Marc’s story: supervision reignited my passion for the profession
Marc, a deputy headteacher in Wales, took part in six professional supervision sessions which helped entirely changed his perspective on workplace challenges and has reignited his passion for the profession.
Your stories / 2 mins read
Professional supervision has opened up a whole world of self-discovery for me as a deputy head in Wales. Literally, for the first time in my life, I have been able to make the connection between mind, body and past experiences - all of which have previously been working in opposition resulting in stress, physical illness and attitudinal challenges. Through supervision, I have discovered how to explore these interactions and it has entirely changed my perspective on my work place challenges, my own professional duties and has reignited my passion for the profession. The passion I hold for teaching was previously 'burning' me as I was prioritising the job, learners and colleagues over my own wellbeing, whereas now I understand how to fuel my passion for the job, without the resulting costs to my own health and wellbeing.
Due to the support, I have received, I have now flipped the perspective I have about my role. I have been able to cut through the unnecessary, irrelevant 'issues' between colleagues or between parents, appreciating that I cannot change the behaviour of others but I can be relentless in my representation of myself as a role model for the core purpose of our jobs - the benefit of the children. For the first time in 25 years of my career, I have learnt to 'let go' of things I can't change and instead focus on the influence I can have to bring about positive experiences for the learners in our care.
The supervision was a game-changer. It has put me onto a more positive, healthier and productive track.
My 'world view' has changed entirely. I have stopped trying to fix the attitudes of my colleagues - which was always futile as they are entrenched behaviours - and now instead I am focused on simply doing as much as I can for my class and to role model outstanding professionalism for my colleagues, without it becoming a negative pressure for myself. I have learnt to 'let go', accept that my best is good enough and not to worry about everything being perfect. This has been hugely freeing and mentally empowering - which has also had a significant impact on my physical wellbeing for the better.
The supervision was a game-changer. It helped me to safely evaluate past experiences and how these have influenced my behaviours/thinking today, for both good and bad. Without the supervision, I don't believe I would have ever acknowledged or processed some specific historic trauma which has subconsciously having a significant impact on my wellbeing in the present. These supervision experiences have put me onto a more positive, healthier and productive track.
Professional supervision in Wales – how does it work?
School leaders and line managers in Wales can sign up to receive six funded one-to-one professional supervision sessionsonline, which are completely confidential. The sessions give you a chance to think and reflect, to discuss who you are, how you are and what’s going on for you at work. While the sessions might sometimes touch on personal themes, the supervision work is about your job.
Sign up now – at no cost to you!
Processional supervision places in Wales are limited – follow this link to learn more and sign up now, at no cost to you!
