Thursday, September 3, 2026

12:45 PM - 1:15 PM

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Overview

The transition from university life to full-time teaching can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you are not only responsible for your own wellbeing, but also entrusted with the growth, learning, and care of other families’ children, all while navigating new systems and expectations. Rebecca shares practical strategies and personal stories from her own journey as an early career teacher and now emerging leader. Topics will include managing workload, setting realistic expectations, and balancing the emotional demands of the profession. Drawing on experiences from working in three different schools, Rebecca will provide insights into navigating school cultures, building strong professional relationships, and seeking support before burnout strikes. Participants will leave this session with: Tools for effective planning and managing workload Strategies for seeking support and clarifying expectations Insights on protecting professional wellbeing and navigating tricky situations Approaches for responding to age-based assumptions and building credibility Advice on fostering mentor relationships and thriving in diverse school cultures Guidance on finding a school culture that aligns with your values and goals This session offers an honest and practical look at what it takes not just to survive the first years of teaching, but to lay the foundations for a long and fulfilling career, ultimately beating those statistics.

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Speaker