Supporting Educators – Winter Term 2

It is time for our last Educators Special Blog Series ‘Supporting Educators – Winter Term 2’ for 2025! November is a pivotal time in the academic year, as darker mornings and evenings take hold and educators face the ongoing demands of the winter term. With shorter days and colder weather, maintaining morale and wellbeing becomes a priority for school leaders. This blog explores actionable strategies to support educators’ mental and physical health as they navigate the second half of the winter term. We’ll also share how People First can partner with your school to foster a thriving and resilient educational community.

Why Wellbeing Matters in November

As autumn transitions to winter, the challenges of seasonal changes and increasing workload can impact educators’ wellbeing. Focusing on staff support during this period is essential to:

• Boost morale: Acknowledging the effects of seasonal changes can help create a supportive and understanding environment.
• Sustain energy levels: Providing resources to combat fatigue ensures staff remain motivated and productive.
• Foster resilience: Encouraging healthy habits equips educators to manage stress and maintain focus.

By addressing these needs, school leaders can help educators finish the term strong and enter the holiday season feeling valued and energised.

Key Wellbeing Focus Areas for November

1. Combating Seasonal Fatigue

The darker days of November can lead to a lack of energy and motivation. Supporting staff in managing seasonal fatigue is crucial.

• Action Step: Promote outdoor activities during daylight hours, such as lunchtime walks or wellness breaks.
• How People First Can Help: Our wellbeing workshops provide practical strategies for staying energised and combating the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

2. Encouraging Gratitude and Reflection

November offers an opportunity to foster gratitude and recognise the hard work of educators, boosting morale and creating a positive atmosphere.

• Action Step: Implement a “gratitude wall” or organise a team event to celebrate achievements and express appreciation.
• How People First Can Help: Our team-building sessions are designed to strengthen connections and foster a culture of gratitude and recognition.

3. Preparing for the End of Term

As the holiday season approaches, the demands of finishing the term can feel overwhelming. Proactively managing these pressures helps educators feel supported.

• Action Step: Encourage staff to prioritise and streamline tasks, focusing on what’s essential.
• How People First Can Help: Our time management workshops equip educators with tools to handle workloads effectively and reduce stress.

Top Wellbeing Tips for Leaders

Effective leadership is key to creating a supportive and resilient school culture. Here are three tips to guide leaders this November:

1. Check In Regularly: Schedule one-on-one conversations to understand how staff are feeling and offer tailored support.
2. Create Light Moments: Introduce simple, joyful activities to lift spirits, such as themed dress days or shared coffee mornings.
3. Lead with Empathy: Recognise the challenges of the season and show understanding by promoting work-life balance and flexibility.

Why Partner with People First?

At People First, we specialise in helping schools create a culture of wellbeing and resilience. Our tailored services include:

• Workshops: Covering stress management, energy boosting, and team dynamics.
• Coaching: Equipping school leaders with strategies to inspire and support their teams.
• Long-Term Planning: Developing frameworks that prioritise wellbeing throughout the academic year.

By collaborating with us, your school can foster an environment where educators feel supported, empowered, and ready to excel.

End the Winter Term with Strength

This November, take proactive steps to support your educators through the challenges of the winter term. By focusing on combating fatigue, fostering gratitude, and managing workloads, you can create a thriving school culture that uplifts and energises your team.

Thank you for exploring our ‘Supporting Educators – Winter Term 2’ edition. Look out for more to come in 2026!

Let People First be your partner in this journey. Together, we can build a resilient and supportive educational environment that benefits educators and students alike.

Supporting Educators Additional Blogs and Resources

• Wellbeing Calendar 2025
• Resilience in School Staff
• Stress Management for Teachers
• Educational mental health challenges
• Start your Spring Term with Wellbeing in Mind
• Supporting Educators – Spring Term 2
• Supporting Educators – Summer Term
• Supporting Educators – Summer Term 2
• Supporting Educators – Winter Term