Finding Joy in Education: A Chat with Kimberlee Johnston
Episode Overview
Small acts of kindness can greatly impact school atmosphere. Parents should express appreciation to teachers for their efforts. Educators should embrace flexibility and curiosity. Building supportive communities within schools is crucial. Teachers should focus on positive contributions to create change.
"You are responsible for what you contribute, and you can be that change you're looking to make."
Ever wondered what it takes to rekindle joy in education? Lena Cebula welcomes Kimberlee Johnston, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience, to share her insights on finding joy amidst the chaos of the educational system. Kimberlee, who describes herself as a 'Casual Principal', brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse roles in education, including teaching, administration, and consultancy. She discusses how teachers can rediscover balance and joy, even in high-stress environments.
Kimberlee highlights the importance of creating a supportive community within schools, where educators can share their challenges and triumphs. She suggests small acts of kindness, like making a cup of tea for a colleague or covering a yard duty, can significantly impact the school atmosphere. For parents, expressing appreciation and communicating effectively with teachers can help foster a positive relationship. With an improvisational mindset from her drama background, Kimberlee encourages educators to embrace flexibility and curiosity.
She emphasises the power of positive contributions and how small changes can create a ripple effect of joy and balance. This episode offers practical advice for educators and parents alike, aiming to bring back the joy in education. How do educators maintain joy in their demanding roles? Can small gestures really make a difference? Tune in to explore these questions and more. Let’s start a conversation about supporting our educators and nurturing joyful learning environments.