The Roles of Teachers in the Future of Education

We have also seen an increase of leaders understanding the need for coaches and mentors within the workplace, where the emphasis is also on social-emotional learning. Teachers will play a crucial role in supporting students' emotional well-being and social skills, serving as mentors and coaches, but equally important is for teachers to understand their own internal systems, being able to build their own resilience, knowledge, and wisdom towards their  personal development.  We deliver resilience and coaching programmes that support staff to elevate their own emotional literacy skills. Ensuring a two-pronged approach to coaching, which means understanding how to coach externally but also coach oneself and understand the psychology of ones mind, utilising the inner coaching techniques. We have found that after delivering this methodology to over 4000 individuals, we have seen a shift in mindset and a deeper understanding of personal responsibility towards their own personal and professional development.

We have just completed a 9-month pilot study in Wales, where 3 schools were involved in testing our online personal Growth curriculum—called leading oneself. 106 educators participated, which included all tiers, such as Head teachers, senior leaders, teachers, support staff, administrators, and lunchtime supervisors. They had access to over 300 minutes of content, which includes topics to elevate emotional intelligence, self-regulation, resilience, and coaching. They held weekly rich dialogue group sessions and worked through the programme either independently or within small groups. The report findings from the Head Teachers have stated that there has been a change of culture within establishments as a result of the programme.  What we hope to achieve is that staff can then model the changes, which include regulating ones systems, setting strong intentions on how we would like to show up to various situations, and by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning, teachers will inspire students to adopt a similar mindset.

Our personal growth programme is for individuals or teams seeking to unlock their full potential. By engaging in a structured programme focused on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, goal setting, and skill development, individuals can enhance their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. The programme provides a roadmap for continuous improvement, empowering individuals to overcome challenges, embrace change, and strive for personal and professional success. Through introspection, learning, and self-discovery, participants can cultivate a growth mindset. What do we mean by introspective reflection? Introspective reflection refers to the process of looking inward, examining one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a deep, contemplative, non-judgmental manner. It involves self-examination and self-awareness, where individuals reflect on their values, beliefs, goals, and actions to gain insight into themselves and their lives.

Navigating the sometimes complexities of introspective reflection is a main part of my work, where individuals often reach a tipping point of burnout and struggle with diverse life transitions, whether stemming from work-related challenges, media exposure, financial changes, selling a business, or transitioning from a career in sports. Providing support during these critical moments brings me a profound sense of harmony as I impart knowledge and wisdom, empowering individuals to introspect, realign, reassess, and ultimately progress equipped with a stronger toolkit.

Understanding the mind in this way can indeed contribute to creating a stronger and more cohesive society and it can help individuals navigate conflicts more effectively. By understanding cognitive biases, emotional triggers, and communication patterns, people can approach disagreements with greater understanding and seek constructive solutions.

By exploring the depths of our minds and mastering techniques to strengthen our resilience and maintain equilibrium in times of hardship, we set out on a quest to comprehend a new language - the intricate dialect of our individual minds. Consider the transformation that could unfold if we were to systematically enhance social and emotional learning from early childhood to university, nurturing deeper understanding and wisdom each passing year within the educational framework. In the span of two decades, such dedication would undoubtedly shape a profoundly altered society.

This form of understanding does require, patience and discipline. I feel that too often in today's fast-paced society, where 10-second social media reels dominate our screens and attention spans, the virtues of tolerance and patience are facing unprecedented challenges. The constant barrage of quick, flashy content has created a culture of instant gratification and impatience, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to practice empathy, understanding, and restraint in their interactions with others.

By consciously choosing to disconnect from the relentless buzz of 10-second reels and instead engage in meaningful, face-to-face interactions, we can begin to rebuild our capacity for empathy, tolerance, and patience. It is through these deliberate acts of introspection and self-awareness that we can reclaim our ability to navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and understanding.

This is why collaboration among communities, schools, families, and policymakers is crucial in tackling the mental health crisis impacting our society.