Questions on Teacher Wellbeing Creating a Happy and Sustainable School Life as an Early Career Teacher

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

Biography

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.

“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.” - Sinéad 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