoid burnout.
 
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of mental health support and finding the right psychologist</li>
<li aria-level="1">Obvious and not-so-obvious signs that we might be at risk of burnout </li>
<li aria-level="1">Causes of burnout we may not be aware of or noticing</li>
<li aria-level="1">Meg’s 5 P’s of the pressures we put on ourselves which can lead to burnout</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical steps we can take to address these pressures</li>
<li aria-level="1">5 questions to ask yourself to gauge if you’re at risk of burnout</li>
<li aria-level="1">The differences between being well and thriving </li>
<li aria-level="1">What it means to feel truly rested and replenished</li>
</ul>
 
About Meg
After working as a primary and secondary teacher for more than a decade, Meg Durham is on a mission to share practical, enriching wellbeing education with teachers, principals, and schools across Australia. As a speaker, Meg offers a unique blend of practical strategies backed by humor, research, and lived experience—the sum of thousands of hours talking to teachers and living this stuff. Her goal is to help teachers prioritize their wellbeing and thrive.
With more than half of all Australian teachers experiencing high levels of anxiety, Meg is leading a nationwide conversation that cracks open the myths about wellbeing and gets to the bottom of what teachers need to avoid burnout. Meg holds a Bachelor of Physical Education and a Master of Education in Student Wellbeing.
 
Links and Resources:
Waitlist for the Well-Led Schools Partnership: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/</a> 
 
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
 
Connect with Meg via:
Her podcast: The School of Wellbeing <a href="https://openmindeducation.com/podcast/">https://openmindeducation.com/podcast/</a> 
Her Website:  <a href="https://openmindeducation.com/">openmindeducation.com</a>
On Instagram:  <a href="http://www.instagram.com/megdurham__">www.instagram.com/megdurham__</a> 
On LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-durham/?originalSubdomain=au">www.linkedin.com/in/meg-durham/?originalSubdomain=au</a> 
 
Connect with me via:
<a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">My website</a>: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a> 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">Linkedin</a>:  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a> 
<a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">Email</a>: <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>

S2E16: Building Resilience and Preventing Burnout in Education with Meg Durham


In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Karen Caswell, an experienced senior teacher, wellbeing enthusiast, blogger and podcaster.



Join us for an honest and vulnerable conversation where we reflect on the essential qualities of effective leadership and explore the concept of leading without an official title, emphasising the importance of relational and interactional leadership approaches. Karen shares her insights on how to bring people together with a common purpose, build trust, and influence others even without a formal leadership role.



In the episode, we cover: 
What it means to lead without an official title
How we can apply a relational and interactional leadership approach to bring people together with a common purpose
Strategies to effectively influence and motivate others when you don’t have a leadership title
The best ways to establish trust with those you work with
Why your mindset might be blocking you from becoming the leader you have the potential to be 
How a Positive Psychology approach can help you refocus from obsessing on your shortcomings to valuing your strengths 
The three areas of personal development to focus on if you want to enhance your leadership skills



About Karen:

Karen Caswell is a passionate educational leader known for her collaborative approach spanning over a 28-year career. As an Early Childhood trained teacher, she has been privileged to work in a variety of roles and settings, and is currently an Experienced Senior Teacher and Barna Jarjum Champion at a school in Logan, Brisbane, Queensland. Karen’s influence extends beyond her classroom through a national and global professional learning network, and she is a writer and the creator of the Authenticity in Edu Blog as well as the host of the Inspiration, Influence and Impact Podcast. Karen was the recipient of an Educational Leadership Commendation Award at the 2023 ACEL Queensland Branch Awards.



Links and Resources:

Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/



Read Karen’s Recent Article published in the Teacher Learning Network Journal on Middle Leadership: Beyond Titles: The Transformative Power of Interactional Leadership

https://www.karencaswell.com/post/beyond-titles-the-transformative-power-of-interactional-leadership



Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.



Connect with Karen via:

Her Website - https://www.karencaswell.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-caswell-ba12491b4/

Instagram - @ authenticity_in_edu

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kcasw1

X - https://twitter.com/kcasw1



Connect with me via:

My websiteadriennehornby.com.au

Linkedinwww.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/

Emailhello@adriennehornby.com.au

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Karen Caswell, an experienced senior teacher, wellbeing enthusiast, blogger and podcaster.
 
Join us for an honest and vulnerable conversation where we reflect on the essential qualities of effective leadership and explore the concept of leading without an official title, emphasising the importance of relational and interactional leadership approaches. Karen shares her insights on how to bring people together with a common purpose, build trust, and influence others even without a formal leadership role.
 
In the episode, we cover: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What it means to lead without an official title</li>
<li aria-level="1">How we can apply a relational and interactional leadership approach to bring people together with a common purpose</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strategies to effectively influence and motivate others when you don’t have a leadership title</li>
<li aria-level="1">The best ways to establish trust with those you work with</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why your mindset might be blocking you from becoming the leader you have the potential to be </li>
<li aria-level="1">How a Positive Psychology approach can help you refocus from obsessing on your shortcomings to valuing your strengths </li>
<li aria-level="1">The three areas of personal development to focus on if you want to enhance your leadership skills</li>
</ul>
 
About Karen:
Karen Caswell is a passionate educational leader known for her collaborative approach spanning over a 28-year career. As an Early Childhood trained teacher, she has been privileged to work in a variety of roles and settings, and is currently an Experienced Senior Teacher and Barna Jarjum Champion at a school in Logan, Brisbane, Queensland. Karen’s influence extends beyond her classroom through a national and global professional learning network, and she is a writer and the creator of the <a href="https://www.karencaswell.com/">Authenticity in Edu Blog</a> as well as the host of the Inspiration, Influence and Impact Podcast. Karen was the recipient of an Educational Leadership Commendation Award at the 2023 ACEL Queensland Branch Awards.
 
Links and Resources:
Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program: <a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/</a>
 
Read Karen’s Recent Article published in the Teacher Learning Network Journal on Middle Leadership: Beyond Titles: The Transformative Power of Interactional Leadership
<a href="https://www.karencaswell.com/post/beyond-titles-the-transformative-power-of-interactional-leadership">https://www.karencaswell.com/post/beyond-titles-the-transformative-power-of-interactional-leadership</a> 
 
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
 
Connect with Karen via:
Her Website - <a href="https://www.karencaswell.com/">https://www.karencaswell.com</a>
LinkedIn - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-caswell-ba12491b4/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-caswell-ba12491b4/</a>
Instagram - @ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authenticity_in_edu?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D#">authenticity_in_edu</a>
Facebook - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kcasw1">https://www.facebook.com/kcasw1</a>
X - <a href="https://twitter.com/kcasw1">https://twitter.com/kcasw1</a>
 
Connect with me via:
My website <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a> 
Linkedin <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a> 
Email <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>

S2E15: How to Step into a Leadership Role Without the Official Title with Karen Caswell 

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rosie Connor, a leader in the field of education and not-for-profit leadership development. With over twenty years of experience, Rosie has dedicated her career to empowering leaders to excel and make a significant impact in their organisations. As the founder of BTS Spark, Rosie has pioneered innovative approaches to leadership coaching and development, specifically tailored for educators and not-for-profit leaders. Join us as we explore her groundbreaking work, the transformative concept of MESSY Leadership, and practical strategies for creating a thriving, future-focused leadership culture.



In this episode, we cover:
The work that Rosie is doing through her educational leadership coaching company, BTS Spark
How long it really takes to see a transformation at an individual and school level
The value of seeking feedback from colleagues and peers in order to grow and evolve your leadership
The importance of delegating work and empowering others to grow by challenging themselves with new responsibilities or projects
What inspired Rosie’s book “Embracing MESSY Leadership”
Understanding the acronym MESSY (Meaning Making, Emotional Connection, Seeing the Future, Seizing Momentum, and Your Presence)
Mistakes that “nice” leaders frequently make and tips for creating a trusting team culture without becoming an authoritarian leader
Why leaders should prioritise coaching opportunities both for themselves and their whole staff
One thing leaders or aspiring leaders can do today to begin embracing MESSY leadership





About Rosie

Rosie Connor is the founder of BTS Spark, a not-for-profit initiative within the global leadership consultancy. BTS Spark is dedicated to providing affordable and targeted leadership development and coaching specifically tailored for education and not-for-profit leaders. Their programs combine a rich curriculum of 33 leadership mindsets with one-to-one coaching, workshops, group coaching, and online learning, ensuring a comprehensive approach to leadership development.

With a psychology degree from Cambridge and an MBA from Henley Management College, Rosie’s credentials are impeccable. She led one of Tony Blair’s most successful Education Action Zones, earning an ‘outstanding’ rating from independent school inspectors. Her expertise has been sought after by prestigious organisations such as the National College for School Leadership and the Innovation Unit in the UK, and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for the launch of the Australian Principal Standard.

Rosie has played a pivotal role in designing and overseeing leadership development programs for over 5,000 education leaders worldwide. Her work with BTS Spark reflects a commitment to high-quality standards and ongoing professional learning for their global coach community.



Links and Resources:

Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program:https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/

Dive into Liz Wiseman’s work on Multipliers:https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/



Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.



Connect with Rosie:

On LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-connor-33502677/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=au

Her Website:https://btsspark.org/

Check out her book ‘Embracing MESSY Leadership’: https://btsspark.org/en-au/messyleadership

Download the MESSY Leadership Toolkit:https://mailchi.mp/btsspark.org/au-messytoolkit

Connect with BTS Spark on LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/bts-spark/

Subscribe to BTS Spark on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4s-LEQYPqcLnYMU-Csbsg



Connect with me via:

My websiteadriennehornby.com.au

Linkedinwww.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/

Emailhello@adriennehornby.com.au

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rosie Connor, a leader in the field of education and not-for-profit leadership development. With over twenty years of experience, Rosie has dedicated her career to empowering leaders to excel and make a significant impact in their organisations. As the founder of BTS Spark, Rosie has pioneered innovative approaches to leadership coaching and development, specifically tailored for educators and not-for-profit leaders. Join us as we explore her groundbreaking work, the transformative concept of MESSY Leadership, and practical strategies for creating a thriving, future-focused leadership culture.
 
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The work that Rosie is doing through her educational leadership coaching company, BTS Spark</li>
<li aria-level="1">How long it really takes to see a transformation at an individual and school level</li>
<li aria-level="1">The value of seeking feedback from colleagues and peers in order to grow and evolve your leadership</li>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of delegating work and empowering others to grow by challenging themselves with new responsibilities or projects</li>
<li aria-level="1">What inspired Rosie’s book “Embracing MESSY Leadership”</li>
<li aria-level="1">Understanding the acronym MESSY (Meaning Making, Emotional Connection, Seeing the Future, Seizing Momentum, and Your Presence)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Mistakes that “nice” leaders frequently make and tips for creating a trusting team culture without becoming an authoritarian leader</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why leaders should prioritise coaching opportunities both for themselves and their whole staff</li>
<li aria-level="1">One thing leaders or aspiring leaders can do today to begin embracing MESSY leadership</li>
</ul>
 
About Rosie
Rosie Connor is the founder of BTS Spark, a not-for-profit initiative within the global leadership consultancy. BTS Spark is dedicated to providing affordable and targeted leadership development and coaching specifically tailored for education and not-for-profit leaders. Their programs combine a rich curriculum of 33 leadership mindsets with one-to-one coaching, workshops, group coaching, and online learning, ensuring a comprehensive approach to leadership development.
With a psychology degree from Cambridge and an MBA from Henley Management College, Rosie’s credentials are impeccable. She led one of Tony Blair’s most successful Education Action Zones, earning an ‘outstanding’ rating from independent school inspectors. Her expertise has been sought after by prestigious organisations such as the National College for School Leadership and the Innovation Unit in the UK, and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) for the launch of the Australian Principal Standard.
Rosie has played a pivotal role in designing and overseeing leadership development programs for over 5,000 education leaders worldwide. Her work with BTS Spark reflects a commitment to high-quality standards and ongoing professional learning for their global coach community.
 
Links and Resources:
Explore Our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program:<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/</a>
Dive into Liz Wiseman’s work on Multipliers: <a href="https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/">https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/</a> 
 
Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honoured that you’re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, that way we can inspire and educate even more people together.
 
Connect with Rosie:
On LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-connor-33502677/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&amp;originalSubdomain=au">www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-connor-33502677/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&amp;originalSubdomain=au</a> 
Her Website: <a href="https://btsspark.org/">https://btsspark.org/</a> 
Check out her book ‘Embracing MESSY Leadership’: <a href="https://btsspark.org/en-au/messyleadership">https://btsspark.org/en-au/messyleadership</a> 
Download the MESSY Leadership Toolkit: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/btsspark.org/au-messytoolkit">https://mailchi.mp/btsspark.org/au-messytoolkit</a> 
Connect with BTS Spark on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bts-spark/">www.linkedin.com/company/bts-spark/</a> 
Subscribe to BTS Spark on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4s-LEQYPqcLnYMU-Csbsg">www.youtube.com/channel/UCX4s-LEQYPqcLnYMU-Csbsg</a> 
 
Connect with me via:
My website <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a> 
Linkedin <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a> 
Email <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>

EP 27: Practical Strategies For Addressing Increased Teacher Workloads

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