John T Morris, Director of MOTIV82ASPIRE
An increasing number of teachers at all levels are finding the challenge of increasing workloads, additional behavioural and emotional problems exhibited by learners, alongside a wide range of other issues linked to management and resources, overbearing and stressful. As a consequence, many are suffering emotional burn out, leaving the profession or reluctant to apply for managerial roles and additional responsibility. In addition, enrolment for teacher training courses has failed to reach target levels.
Kamalagita Hughes has compiled a broad range of practical strategies for teachers based around mindfulness, enabling readers to gain greater insight, awareness and practical application of strategies that empower them to address their personal needs to find calm. The key feature of mindfulness is based on self-preservation by cultivating an attribution of kindness towards yourself.
Readers will gain from the wide range of practical mindful exercises to try and then reflect within the What Did You Notice sections. They will also gain from the analysis of a wide range of case studies, including the practice structured within the new curriculum in Wales. This is a welcome addition to the literature addressing the personal needs and pragmatic negative issues impacting work/life balance experienced by an increasing number of teachers and support staff. It will be an asset for all managers in schools and FE colleges to make a difference.