VIEWS & OPINION Creating agents of change Comment by KEREN MITCHELL, former year 3 and year 4 teacher and founder of SuperKind


Education has always been a powerful tool for shaping minds and moulding futures. But in an ever-evolving world, the role of schools transcends traditional academic instruction. Today, schools have the opportunity and responsibility to produce not just scholars, but agents of change who are empowered to make a positive impact on society through meaningful social action.


Social action is any form of action taken to address social, economic, or environmental issues. It can take many forms, from organising a food


bank donation drive to volunteering a community litter pick to organising a climate strike. And when it comes to childhood development, social action is absolutely critical.


Why? Because social action helps kids develop a sense of agency and empowerment. It helps them understand that they have the power to make a difference in the world. It also helps them develop important skills and values such as confidence, critical thinking, problem solving, open-mindedness, compassion, empathy, hope, collaboration, to name but a few.


But social action isn’t just good for kids - it’s good for the world, too. Did you know that children who take part in social action before the


age of 10 are more than twice as likely to make it a lifelong habit than those who do not? When kids take action on issues they care about, they become agents of change in their communities. They inspire others to get involved, and they help to create a better, more just world for everyone. Kids have been some of the most powerful agents of change in history. Take Malala Yousafzai, for example. She was just 11 years old when she began speaking out against the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in Pakistan. Despite facing death threats and violence, she refused to be silenced, and her activism eventually led to her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.


Greta Thunberg, the teenage climate activist, has inspired millions of people around the world to take action on climate change. She was just 15 years old when she began protesting outside the Swedish parliament, and her message has since spread to every corner of the globe. These are just two examples of the countless young activists who have made a difference in the world. And if they can do it, why can’t your students?


Of course, it’s not enough to just tell your students to go out and change the world – you need to give them the tools and support they need to succeed. That means teaching them about important problems in the world, inspiring them with case studies of children who’ve changed the world, and offering them step-by-step toolkits for how to take action. By introducing social action into school life, we can help our shape the next generation of leaders and changemakers. And in doing so, we can create a better future for all of us.


Supporting teachers with the rise in special educational needs Comment by NATASHA KELLY, teacher and counsellor


In today’s dynamic educational landscape, teachers are encountering a profound challenge with the escalating prevalence of students with special educational needs (SEN). While adapting to this shift, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of educators to prevent burnout. This article explores practical strategies aimed at preserving teacher well-being amidst the growing demands of SEN. • Customized support systems The first step in preventing burnout


is to provide teachers with customized support systems. Tailored professional development programmes that focus on coping with the unique challenges posed by SEN can be immensely beneficial. When educators feel equipped to navigate these challenges, they are better prepared to manage stress and avoid burnout. • Mental health resources


Acknowledging the emotional toll of teaching in an environment with increased SEN, schools should offer accessible mental health resources. These resources can include counselling services, stress management workshops, and support groups. Encouraging teachers to prioritize their mental well-being is essential for long-term sustainability in their roles. • Work-life balance advocacy


Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Schools should actively advocate for reasonable workloads, flexible scheduling, and clear boundaries between work and personal life. When teachers have the time and space to recharge, they are less susceptible to burnout. • Peer support networks


Establishing peer support networks can create a sense of camaraderie 24 www.education-today.co.uk October 2023


among educators. When teachers have colleagues they can turn to for advice, venting, and shared experiences, it reduces feelings of isolation and emotional exhaustion. These networks can serve as a buffer against burnout. • Recognition and appreciation


Recognizing and appreciating the dedication of educators is paramount in preventing burnout. Regularly acknowledging their efforts and achievements fosters a positive work environment. Feeling valued and appreciated motivates teachers to continue their work with enthusiasm. • Stress reduction techniques


Educators should be encouraged to incorporate stress reduction techniques into their daily routines. This can include mindfulness exercises, relaxation practices, and physical activity. By offering guidance and resources for managing stress, schools empower teachers to maintain their well-being. • Effective time management


Supporting teachers in effective time management can alleviate the pressures that contribute to burnout. Providing tools and strategies for efficient planning, prioritization, and task delegation can help educators strike a balance between their teaching responsibilities and personal lives. Conclusion


Preventing teacher burnout in the face of increasing SEN requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. By prioritizing teacher well-being through customized support systems, mental health resources, work-life balance advocacy, peer support networks, recognition, stress reduction techniques, and effective time management, schools can empower educators to thrive. In doing so, we create an educational environment where teachers can continue to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of their students while preserving their own well-being.


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