As a PDHPE, Community and Family Studies and/or Health and Movement Science educator;
I know all too well the demands of our profession. The endless marking, lesson planning and administrative tasks can quickly consume our time and energy, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

In this article, I want to share my personal experience with overworking and the hidden emotional and financial costs it can have on our lives.

The Allure of Perfectionism

I'll admit it - I'm a self-confessed perfectionist. When I was teaching in Sydney, I would often lock myself away in my study, working late into the night, determined to create the perfect lessons and resources. I would put my head down and work tirelessly, emerging only for dinner, neglecting my own wellbeing in the process.

At the time, I thought I was doing what was best for my students, pouring my heart and soul into my work. But looking back, I can see how that overworking pattern was not sustainable, and it was taking a toll on my personal life and relationships.

The Move to the Central Coast

In 2018, I made the decision to move from Sydney to the Central Coast, taking on a new role as a relieving Head Teacher of PDHPE and Wellbeing. I was excited for the new challenge, but little did I know the impact it would have on my health and wellbeing.

From the very beginning, it was absolute madness. I had taken on two leadership roles, and I was determined to make a big impact in a short amount of time. I worked tirelessly, staying up late into the night, trying to overhaul the outdated programs, assessments and resources at the school.

The Toll of Overworking

The stress and pressure of the role quickly took its toll. Within the first term, I developed a case of shingles - a clear sign that my body was struggling to cope with the demands I was placing on it.

Looking back, I can see now that I was trying to do too much, too quickly. I was so focused on proving myself and meeting the expectations of my principal that I completely neglected my own wellbeing. I would work all day, come home and continue working late into the night, sacrificing my personal time and relationships.

The Emotional Impact

The emotional toll of this overworking pattern was significant. I became short-tempered and irritable with my family and I found it increasingly difficult to be present and engaged with my own children. I was so consumed by my work that I was neglecting the very things that brought me joy and fulfilment.

It wasn't until 2020, when the wheels really started to fall off, that I realised the extent of the damage. I was working in a toxic environment, with a faculty that was unsupportive and even actively undermining my efforts. The stress and anxiety of the situation became overwhelming, and I found myself in a state of burnout.

Leaving the Classroom

Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to leave the classroom. It was a decision that I didn't take lightly, as teaching had been my passion and vocation for over 16 years. But I knew that I couldn't continue down the path I was on - it was simply unsustainable.

For a while, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I had invested so much of myself into my work, and the thought of leaving it behind was incredibly difficult. But as I took time to reflect and heal, I realised that this experience had given me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges that PDHPE, Community and Family Studies and/or Health and Movement Science teachers face.

A New Mission

Since leaving the classroom, my mission has been to support and empower other PDHPE, Community and Family Studies and/or Health and Movement Science teachers; to ensure that you never have to experience the kind of burnout and emotional turmoil that I went through.

An example of this is through The Health and Movement Science Membership, where I'm providing teachers with the resources, support and community they need to thrive in their roles. I'm sharing my own story, hoping that it will resonate with others and inspire them to prioritise their own wellbeing.

The Power of Community

Through The Health and Movement Science Membership, I'm creating a space where teachers can connect, collaborate, and share their experiences. It's a place where they can access high-quality resources and support, without having to sacrifice their personal time and wellbeing.

I've poured my heart and soul into curating these resources, drawing on my own experiences and the feedback I've received from teachers. From detailed unit plans and assessment tasks to practical teaching strategies and emotional support, the membership is designed to be a one-stop-shop for Health and Movement Science teachers.

Protecting Your Time and Energy

One of the key things I'm passionate about is protecting the time and energy of Health and Movement Science teachers. I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the endless cycle of overworking, and I don't want anyone else to experience the same emotional and financial toll that I did.

That's why The Health and Movement Science Membership is packed with time-saving resources and strategies. Whether it's ready-to-use lesson plans, scaffolded assessment tasks, or detailed syllabus breakdowns, the goal is to give teachers back the time and energy they need to focus on what really matters - their students and their own wellbeing.

The Importance of Self-Care

As PDHPE, Community and Family Studies and/or Health and Movement Science teachers we often put the needs of our students and our schools before our own. But the reality is, if we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be able to show up fully for our students.

That's why self-care is such an important part of The Health and Movement Science Membership. We're not just providing resources and support for the classroom - we're also offering strategies and tools for managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and prioritising mental health.

Because at the end of the day, our students need us to be at our best. They need us to be energised, engaged and passionate about what we do. And that can only happen when we're taking care of ourselves.

A Brighter Future

As I look back on my own journey, I can see how the challenges I faced have ultimately shaped the work I'm doing now. It's been a difficult and emotional process, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my experiences to support and empower other PDHPE teachers.

My hope is that through The Health and Movement Science Membership, we can create a brighter future for our profession - one where teachers feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Where they can focus on their passion for teaching, without sacrificing their own wellbeing in the process.

It's a lofty goal, but I truly believe that it's possible. And I'm committed to doing everything in my power to make it a reality.

So if you're a PDHPE, Community and Family Studies and/or Health and Movement Science teacher who's feeling overwhelmed, burnt out or unsupported, I encourage you to reach out and join our community. Together, we can navigate the challenges of our profession and find the joy and fulfilment that first drew us to this incredible vocation.