Teacher Burnout: What Needs to Change?

This week, Lee and Adam are joined by Charlie Burley, better known as the Teachers Health Coach, for an honest and practical conversation about teacher wellbeing, burnout and what schools can do to better support their staff. Charlie shares the personal story that led him from primary teaching into coaching, following his own experience of chronic stress, anxiety and a panic attack in the classroom. The discussion explores why wellbeing has become such a major issue across education, looking at the biggest contributing factors including workload, increasing pupil needs, funding pressures, parental expectations and the growing demands placed on schools. Charlie also shares the latest findings from his wellbeing white paper and explains why, despite small signs of progress, there is still a long way to go. Lee and Charlie debate why many school wellbeing initiatives miss the mark, discussing everything from compulsory team-building activities to token gestures such as cakes and "hug in a mug" style initiatives. Instead, they argue that meaningful wellbeing comes from long term cultural change rather than one off events or tick box exercises. Charlie introduces his practical "Six Cs" framework for improving wellbeing in schools, covering connection, care, capacity, clarity, competency and contribution. They discuss how school leaders can make realistic improvements even within the constraints of funding, staffing and accountability, while also recognising that creating a healthy culture is everyone's responsibility. The conversation also tackles Ofsted, accountability and the wider education system. Lee and Charlie discuss whether the current inspection model is fundamentally damaging staff wellbeing, why so much teacher workload feels disconnected from improving learning, and what lessons England could learn from education systems around the world. Finally, Charlie shares practical advice for teachers looking after their own wellbeing outside school. From rebuilding an identity beyond teaching and setting healthier boundaries, to managing social media, slowing down in everyday life and making time for hobbies again, this episode is packed with realistic, actionable ideas for anyone working in education. 📬 Want your story or question featured on the pod? Submit it here: 👉 forms.gle/sWCUVURZjtn6GeN16 Here’s where you can catch the show 👇 🎭 October 2026 25th October - Norwich, Epic Studios 🏰 26th October - London, Soho Walthamstow 🎤 27th October - Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre 🌳 28th October - Eastbourne, Devonshire Park 🌊 29th October - Colchester, Charter Hall 🏺 30th October - Southampton, O2 Guildhall ⚓ 31st October - High Wycombe, Swan 🎶 🎭 February 2027 14th February - Blackpool, Grand Theatre 🎡 15th February - Carlisle, The Sands Centre 🏞️ 16th February - Chester, Storyhouse 🐎 17th February - Crewe, Lyceum Theatre 🚂 18th February - Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall 🏹 19th February - Stoke, Victoria Hall 🏺 20th February - Stockton, Globe Theatre 🌐 🎟️ Tickets at 2mrpspodcast.com/live See you on the road again soon 👏🎤 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices