
The Pressure to Keep Going: A Teacher Burnout Story
What happens when dedication to education comes at the cost of your own health? In this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , I’m joined by Lucy and Jonathan Coy, founders of HeadteacherChat , to discuss teacher burnout, illness, bereavement and the pressures of school leadership. Lucy shares her experience of facing a possible cancer diagnosis while continuing to work, while Jonathan reflects on starting his first headship during a deeply challenging period in his personal life. Their stories reveal how easily responsibility, guilt and a passion for education can lead us to put our own wellbeing last. We explore why teachers and school leaders struggle to take time off, the pressure to keep going when life becomes difficult and why strong support networks matter. We also discuss practical ways to manage stress, set boundaries and create a healthier balance between work and personal life. In this episode, we discuss: Teacher burnout and the pressures of school leadership Coping with illness and bereavement while working in education Why educators struggle to prioritise their wellbeing Guilt, responsibility and unhealthy working habits The importance of peer support, coaching and mentoring Setting boundaries and protecting life outside school How Head Teacher Chat supports school leaders This episode is for teachers, headteachers, deputy headteachers, SENCOs and education professionals who want to recognise the signs of burnout and build healthier working lives. If you have ever felt that you must keep going because everyone depends on you, this episode is a reminder that your health matters too . If you enjoyed this episode of Beat Teacher Burnout , please follow, rate and share the podcast to help more educators discover conversations that support their wellbeing. ____ Connect with Lucy and Jonathan Coy: Website: headteacherchat.com Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/headteacherchat Instagram: www.instagram.com/headteacherchat Twitter: x.com/Headteacherchat Email: info@headteacherchat.com Youtube: www.youtube.com/@SchoolLeaderCommunity ✨ Get your The 40 day challenge Journal here: Build the habits, mindset and energy to become your best self : amzn.to/3Ptd8jQ ✨ Follow Rowena: 👉Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowenaphicks 👉Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Teach-Flourish-Thrive-Beat-Teacher-Burnout/61552987182926 👉LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rowenaphicks 👉Website: www.rowenahicks.com — Subscribe to the Beat Teacher Burnout Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop bi weekly to help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and lead with clarity and energy. Listen here on: 👉Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2unYCtcA81Qi5coaLZ22H1 👉 Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beat-teacher-burnout/id1731803571 👉Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AuthorRowenaHicks — Looking for Rowena’s books? Explore all books here: 👉 www.rowenahicks.com/books Buy on Amazon: 👉The Burnout-Busting Teachers' Journal: amzn.to/3Ar6piV 👉 Teach, Flourish, Thrive: Break Free From Burnout : amzn.eu/d/0NCDubg Not sure where to start, book a consultation call with Rowena here: calendar.app.google/y1D862D8SFpDHAz67










