02 September 2025
Supporting Educators – Winter Term
Published by Amanda Anderson
It is time for our Educators Special Blog Series ‘Supporting Educators – Winter Term’. September marks the beginning of a new academic year, a time filled with excitement, fresh opportunities, and inevitable challenges. For educators, it’s a chance to reset, plan ahead, and embrace the journey of a new term. However, it’s also a time when the demands of preparation, new students, and adapting to change can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we explore strategies to support educators’ wellbeing as they embark on the winter term. By prioritising staff support and creating a positive culture, school leaders can ensure a strong and sustainable start to the academic year.
The Importance of Wellbeing in September
The beginning of the academic year sets the tone for the months ahead. Ensuring that educators feel supported, motivated, and valued is crucial to:
- Boost engagement: A strong start fosters enthusiasm and commitment among staff.
- Reduce stress: Addressing early pressures prevents burnout and promotes resilience.
- Enhance student outcomes: Well-supported educators are better equipped to inspire and guide their students.
By focusing on wellbeing this September, school leaders can lay the foundation for a thriving year ahead.
Key Wellbeing Focus Areas for the Winter Term
1. Welcoming New Beginnings
The start of the school year is an opportunity to build connections and set a positive tone for staff and students alike.
- Action Step: Host an orientation or welcome-back event to foster a sense of community and excitement.
- How People First Can Help: Our team-building workshops are designed to strengthen connections and create a cohesive school culture.
2. Managing Workload
The start of the term often brings a deluge of planning, marking, and meetings. Proactively addressing workload can ease stress and improve focus.
- Action Step: Encourage realistic goal-setting and prioritisation to help staff manage their responsibilities effectively.
- How People First Can Help: Our time management sessions equip educators with practical tools to balance their workload.
3. Building Resilience for the Year Ahead
Developing resilience is essential for navigating the demands of the academic year.
- Action Step: Introduce resilience-building activities, such as mindfulness sessions or peer support groups, to empower staff.
- How People First Can Help: Our resilience workshops provide educators with strategies to maintain wellbeing and adapt to challenges.
Top Wellbeing Tips for Leaders
Strong leadership is key to fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture. Here are three practical tips for school leaders this September:
- Be Present: Engage with staff regularly through check-ins and open conversations to understand their needs.
- Promote Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and shared problem-solving to build a sense of collective purpose.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge early successes and milestones to boost morale and motivation.
Why Partner with People First?
At People First, we understand the unique challenges faced by educators at the start of a new academic year. Our tailored solutions are designed to:
- Support Wellbeing: Through workshops on stress management, resilience, and teamwork.
- Empower Leaders: With coaching sessions that equip school leaders to inspire and support their teams.
- Drive Long-Term Change: By developing sustainable strategies that prioritise educator wellbeing throughout the year.
Partnering with People First ensures your school community starts the year with strength, focus, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Start the Academic Year on the Right Foot
This September, take proactive steps to support your educators and create a positive foundation for the winter term. By focusing on connection, workload management, and resilience, school leaders can foster a culture where staff feel valued and motivated.
Thank you for exploring our ‘Supporting Educators – Winter Term’ edition. Watch out for our Winter Term 2 edition which is released on Tuesday 4th November.
Let People First be your partner in this journey. Together, we can build a thriving school environment that empowers educators and inspires students.
