Recently, a member of our community posed a simple but powerful question:
“What’s the best advice you can give to teachers and headteachers?”
As always, our community responded with honesty, warmth, and wisdom. In this blog, we’ve curated some of the most insightful contributions—from practical tips to heartfelt reminders—shared by educators and leaders across the country.
Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced school leader, these words of wisdom are here to support, inspire, and reassure you.
Building a Strong Foundation
Foster relationships across the school
“Get to know your business manager, admin team, cleaner, and caretaker. Respect them, and they will look after you.”
Every role matters—strong relationships make school life sustainable.
Appreciate the unsung heroes
“Don't naff off the caretaker!”
A light-hearted reminder of the importance of valuing every member of the team.
Prioritising Self-Care
Fill your own cup first
“Let it overflow. Give to others from the overflow.”
You can’t pour from an empty cup—your wellbeing is non-negotiable.
Balance is not optional
“There are no statues of dead teachers—life–work balance is key.”
Overworking doesn’t lead to better outcomes. Sustainability matters.
Treat yourself—it’s part of the job
“If you’re a headteacher, spend some of your salary on yourself. It helps manage stress.”
Investing in your own happiness and health is a professional responsibility.
Effective Leadership and Communication
Keep it simple and focused
“Issue, action, impact—stay focused on these and speak less.”
Clarity is powerful in leadership conversations.
Use the poker principle
“Leadership is like poker—give chips (praise, time, trust), so when you need to take a few back (criticism), they’re received constructively.”
Trust and goodwill must be built before delivering challenge.
Consistency builds credibility
“If I can’t do it for everyone, I can’t do it for you.”
Fair, principled leadership earns lasting respect.
Assume positive intent
Approach every interaction with empathy and professionalism.
Respect the role, not just the person
“Respect the position, even if you don’t like the person.”
Professionalism sustains integrity even in challenging relationships.
Classroom Wisdom
Commit fully or rethink the role
“Teaching isn’t 9–3, and 13 weeks of holiday isn’t really 13! If you can’t commit to the children, you’re in the wrong profession.”
Children deserve consistency, energy, and care.
Have a life outside of school
“Children love hearing about your weekend—so have one!”
A fulfilled teacher is a more effective teacher.
Lead with compassion
“Those who need love the most often show it in the most unloving ways.”
Stay grounded in empathy, especially with challenging pupils.
Work smart
“You should never be working harder than the children.”
Empower learners by building independence.
Navigating Challenges
Tough times pass
“There is an end to everything. Hang in there.”
Sometimes, simply knowing it won’t last forever is enough.
Eat the frog
“Tackle the hardest task first.”
Start your day with a win—it sets the tone.
Adapt when things aren’t working
“If you keep banging your head against the same wall, you just get a sore head.”
Change the method—not the mission.
Timeless Advice from the Field
Keep the main thing, the main thing
Don’t let distractions derail what matters most.
Kindness matters
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
Culture begins with how we treat one another.
Invest in relationships
“Spend time building trust with stakeholders—parents, governors, community members.”
Strong relationships strengthen the entire school ecosystem.
Lead with integrity
“Do what you know is right, even when policies or norms suggest otherwise.”
Ethical leadership leaves a lasting impact.
Think long-term
“Start paying into your pension early—use AVCs if you can.”
Future-you will be grateful.
Practical Support from Headteacher Chat
To help you apply this wisdom in your school or classroom, we’ve gathered a range of resources from the Headteacher Chat Community:
Leadership and Wellbeing
Time Management and Organisation
School Culture and Leadership
Practical Leadership Support
For more thought-provoking reflections and practical leadership ideas, browse the full archive:
Headteacher Chat Blogs
Final Thoughts
The advice shared by our community highlights the power of connection, reflection, and kindness in education. Whether you're navigating your first term or your tenth year, these reminders show that none of us are doing this alone.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
We’d love to hear it. Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in the Headteacher Chat Community.
Updated: 13 March 2025
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