From Challenges to Success: How Community and Family Studies Teachers Can Flourish

As an educator, facilitator, leader, coach and mum; my life has been a whirlwind lately. Between my professional responsibilities and personal challenges, it's been a lot to juggle. But through it all, my passion for PDHPE and Community and Family Studies (CAFS) teaching has remained steadfast. 

I'll be honest - there have been times when my personal life has impacted my energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. I know I'm not alone. So many of us as PDHPE, CAFS and Health and Movement Science teachers wear multiple hats and it can be a real struggle to keep it all together.

That's why I was so encouraged by The CAFS conference we held recently. Seeing over 30 dedicated PDHPE & CAFS teachers come together, open up and share in each other's journeys was truly inspiring. This was our 4th annual conference, and I have to say, it was one of the best yet. 

Navigating Challenges with Community

As I reflect on the conference, I'm reminded of just how vital our Community and Family Studies community is. When I first started teaching CAFS, I felt so isolated. I had that purple textbook and the syllabus, but not much else. Even though my coordinator trusted me, she didn't have the same depth of Community and Family Studies knowledge. I was essentially on my own, trying to navigate this new subject area.

That's why I'm so passionate about The CAFS Collective - our membership community for CAFS teachers across New South Wales. To date, we've had over 250 teachers join and it's been incredible to see how they've grown and flourished together.

Whether you're a brand new Community and Family Studies teacher or a seasoned veteran,The CAFS Collective provides a wealth of resources, ongoing support and a unique community. From tangible lesson plans and activities to strategic guidance on maximising student learning, The CAFS Collective has been a game-changer for so many of our members.

And it's not just about the resources. The community aspect is invaluable. Having a space to connect with other CAFS teachers, share ideas, and learn from each other has been transformative. As I mentioned, I know firsthand how isolating CAFS teaching can feel, especially in those early years. But The CAFS Collective has created a network of support that's truly special.

Embracing the Challenges

Of course, building and sustaining a thriving CAFS community hasn't been without its own challenges. As I shared, my personal life has been quite hectic lately. Between caring for my mum, managing my various professional roles, and trying to keep my own family afloat, there have been times when I've felt stretched thin.

And that was certainly the case leading up to our recent CAFS conference. I presented six sessions over the two-day event - which, in hindsight, was way too many. But my love for Community and Family Studies  is so deep that I just couldn't resist the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience. Balancing it all hasn't been easy, but I've learned that it's okay to ask for help. I couldn't have pulled off the conference without the support of my family, the catering team, the photographers, and everyone else who pitched in. It truly takes a village and I'm blessed to have such an incredible one.

Strategies for Flourishing

One of the sessions I presented at the conference was all about flourishing in the Community and Family Studies classroom. It's a topic that's near and dear to my heart, because I know how easy it is for teachers to experience burnout. We pour so much of ourselves into our work and sometimes, it can feel like there's nothing left.

But I firmly believe that with the right mindset and strategies, Community and Family Studies  teachers can not only survive, but truly thrive. It starts with acknowledging that we're only human - we can't do it all, and we shouldn't try to. It's about being intentional with our time and energy, and prioritising self-care.
For me, that has meant being more selective with the projects and initiatives I take on. As much as I love CAFS and could talk about it endlessly, I realised that presenting six sessions at the conference was simply too much. I needed to create more space for myself, both physically and mentally.

It also meant leaning on my support system, whether that's my family, my colleagues, or my CAFS Collective community. I'm so grateful to have people in my life who understand the unique challenges of Community and Family Studies  teaching and can offer a listening ear or a fresh perspective. And of course, self-care has been crucial. I make sure to prioritise things like exercise, healthy eating, and quality time with my loved ones. It's not always easy, but I know that if I don't take care of myself, I won't be able to show up fully for my students and my fellow CAFS teachers.

Empowering the CAFS Community

One of the things I'm most proud of is The CAFS Collective and the way it's empowered teachers across New South Wales. When I think back to my early days of CAFS teaching, I wish I had had access to a resource like this. The collective provides a mountain of lesson plans, activities, and other materials that make lesson planning a breeze.

 But beyond the tangible resources, the Collective offers something even more valuable: a supportive community. Whether you're a brand new CAFS teacher or a seasoned veteran, there's something for everyone. We have members at all different stages of their careers, and it's been incredible to see them learn from and uplift one another.

Ultimately, that's what The CAFS Collective is all about - empowering teachers to be their best selves, both in and out of the classroom. It's a space where we can learn, grow and uplift one another. And I'm honoured to be a part of it.

So if you're a CAFS teacher, I encourage you to join us in The CAFS Collective. Reach out if you have any questions - I'm always here to lend an ear or offer a bit of guidance. And keep an eye out for details on next year's conference. I can't wait to see you there!