A year ago, I embarked on a mission to create Teacher Toolbox, a website dedicated to supporting teachers. As a former teacher who left the profession in April 2023, I know all too well the overwhelm that many educators face today. Despite my deep love for teaching, my colleagues, and the children I worked with, the pressure became all-consuming. I had to make a tough decision.
Teaching was more than a job for me; it was a passion. I loved leading the choir and singing assemblies, making a difference in young lives, and constantly finding new ways to improve my craft. The joy of creativity and organisation, the thrill of engaging students, and the satisfaction of seeing them excited about learning were what made teaching so fulfilling. But the focus shifted. It became less about the children and more about impressing ‘the man.’ The constant pressure to meet Ofsted’s expectations and the unrealistic demands to plan, resource, and teach in ways that merely ‘looked good’ rather than genuinely engaging students took a toll.
I knew the amazing potential of the teaching profession, but I also understood its challenges. This dual perspective inspired me to start Teacher Toolbox. My goal was simple: to help teachers manage the overwhelming demands and support their wellbeing by making small but impactful changes.
Initially, I poured my energy into creating resources and understanding the marketing side of things, losing sight of my original mission. But now, I’m refocusing on what truly matters. Teacher Toolbox is about making those small differences that can have a big impact on a teacher’s day-to-day life. Whether it’s providing practical resources, tips for managing workload, or strategies for maintaining wellbeing, I want Teacher Toolbox to be a space where teachers feel supported and empowered.
Here’s to making a difference, one small step at a time.
