In this episode, I unpack the latest research, national survey data and emerging trends shaping the state of teacher wellbeing in 2025. Drawing on insights from thousands of educators across more than 60 Australian schools, I explore what’s really impacting teacher wellbeing.

 

You’ll learn why teachers are calling for more than resilience training and system reform; they’re asking for shifts in how schools operate on a day-to-day basis. From leadership practices to staff communication, professional support to school culture, I break down the patterns we can’t ignore, and the actions schools can take right now to build environments where staff and students thrive. 

 

In this episode, I cover:
A snapshot of the current state of teacher wellbeing in Australia
Key stressors and risk factors impacting teacher wellbeing
The ripple effects of poor teacher wellbeing on students, schools and the community
Data insights from our teacher wellbeing surveys across 60+ schools
What teachers themselves say they need to feel supported, valued and well
Evidence-based strategies and school-wide initiatives that work
How schools can take a strategic, data-informed approach to staff and teacher wellbeing

 

Links and Resources:

Read the full State of Teacher Wellbeing article

Download the PDF report

Explore our Staff Wellbeing Surveys

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with me via:

My website:adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email:hello@adriennehornby.com.au 

In this episode, I unpack the latest research, national survey data and emerging trends shaping the state of teacher wellbeing in 2025. Drawing on insights from thousands of educators across more than 60 Australian schools, I explore what&rsquo;s really impacting teacher wellbeing.
&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll learn why teachers are calling for more than resilience training and system reform; they&rsquo;re asking for shifts in how schools operate on a day-to-day basis. From leadership practices to staff communication, professional support to school culture, I break down the patterns we can&rsquo;t ignore, and the actions schools can take right now to build environments where staff and students thrive.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In this episode, I cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">A snapshot of the current state of teacher wellbeing in Australia</li>
<li aria-level="1">Key stressors and risk factors impacting teacher wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">The ripple effects of poor teacher wellbeing on students, schools and the community</li>
<li aria-level="1">Data insights from our teacher wellbeing surveys across 60+ schools</li>
<li aria-level="1">What teachers themselves say they need to feel supported, valued and well</li>
<li aria-level="1">Evidence-based strategies and school-wide initiatives that work</li>
<li aria-level="1">How schools can take a strategic, data-informed approach to staff and teacher wellbeing</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Links and Resources:
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/teacher-wellbeing-the-state-of-the-nation-and-the-solutions-our-teachers-want-moving-forward/">Read the full State of Teacher Wellbeing article</a>
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Teacher-Wellbeing-Report-2025-Adrienne-Hornby.pdf">Download the PDF report</a>
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/staff-survey/">Explore our Staff Wellbeing Surveys</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you so much for listening. I&rsquo;m so honoured that you&rsquo;re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.
&nbsp;
Connect with me via:
My website: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;

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

S3E11: What The Latest Data Reveals About Staff and Teacher Wellbeing

If you’ve worked in a school for more than five minutes, you know that stress in education doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic “I can’t do this anymore” moment. More often, it creeps in quietly through the constant rushing, the emotional load of caring for students, the relentless pace and the thousand tiny demands that pile up before you’ve even finished your coffee. 

 

Many educators tell us they’re exhausted, but oddly unable to “switch off.” They’re wired and tired at the same time. And even when they know they need rest, their body won’t cooperate. This isn’t laziness or lack of resilience; it’s physiology. And understanding the difference can be life-changing.

 

In this episode, I’m joined by Bianca McLeish, a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, to explore what it truly means to move beyond surface-level self-care and into genuine self-preservation.

 

Bianca brings a powerful blend of lived experience and evidence-informed practice, drawing from neuroscience, psychology and Positive Education to help educators understand the physiology of stress, recognise the early warning signs and regulate their nervous system in real time. 

 

In this episode, we cover:
The difference between self-care and self-preservation, and why the latter is essential for overwhelmed educators
Why you can’t think your way out of stress, and the physiological processes driving overwhelm
A simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) and how it shapes your daily experiences
What nervous system dysregulation looks and feels like
How to activate the relaxation response even when your brain still senses threat
The science behind the stress cycle, why most teachers struggle to complete it, and how to finally close the loop
Practical ways to mobilise stress energy even if you don’t have time or energy for a workout
Common reasons why educators find it so hard to relax
Daily micro-practices to reduce stress during the school day, not just after it





About Bianca:

Bianca McLeish is a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience across Australia and the UK. Her journey into educator wellbeing began after experiencing burnout herself - a turning point that led her to explore the science behind stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing.

 

Drawing on a Master of Education in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bianca blends neuroscience, psychology, Positive Education and lived experience to help teachers regulate stress, restore balance and reconnect with their purpose. As the founder of The Teacher Wellbeing Academy and author of Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free From Survival Mode Before Burnout, she offers compassionate, evidence-informed strategies that support both individual educators and whole-school communities to thrive. 

 

Her mission is to help educators move beyond surface-level self–care and build genuine, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nervous system regulation, practical tools and the belief that teachers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered. 

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

Get Bianca’s Book:Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free from Burnout: A Research-Based Guide for Real Teachers





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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Biance via:

Website:https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/

Email:bianca@theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271

Facebook:The Teacher Wellbeing Academy

Instagram:@theteacherwellbeingacademy

 

Connect with me via:

My website:adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email:hello@adriennehornby.com.au 

If you&rsquo;ve worked in a school for more than five minutes, you know that stress in education doesn&rsquo;t always arrive as a dramatic &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t do this anymore&rdquo; moment. More often, it creeps in quietly through the constant rushing, the emotional load of caring for students, the relentless pace and the thousand tiny demands that pile up before you&rsquo;ve even finished your coffee.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Many educators tell us they&rsquo;re exhausted, but oddly unable to &ldquo;switch off.&rdquo; They&rsquo;re wired and tired at the same time. And even when they know they need rest, their body won&rsquo;t cooperate. This isn&rsquo;t laziness or lack of resilience; it&rsquo;s physiology. And understanding the difference can be life-changing.
&nbsp;
In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Bianca McLeish, a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience, to explore what it truly means to move beyond surface-level self-care and into genuine self-preservation.
&nbsp;
Bianca brings a powerful blend of lived experience and evidence-informed practice, drawing from neuroscience, psychology and Positive Education to help educators understand the physiology of stress, recognise the early warning signs and regulate their nervous system in real time.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The difference between self-care and self-preservation, and why the latter is essential for overwhelmed educators</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why you can&rsquo;t think your way out of stress, and the physiological processes driving overwhelm</li>
<li aria-level="1">A simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic vs parasympathetic) and how it shapes your daily experiences</li>
<li aria-level="1">What nervous system dysregulation looks and feels like</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to activate the relaxation response even when your brain still senses threat</li>
<li aria-level="1">The science behind the stress cycle, why most teachers struggle to complete it, and how to finally close the loop</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical ways to mobilise stress energy even if you don&rsquo;t have time or energy for a workout</li>
<li aria-level="1">Common reasons why educators find it so hard to relax</li>
<li aria-level="1">Daily micro-practices to reduce stress during the school day, not just after it</li>
</ul>
 
About Bianca:
Bianca McLeish is a school wellbeing consultant, author and former teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience across Australia and the UK. Her journey into educator wellbeing began after experiencing burnout herself - a turning point that led her to explore the science behind stress, resilience and sustainable wellbeing.
&nbsp;
Drawing on a Master of Education in Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bianca blends neuroscience, psychology, Positive Education and lived experience to help teachers regulate stress, restore balance and reconnect with their purpose. As the founder of The Teacher Wellbeing Academy and author of Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free From Survival Mode Before Burnout, she offers compassionate, evidence-informed strategies that support both individual educators and whole-school communities to thrive.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Her mission is to help educators move beyond surface-level self&ndash;care and build genuine, sustainable wellbeing rooted in nervous system regulation, practical tools and the belief that teachers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Links and Resources:
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program</a>
Get Bianca&rsquo;s Book: <a href="https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/teacher-wellbeing-transformed-book#buybook">Teacher Wellbeing Transformed: Break Free from Burnout: A Research-Based Guide for Real Teachers</a>
 
Thank you so much for listening. I&rsquo;m so honoured that you&rsquo;re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.
&nbsp;
Connect with Biance via:
Website: <a href="https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/">https://theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au/</a>
Email: <a href="mailto:bianca@theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au">bianca@theteacherwellbeingacademy.com.au</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-mcleish-811129271</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Teacher-Wellbeing-Academy/61579484611315/#">The Teacher Wellbeing Academy</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theteacherwellbeingacademy/">@theteacherwellbeingacademy</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with me via:
My website: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;

S3E18: Wired, Tired and Overwhelmed: The Physiology of Stress with Bianca McLeish

We’ve all experienced it to some degree…the racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness and that fleeting sense of losing control. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jodi Richardson to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in both our personal and professional lives: anxiety.

 

As educators, we’re no strangers to it. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the emotional load we carry for our students and the never-ending to-do lists can keep our nervous system switched “on” far longer than is healthy. Over time, that chronic activation can blur the line between stress, anxiety and burnout - a pattern I know I’ve experienced myself. That’s why this conversation with Jodi is such an important one.

 

In this episode, we cover:
What anxiety is, and isn’t, and why it’s not always a disorder
How anxiety shows up in our lives: the thoughts, emotions and behaviours others may not see
The hidden cost of masking anxiety at work and how it fuels exhaustion and disconnection
How the nervous system operates 
Practical, evidence-based ways to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself back to calm, even in the middle of a busy school day

 

Whether you’re a teacher, a leader, or simply someone who’s been running on adrenaline for too long, this episode will help you understand your anxiety in a new light and remind you that it’s not something to fear, but something to work with. 

 

About Jodi:

Dr. Jodi Richardson is an author, speaker, and educator who specialises in helping people understand and manage anxiety, regulate their nervous system, and build practical strategies for thriving at school and beyond. With a background in education, wellbeing science, and clinical practice, as well as lived experience with anxiety, Jodi brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Through her books, speaking engagements, and her own podcast, ‘Well, Hello Anxiety,’ she equips individuals, schools, and workplaces with evidence-based tools to support mental health and create environments where people can flourish.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with Jodi via:

Her website: drjodirichardson.com 

Her podcast: Well, Hello Anxiety

Get her anxiety toolkit for anxious children and teens here

 

Connect with me via:

My website:adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email:hello@adriennehornby.com.au 

We&rsquo;ve all experienced it to some degree&hellip;the racing heart, sweaty palms, dizziness and that fleeting sense of losing control. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jodi Richardson to talk about one of the most common yet misunderstood experiences in both our personal and professional lives: anxiety.
&nbsp;
As educators, we&rsquo;re no strangers to it. The constant juggling of responsibilities, the emotional load we carry for our students and the never-ending to-do lists can keep our nervous system switched &ldquo;on&rdquo; far longer than is healthy. Over time, that chronic activation can blur the line between stress, anxiety and burnout - a pattern I know I&rsquo;ve experienced myself. That&rsquo;s why this conversation with Jodi is such an important one.
&nbsp;
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li>What anxiety is, and isn&rsquo;t, and why it&rsquo;s not always a disorder</li>
<li>How anxiety shows up in our lives: the thoughts, emotions and behaviours others may not see</li>
<li>The hidden cost of masking anxiety at work and how it fuels exhaustion and disconnection</li>
<li>How the nervous system operates&nbsp;</li>
<li>Practical, evidence-based ways to regulate your nervous system and bring yourself back to calm, even in the middle of a busy school day</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re a teacher, a leader, or simply someone who&rsquo;s been running on adrenaline for too long, this episode will help you understand your anxiety in a new light and remind you that it&rsquo;s not something to fear, but something to work with.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About Jodi:
Dr. Jodi Richardson is an author, speaker, and educator who specialises in helping people understand and manage anxiety, regulate their nervous system, and build practical strategies for thriving at school and beyond. With a background in education, wellbeing science, and clinical practice, as well as lived experience with anxiety, Jodi brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Through her books, speaking engagements, and her own podcast, &lsquo;Well, Hello Anxiety,&rsquo; she equips individuals, schools, and workplaces with evidence-based tools to support mental health and create environments where people can flourish.
&nbsp;
Links and Resources:
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you so much for listening. I&rsquo;m so honoured that you&rsquo;re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.
&nbsp;
Connect with Jodi via:
Her website: <a href="http://drjodirichardson.com">drjodirichardson.com</a>&nbsp;
Her podcast: <a href="https://drjodirichardson.com/podcast/">Well, Hello Anxiety</a>
<a href="https://drjodirichardson.com/anxiety-cards-deck/">Get her anxiety toolkit for anxious children and teens here</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with me via:
My website: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;

S3E17: How Educators Can Navigate Anxiety and Build Emotional Resilience with Dr. Jodi Richardson

When a school’s vision isn’t clear, or worse, when it exists only as words on a website, it can leave staff feeling directionless, disconnected and unsure how their daily work contributes to something bigger. 

 

Without that shared sense of purpose, culture fragments, wellbeing suffers and strategic plans lose their impact. 

 

In this episode, I sit down with James Clanfield, former school leader turned digital strategist and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing, to explore how schools can craft and live a vision that truly unites their community. Together, we unpack how a meaningful vision guides both strategy and wellbeing, what it looks like when wellbeing sits at the heart of that vision, and how James’ CAMPUS Method helps leaders align their vision with everyday actions and communications. 

 

In this episode, we cover:
The importance of having an established school vision to guide school strategy and staff wellbeing
How a vision for wellbeing should connect with and reinforce the overarching school vision
James’ CAMPUS method for aligning vision to actions and internal and external communications
Common mistakes schools make when creating and communicating their vision or strategic plans, and how to avoid them
Strategies for keeping the vision front and centre to ensure commitment and buy-in by all members of the school community
Effective ways schools are using their vision to support wellbeing and culture





About James:

James Clanfield is a former Deputy and Head of Academics and Pastoral Care turned digital strategist, speaker, and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing. He helps schools and education providers grow with clarity using his signature CAMPUS™ Method — a complete marketing and communications strategy designed specifically for the education sector.

 

James combines real educational leadership insight with strategic execution, offering hands-on support across brand messaging, social media, enrolments, and digital content. Through his content, coaching, and agency work, he empowers leaders and educators to communicate with purpose, lead with vision, and show up with confidence in an increasingly competitive space.

 

When he’s not building campaigns or attending events, James homeschools his five kids, currently runs his business remotely from Southeast Asia, and works alongside his wife to help educators thrive beyond the classroom.

 

Links and Resources:

Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program

 

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, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.

 

Connect with James via:

His website: https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation 

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield 

Instagram:@jamesclanfield  

 

Connect with me via:

My website:adriennehornby.com.au 

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/ 

Email:hello@adriennehornby.com.au 

When a school&rsquo;s vision isn&rsquo;t clear, or worse, when it exists only as words on a website, it can leave staff feeling directionless, disconnected and unsure how their daily work contributes to something bigger.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Without that shared sense of purpose, culture fragments, wellbeing suffers and strategic plans lose their impact.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In this episode, I sit down with James Clanfield, former school leader turned digital strategist and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing, to explore how schools can craft and live a vision that truly unites their community. Together, we unpack how a meaningful vision guides both strategy and wellbeing, what it looks like when wellbeing sits at the heart of that vision, and how James&rsquo; CAMPUS Method helps leaders align their vision with everyday actions and communications.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In this episode, we cover:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of having an established school vision to guide school strategy and staff wellbeing</li>
<li aria-level="1">How a vision for wellbeing should connect with and reinforce the overarching school vision</li>
<li aria-level="1">James&rsquo; CAMPUS method for aligning vision to actions and internal and external communications</li>
<li aria-level="1">Common mistakes schools make when creating and communicating their vision or strategic plans, and how to avoid them</li>
<li aria-level="1">Strategies for keeping the vision front and centre to ensure commitment and buy-in by all members of the school community</li>
<li aria-level="1">Effective ways schools are using their vision to support wellbeing and culture</li>
</ul>
 
About James:
James Clanfield is a former Deputy and Head of Academics and Pastoral Care turned digital strategist, speaker, and founder of Pillar Digital Marketing. He helps schools and education providers grow with clarity using his signature CAMPUS&trade; Method &mdash; a complete marketing and communications strategy designed specifically for the education sector.
&nbsp;
James combines real educational leadership insight with strategic execution, offering hands-on support across brand messaging, social media, enrolments, and digital content. Through his content, coaching, and agency work, he empowers leaders and educators to communicate with purpose, lead with vision, and show up with confidence in an increasingly competitive space.
&nbsp;
When he&rsquo;s not building campaigns or attending events, James homeschools his five kids, currently runs his business remotely from Southeast Asia, and works alongside his wife to help educators thrive beyond the classroom.
&nbsp;
Links and Resources:
<a href="https://adriennehornby.com.au/school-partnerships/">Explore our Well-Led Schools Partnership Program</a>
&nbsp;
Thank you so much for listening. I&rsquo;m so honoured that you&rsquo;re here and would be so grateful if you could leave me a review on Apple Podcasts or on your preferred podcast app, so that we can inspire and educate even more people together.
&nbsp;
Connect with James via:
His website: <a href="https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation">https://pillardigitalmarketing.net/forEducation</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn: <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield">https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamesclanfield</a>&nbsp;
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamesclanfield_/">@jamesclanfield</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Connect with me via:
My website: <a href="http://adriennehornby.com.au">adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/">linkedin.com/in/adrienne-hornby-a4126a205/</a>&nbsp;
Email: <a href="mailto:hello@adriennehornby.com.au">hello@adriennehornby.com.au</a>&nbsp;

S3E11: What The Latest Data Reveals About Staff and Teacher Wellbeing

Well-Led Schools

In 1 playlist(s)

Well-Led Schools

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips