DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem dives into the realities of teacher guilt around taking time off when unwell, exploring why many educators feel guilty about prioritising their health, the cultural and personal factors that drive this mindset, and provide strategies to help teachers overcome this guilt. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Go to Mastering teaching to unlock exclusive content, strengthen your skills and access resources to help level up and thrive in your teaching profession for the price of a coffee.Teachers often feel guilty about taking sick days due to concerns about disrupting learning or letting down colleagues.Reluctance to take sick days, shame around prioritising health, and fear of judgment are common guilt indicators.Education often fosters a “push through” mentality, where presence is highly valued, making teachers feel they must always be available.Taking time to recover isn’t selfish; it supports long-term effectiveness and sets a healthy example for students.Accepting personal limits and practicing self-compassion can help teachers prioritise well-being and prevent burnout.BEST MOMENTS: "We don't want the shame of letting our students and colleagues down" "Emotional stress and anxiety has a big impact on us" "We still go in and perform even when we feel physically unwell" "Being ill is not an weakness" VALUABLE RESOURCES: Go to Mastering teaching to unlock exclusive content, strengthen your skills and access resources to help level up and thrive in your teaching profession for the price of a coffee! EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT: Teacher Mindset: Avoiding Teacher Burnout, Building Resilience, and Thriving in the Classroom Combating Teacher Burnout: Causes, Signs & Actionable Solutions ABOUT THE HOST: Since embarking on her teaching journey in 2009, Tem has been on a mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Specialising as a Secondary Physical Education Teacher, Tem also has experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN) as a class teacher in an SEN provision. With an unwavering commitment to helping students become the best versions of themselves, Tem believes in the power of education to shape not just academic prowess, but character and resilience. Having mentored numerous teachers throughout her career, she is not only shaping young minds but also nurturing the growth of those who guide them. ABOUT THE SHOW: The podcast for teachers of many years, trainee teachers or Early Career Teachers (ECTs). Join Tem as she delves into the diverse world of teaching, offering valuable insights, tips, and advice on a variety of teaching strategies to help teachers thrive as classroom practitioners.  CONNECT & CONTACT:  Email: [email protected] Linktree: https://linktr.ee/temsteachingtips Instagram: instagram.com/temsteachingtips Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.