Let's Talk About Teacher Wellbeing

About Let's Talk About Teacher Wellbeing

Most school leaders never get the one thing they need most, space to hear themselves think. Dear School Leader creates that space. Hosted by Carolyn Aukafolau, a leadership coach with decades of experience across classrooms and school leadership. Each episode speaks directly to the people carrying the invisible weight of school leadership and offers something genuinely useful for their week. Practical guidance, grounded insights, real conversation. Find out more at https://www.carolynaukafolau.com

Publisher

Carolyn Aukafolau

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Dec 2023

Latest episode

23 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2026

   1: The School Leader's Invisible Load

   There's a voice a lot of school leaders carry around. It's quiet, but persistent. It says: you should be able to manage all of this. Why can't you? In this first episode of Dear School Leader, Carolyn Aukafolau shares her own experience of hearing this voice and what it meant, recognising the invisible load for the first time. By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple, practical strategy to help you see exactly what you're carrying, and ask the one question that might change how you're holding it. In this episode: The difference between the visible load and the invisible load in school leadership Why feeling overwhelmed is an accurate response to an unsustainable situation The Two Column Exercise: a 5-minute tool to make the invisible visible Timestamps: [00:00] The voice that says you should be coping [01:30] Welcome to Dear School Leader [03:00] What are you actually carrying? [06:00] The visible load vs the invisible load [11:00] Why this matters , and what happens when the load gets too heavy [14:00] The Two Column Exercise [17:00] Your takeaway for this week Resources: Download the free Two Column Exercise worksheet (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cI5tDN7juf_bbLJMToA8jWRw2QQttkkR/view?usp=sharing) Work with Carolyn: www.carolynaukafolau.com (https://www.carolynaukafolau.com)

2. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Term Two Turnaround: A Fresh Start Without Starting Over

   We're coming to the end of term one, and for things in your classroom that haven't gone quite the way you hoped, chances are your brain is already saying: scrap it all and start fresh next term. I get it. I have been so guilty of this, and for years it kept me stuck in an exhausting cycle I didn't even realise I was in. In this episode, I'm talking about the all-or-nothing trap that so many new teachers fall into, why it feels so appealing, and what to do instead, because the discomfort of something not working doesn't mean that everything isn't working. There are almost certainly parts of your classroom, your routines, and your relationships with students that are solid, and when you do a full reset, you throw those out too! We'll talk about why term two is a time for recalibration rather than reinvention, and how small, intentional shifts will always outperform a dramatic overhaul that burns you out before the new term even gets going. This episode is hopefully exactly what you need to hear as you head into the term break. In this episode: Why the all-or-nothing reset cycle keeps you stuck What the discomfort of a hard term is really telling you How to identify what actually needs to change (and what doesn't) Why small tweaks beat big overhauls every single time How to use the term break intentionally without overwhelming yourself Please join me in April for 'The Term Two Turnaround: A Fresh Start Without Starting Over'. My free two-day series is designed specifically for new teachers who want to head into Term Two with clarity and purpose. It starts on Wednesday 15 April and I would love to see you there. Register free at www.carolynaukafolau.com/April (https://www.carolynaukafolau.com/April)

3. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Expectation vs Reality: Making Teaching Feel More Manageable

   Teaching often does not unfold the way we imagined. In this episode, I explore the gap between expectation and reality and share three practical ways to make teaching feel more manageable right now, from reducing mental load with simple routines, to protecting your energy after being “on” all day, to focusing on steady growth instead of perfection. If you are a new teacher navigating the realities of classroom life, this episode will help you feel steadier, more supported, and more in control of your day-to-day work. In the episode I talk about First Year Foundations, my programme for new teachers. To find out more please visit www.carolynaukafolau.com/FYF (www.carolynaukafolau.com/FYF)

4. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Making Space to Think: Reflection for Busy Teachers

   Making Space to Think: Reflection for Busy Teachers Teaching and leading in schools is demanding. Your days are full of lessons, meetings, decisions, emails, and the constant needs of others. In the middle of all that busyness, it can feel almost impossible to find time to pause and think. In this episode, I explore why daily and weekly reflection is not an “extra” task, but an essential part of effective, sustainable teaching and leadership. I share how reflection has supported me throughout my career, from my early years teaching overseas to leadership roles and coaching work, and why creating small, realistic habits of reflection has made such a difference to my clarity, confidence, and wellbeing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why reflection turns everyday experience into professional learning Simple daily and weekly reflection habits that fit into real school life Different ways to reflect, even if journaling is not your styleHow reflection supports better decision-making and reduces overwhelm Why coaching creates protected space for deeper, more meaningful reflection You’ll also be guided through a short pause and reflection moment and invited to try a gentle, practical challenge you can use this week. If you often feel too busy to stop and think, this episode will help you reconnect with yourself, your practice, and your long-term goals. If you would like more structured space to reflect, think clearly, and grow intentionally, I invite you to book a free 15-minute chat to explore whether coaching could be a good fit for you. There is no pressure, just a supportive conversation. You’ll find the link in the show notes and on my website.

5. 

   9 Feb 2026

   How to Boost Your Confidence: Why Your Past Matters More Than You Think

   Starting a new teaching role, especially in your first year, or in a new school, or even a new country, can shake your confidence. You might be questioning yourself, or comparing yourself to more experienced colleagues. In this episode, I explore why confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s something that grows over time. Drawing on my own experiences as a new teacher in different contexts, I share how learning to recognise my transferable skills helped me move from self-doubt to growing confidence. You’ll discover: Why your past work and life experience matters in the classroom How everyday skills translate into strong teaching practice A simple daily and weekly habit to strengthen your confidence A gentle pause to help you reset and refocus If you’re feeling unsure, behind, or unsettled at the start of the school year, this episode will help you reconnect with what you already bring and take your next steps with greater clarity and calm. Want more support like this? Find out about my programme for new teachers called First Year Foundations http://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF (http://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF)

6. 

   2 Feb 2026

   How to Create a Weekly Planning Framework That Actually Works

   Planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or endless, especially for new teachers. In this episode, Carolyn Aukafolau breaks down how to create a simple weekly planning framework that reduces decision fatigue, supports student learning, and helps you feel calm and organised before the week begins. You’ll learn the key elements of an effective framework, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how to plan in a way that works with you, not against you. If you’d like structured support, practical tools, and guidance to help you start the year feeling calm and confident, you can learn more about First Year Foundations, Carolyn’s programme for new teachers, here https://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF (https://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF)

7. 

   29 Jan 2026

   Ready For The School Year?

   Starting a new school year can come with excitement, and a quiet pressure to have everything sorted before day one. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Teaching, Carolyn explores what it really means to feel ready for school, especially as a new teacher. Rather than doing more or striving for perfection, this episode focuses on building inner calm as a form of readiness. You’ll hear practical reflections on redefining what “being ready” means, creating gentle rhythms that support steadiness, and giving yourself permission to let things be good enough. This episode is a reminder that calm isn’t about doing nothing, it’s about doing what matters most, with intention, presence, and care for your teacher energy. If you’d like structured support, practical tools, and guidance to help you start the year feeling calm and confident, you can learn more about First Year Foundations, Carolyn’s programme for new teachers, here https://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF (https://carolynaukafolau.com/FYF)

8. 

   12 Jun 2025

   Your Body Knows Best: Listening to the teacher within - Episode 7

   Carolyn explores five physical cues signaling imbalance in a teacher's life, offering practical tips to reconnect with the body, regulate the nervous system, and respond with compassion.

9. 

   7 May 2025

   Building Confidence as New Teacher - Episode 6

   In this episode of Let’s Talk About Teacher Wellbeing, we’re diving into something every new teacher feels at some point — self-doubt, comparison, and that sneaky inner critic. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing enough or felt like everyone else has it all together, this one’s for you. Carolyn shares three powerful strategies to help you build real confidence in your early years of teaching — from the inside out. Learn how to move through doubts, celebrate the small wins that matter, and find the right people to support you on your journey. Plus, get access to a free resource: Becoming a Confident Teacher — a printable journal full of tools and prompts to help you grow your confidence with courage and clarity. Download it here: www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/confidence (http://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/confidence)

10. 

    17 Apr 2025

    Managing Stress at School: Practical Strategies for New Teachers - Episode 5

    Starting out as a teacher can be exciting — but also overwhelming, especially when stress creeps in day after day. In this episode of Let’s Talk About Teacher Wellbeing, Carolyn shares three practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help new teachers stay calm, focused, and in control when things feel stressful. You’ll learn: How to use micro-pauses to stay grounded during busy moments A simple way to plan ahead for common classroom stressors A quick end-of-day reset routine to leave school at school Plus, don’t miss the chance to learn more with Carolyn’s free online workshop: The New Teacher Recharge Plan: How to Reset Without Starting Over. You’ll walk away with a fresh plan to support your wellbeing — without needing to find more hours in the day. Sign up at www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset (http://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset)

11. 

    13 Apr 2025

    First Term Reflections: A Practical Guide for New Teachers

    You made it through the first term — and whether it felt empowering, overwhelming, or a mix of both, this episode is for you. Join me for a calm, thoughtful conversation about what it really means to reflect on your first term of teaching. We’ll talk about why this phase often feels messy (and why that’s completely normal), how to pause without self-judgment, and how to use three simple questions to make sense of what’s working and what you want to change going forward. If you're feeling unsure, tired, or ready to reset — this episode will help you. And if you’d like more support heading into the new term, I’ve got something for you. I’m hosting a free webinar next week called How to Reset Without Starting Over — a short, practical workshop to help new teachers reflect, refresh, and make small, meaningful changes for the term ahead. Because a reset doesn’t mean throwing everything out and starting again. It means taking what’s already working, letting go of what’s not, and moving forward with more clarity, energy, and ease — without having to start from scratch. Register at: www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset (http://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/reset) You’re doing better than you think — and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

12. 

    23 Dec 2023

    Unwind and Recharge: Teacher Wellbeing During the Break

    In this episode I talk about strategies to help educators truly unwind, recharge, and make the most of the festive season. The episode is packed with ideas to ensure you return to school ready to teach at your best. The holiday season can be both joyous and challenging, so we start by acknowledging the importance of positive relationships and explore ways to connect with friends, family, and colleagues during the break. I discuss how taking time away from school provides an opportunity for reflection, allowing you to recognise the positive changes and progress that has taken place over the year. I delve into the challenge of managing a busy mind and share practical tips to help you truly disconnect from school-related thoughts. Your wellbeing matters, and this break is a gift you can give to both yourself and your students. Tune in for valuable insights, relaxation techniques, and a warm reminder to prioritise your own self-care. I wish each and every one of you a joyous break filled with warmth, laughter, and relaxation.

13. 

    12 Dec 2023

    Self-Care Essentials for Teachers

    In today’s episode we will look more deeply into the concept of self-care for teachers. You will hear me say this a million times, but we have to fill our own cup before we can serve others. Please join me as I share my own personal journey with prioritising self-care. We will discuss three essential strategies that can help you thrive in and out of the classroom - from setting boundaries and incorporating self-care into our daily routines to how we talk to ourselves. The book I reference in the podcast is 'Beating Burnout and Finding Balance' by Melo Calarco (2023). Get your free Morning Routine Checklist by clicking here (https://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/morning-routine-opt-in-page) If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you at info@teachingsuccess.co.nz Click the button to subscribe!

14. 

    4 Dec 2023

    Busy Teacher Morning Routine

    Hello Teacher, Do you want to have a calmer, more organised start to your busy teaching day? This episode will help you create a completely personalised morning routine just for you. I have a free downloadable resource called ‘The Busy Teacher Morning Routine Checklist’ to accompany this podcast. Click the link below to get the checklist, so you can start feeling better about your mornings and have a more productive day at school. https://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/morning-routine-opt-in-page (https://www.teachingsuccess.co.nz/morning-routine-opt-in-page)

15. 

    3 Dec 2023

    Trailer Episode - Let's Talk About Teacher Wellbeing

    Listen to an overview of what to expect in upcoming episodes.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

768

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

18

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

32

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.