Cultivating a Thriving Habitat for Early‑Career Educational Psychologists
Teacher stress and burnout are on the rise, with 84% of education staff reporting stress and over a third experiencing burnout in 2024. Recognising this, Educational Psychologists (EPs) in Northern Ireland created a wellbeing training programme to support schools in building healthier staff cultures.
I led a team from the Educational Psychology Service to deliver a wellbeing initiative grounded in Appreciative Inquiry and collective efficacy, offering webinars, resources, and sustained support to schools across Northern Ireland. Topics included:
- Positive school culture and leadership
- Recognising and reducing burnout
- Creating wellbeing policies
- Practical strategies for resilience and staff care
Since 2021, 200 staff across 188 schools have participated, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants reported greater confidence in promoting wellbeing and felt empowered to lead change within their schools.
At Cavehill Psychology LTD, we’re proud to highlight work like this. It mirrors our own commitment to strength-based, systemic approaches that prioritise wellbeing across entire communities—because when educators thrive, students do too.
Embedding Wellbeing in Schools: Appreciative Inquiry in Action
At Cavehill Psychology LTD, we know that real change in schools begins with relationships, reflection and a culture of wellbeing. That’s why we’re proud to share insights from our Appreciative Inquiry (AI) work with teachers across Northern Ireland.
Following AI training developed by the Educational Psychology Service, over 40 schools have embraced a strengths-based approach to staff development and school culture. Our recent study explored the long-term impact—and the results were inspiring.
Teachers reported lasting changes, including:
- Improved communication and relationships
- More positive, inclusive staff meetings
- Use of AI tools like the 5D Cycle and SOAR framework
- A shift in language—from “Return to Work” to “Welcome Back”
- Reduced staff conflict and more meaningful wellbeing practices
AI has helped schools build environments where both staff and students thrive—emphasising what's strong, not just what's wrong.
Teachers and school leaders need time and support to reflect, recharge, and develop their practice. Prioritising wellbeing is essential for creating effective, sustainable school environments.