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What percentage of yourself do you give to school?

What is left in the tank for you after your school day?

In this blog, Gemma Drinkall questions the common phrase “I give 100% to teaching,” arguing that it promotes an unrealistic and damaging culture within education. She explains that giving 100% of oneself – physically, emotionally, and mentally – is impossible and harmful, creating guilt, burnout, and unhealthy competition among staff.

Instead, she introduces the ‘Spoon Theory’, a way of visualising daily energy as a finite resource. Like anyone else, teachers have limited “spoons” to spend and must learn to prioritise how they use them, saving enough for themselves, their families, and life outside school.

Gemma encourages educators to move away from martyrdom and towards self-awareness and balance. By recognising that energy varies daily and by setting boundaries, teachers can sustain their wellbeing and effectiveness long-term.

Her message is clear: giving less than 100% doesn’t mean you care less – it means you’re caring wisely, sustainably, and with self-respect.

Read the full blog here.

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The author

Gemma Drinkall

Gemma Drinkall is an Educational Wellbeing Coach dedicated to helping middle leaders in education to create clear boundaries so that they can thrive in teaching.

https://headsphere.co.uk/

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