Notes from the Inkpot
Writing, teaching, creating - one ink-stained idea at a time.
Teacher Mental Health: What Helped When I Was Falling Apart
I was crying over emails, skipping meals, and burning out in silence, until I finally said, “I’m not okay.” This post isn’t a fix-all. It’s a look at what helped when I was falling apart: real boundaries, honest conversations, walking away from the pressure, and learning to build a life that fits me. If you’re in that dark place right now, you’re not alone.
What I Tell My Students During Exam Season (When They're Anxious, Fed Up, or Just Done)
It’s exam season, and students are feeling everything - nerves, bravado, burnout. In this post, I’m sharing what I tell mine before and after the paper, including the one phrase I never say, and the exam story I retell every year. If you’re teaching through GCSEs right now, this one’s for you.
10 Books Every Teacher Should Read to Protect Mental Health and Prevent Burnout
Teaching is one of the most meaningful careers, but it can take a serious toll on mental health. In this post, I’m sharing 10 powerful books that every teacher should read to build resilience, protect their wellbeing, and reignite their passion for the classroom.
Adolescence on Netflix: What It Reveals About Our Boys and Why Teachers Should Watch It
A gripping, real-time series, Adolescence doesn’t just tell a story, it forces us to confront one. Following the radicalisation of a 13-year-old boy who murders his classmate after she calls him an incel, this four-part drama explores how misogyny, isolation, and online influence can collide in devastating ways. In this post, I reflect on what the show gets right, how it mirrors the challenges in our schools, and why teachers should be paying close attention.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Story Behind Ink & Insights
After years of pouring everything into my teaching career, I hit a wall - physically, emotionally, and creatively. This post shares how stepping away helped me rediscover my passion, build a business from scratch, and create the space I desperately needed to fall back in love with education. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on empty, this one’s for you.