In a profession as demanding as education, the challenges teachers face can often overshadow their passion for nurturing young minds. I’m Colleen Allen, founder of Teacher Wellbeing Co., and I know this reality all too well. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, middle leader, and examiner, I've dedicated my life to the classroom. Yet, alongside this love for teaching, I witnessed the toll that exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout can take on educators. It breaks my heart to see talented individuals leave a profession they once adored, often feeling unsupported and unheard.
My own journey through burnout inspired the creation of Teacher Wellbeing Co. After stepping away from teaching, I found solace and strength through coaching, which changed my approach to education. I discovered that true fulfillment comes not from working harder, but from working differently. My mission is to provide teachers, leaders, and support staff with a safe space to reflect and recharge, empowering them to thrive within their roles while preserving their wellbeing. Join me as I share the story behind Teacher Wellbeing Co. and our commitment to fostering lasting change in the education community.
My journey: From teacher to founder of Teacher Wellbeing Co.
My journey in education spans over 20 years as a teacher, middle leader, and examiner. Teaching has always been an integral part of my identity, fueling my passion for working with students and helping them grow in confidence. Every day in the classroom brings me joy as I witness students succeed and thrive. However, this rewarding profession often comes with immense challenges that can overshadow the love for teaching.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed many talented and dedicated educators experience the harsh realities of exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. It deeply saddens me to see these individuals leave a profession they once cherished due to a lack of support or safe spaces to voice their struggles. This inspired me to share my story and utilize my experiences to create a supportive environment for fellow educators through Teacher Wellbeing Co. My mission is to help others navigate their own journeys while emphasizing the significance of mental health and wellbeing within the teaching community.
Overcoming burnout: How coaching transformed my teaching experience
Experiencing burnout as a teacher was one of the toughest challenges I faced in my career. The weight of constant demands, coupled with the emotional toll of nurturing students, led me to a breaking point where I seriously considered leaving the profession altogether. I felt the vibrant part of my identity—the passion for teaching—slowly slipping away. This darkness was all-consuming, but I realized I had to take action. I sought help through coaching, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. It provided me with a structured way to pause, reflect, and confront my feelings of anxiety and exhaustion head-on.
Through coaching, I learned the importance of self-compassion and the power of setting boundaries. Rather than continuing to push through the fatigue, I began listening to my own needs and understanding that it was okay to take a step back. This transformative journey didn't just help me survive; it rejuvenated my love for teaching. I emerged from this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. I discovered that by working differently—not harder—I could create a more fulfilling and sustainable teaching experience for myself. Coaching didn’t just equip me with coping strategies; it fundamentally changed the way I approached my role as an educator, igniting the passion within me once again.
The mission of Teacher Wellbeing Co.: Supporting educators for lasting change
At Teacher Wellbeing Co., my mission is clear: to empower educators by providing the support they need to thrive in their roles. I believe that each teacher deserves a space where they can openly discuss their challenges, recharge, and develop sustainable practices that prioritize their wellbeing. Through tailored 1:1 coaching sessions and interactive staff workshops, I aim to create environments that foster reflection and growth. This not only enhances individual well-being but also cultivates a positive school culture where educators feel valued and motivated.
I envision a future where burnout is no longer a common narrative in education. By equipping teachers and school leaders with practical tools and strategies, I aim to break the cycle of stress and exhaustion that often leads to early exits from the profession. My goal is to inspire educators to adopt healthier work-life balances, transforming their teaching experiences from overwhelming to fulfilling. Together, we can pave the way for a supportive educational landscape where both teachers and students flourish.