Welcome to The Flourishing Teacher’s Field Guide.

This week, we’re tackling the tricky issue of how to spread a little happiness at school without it becoming a burden!

Let’s jump in…

Surrounded By Negativity At School? Here’s How To Fix It

Let’s be honest.

The atmosphere in your school has a massive impact on everyone's wellbeing - students and staff alike.

And try as we might to make our own classrooms places of positivity, we can easily become deflated if it feels as though the culture we’re embedded in doesn’t give us the same thing in return.

But here's the thing: as teachers, we have the power to be catalysts for positive change.

We’re the role models. And we create our environment.

So, we’ve put together 10 strategies that you can use to spread positivity throughout your school community. These aren't time-consuming or complex - they're practical, evidence-based techniques that you can start implementing straight away.

Ready to transform your school environment?

Here we go…

10 Proven Strategies For Spreading Positivity In Your School Community

1. Foster a Culture of Gratitude Among Staff

Remember how good it feels when a colleague appreciates your efforts? Well, that's the power of gratitude, and it's something we can harness in our schools.

Try this: Start each staff meeting by asking teachers to share one thing they're grateful for about a colleague. It could be as simple as someone covering a class or sharing a great resource. You’ll be surprised how quickly this practice can shift the energy in your staffroom.

And don't forget to model gratitude yourself.

Publicly acknowledge your colleagues' contributions. You could even create a 'Gratitude Wall' in the staffroom where everyone can post notes of appreciation for each other.

2. Organise Staff Positivity Campaigns

It takes real confidence to take a risk and make a tangible change, but just imagine your whole staffroom buzzing with positive energy…

Why not launch a 'Kindness Challenge' where departments compete to perform the most acts of kindness for each other in a month? Or create 'Positivity Patrols' where teachers volunteer to spread kindness through compliments or inspirational messages to their colleagues?

These campaigns aren't just fun - they're backed by research showing they can reduce workplace stress and improve overall wellbeing. Plus, they give teachers a sense of purpose and belonging beyond their classroom duties.

They might feel artificial at first, but if you have the capacity to sustain and nurture them, they can change your world.

3. Implement Random Acts of Kindness Initiatives for Staff

This one's a game-changer. Random acts of kindness between colleagues are like little drops of happiness that ripple outwards, affecting everyone they touch.

Here's an idea…

Set up a system where teachers can earn 'Kindness Tokens' for their good deeds towards colleagues. These could be exchanged for small perks like a free coffee or, even better, an extra free period for planning.

The best part? Research shows that being kind makes both the giver and receiver happier. It's like a happiness multiplier in your staffroom!

A school I used to work in developed this strategy by giving staff a day off every academic year during term time, which could be used to celebrate a birthday or other milestone.

4. Create Inclusive Staff Community Events

Let's face it - sometimes teachers can feel a bit isolated in their classrooms. But it doesn't have to be that way.

Why not organise events that bring all staff together? Think after-school socials, book clubs, or even staff talent shows. The key here is to make these events accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of department or role.

When people feel they belong, amazing things happen - improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and a genuine sense of community among staff.

A word of warning - this strategy takes a team, not an individual. If you try to do this on your own, you’ll have to balance a lot of organisation with your existing responsibilities, and the whole point of this is that it’s positive and sustainable.

Don’t do too much!

5. Establish Peer Mentoring and Support Networks

We all know that teaching can be tough. But imagine if we had a support system built right into our school structure?

Consider setting up a peer mentoring program where experienced teachers support newer ones, or where teachers buddy up across departments for mutual support. It's not just about professional development - it's about creating connections and building resilience.

And yes, I know that these strategies often exist formally, within the operational guidelines of your organisation. But what if there was a more informal, staff-led, welcoming and supportive approach as well, nothing to do with professional development, probation or judgement?

Just remember to provide proper training in active listening and empathy. These skills are crucial for making the mentoring relationships truly beneficial.

6. Celebrate Staff Achievements and Milestones

In the hustle and bustle of school life, it's easy to forget to pause and celebrate our wins. But recognising achievements - big and small - can work wonders for staff morale.

How about monthly staff meetings highlighting teacher accomplishments? Or a 'Wall of Fame' in the staffroom showcasing diverse successes, within and beyond the school? The key is to focus on effort and progress, not just end results.

I’d love to celebrate a colleague who had a short story featured in a magazine or got their black belt in judo. How great to get to know people that way!

This approach taps into the power of growth mindset theory, which has been shown to boost motivation and resilience.

And let's be honest - who doesn't love a good celebration of their hard work?

7. Promote Active Listening and Empathy Among Staff

In a world full of distractions, really listening to each other has become something of a superpower. And it's one we can cultivate among our colleagues.

Try implementing regular 'circle time' in staff meetings where teachers can share feelings and experiences in a safe space. Encourage the use of 'I' statements and reflective listening.

If a whole staff meeting isn’t the place for this, then make it less formal, or timetable a room during a lunch break where, once a week, colleagues know they can gather and listen to one another.

You might be amazed at how these simple practices can improve communication, reduce conflicts, and create a more supportive work environment.

8. Develop a Staff Wellbeing Garden

Now, this one might sound a bit left-field, but bear with me. A staff garden can be an incredible tool for building community and wellbeing among teachers.

Imagine different departments taking responsibility for various sections of the garden. It's a great stress reliever, promotes teamwork, and provides a peaceful space for staff to unwind during breaks.

Plus, you could use the produce for staff room snacks or donate to local food banks. It's a tangible way for your school staff to contribute positively to each other and the wider community.

Again, this one takes a team, not an individual if it’s going to work sustainably. But that’s the point…

9. Encourage Skill-Sharing and Workshops Among Staff

We've all got hidden talents and passions. Why not create a platform for teachers to share them with each other?

Organise regular skill-sharing sessions or workshops where teachers can share their expertise or interests with colleagues. It could be anything from subject-specific tips to hobbies or life skills.

This approach taps into the psychological benefits of both teaching and learning new skills. It boosts confidence, creates social connections, and fosters a culture of lifelong learning among staff.

10. Cultivate Staff Partnerships with Local Businesses and Organisations

Last but not least, let's think beyond the school gates.

Developing relationships with local businesses and organisations can open up a world of opportunities for teacher wellbeing and professional development.

This could involve arranging staff discounts at local shops, organising wellness sessions with local health professionals, or setting up collaborative projects with other schools. It's about creating connections that benefit teachers both personally and professionally.

Research shows that these partnerships can increase job satisfaction and improve school climate. Just make sure the partnerships align with your school's values and offer equitable opportunities for all staff members.

To really make this work, the partnerships need to be mutually beneficial, and the value outcomes need to be regularly shared with colleagues - if no one sees the output, there’ll be no motivation for input!

There you have it - 10 powerful strategies to spread positivity throughout your school. Remember, you don't have to implement all of these at once. Start small, see what works for your community, and build from there.

The most important thing is to keep spreading that positivity. Because when we change our schools, we change lives.

And isn't that why we became teachers in the first place?

What Are You Waiting For?

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Thank You For All You Do

In the spirit of spreading some positivity, here’s a huge thank you from us both for all the amazing, challenging and downright spectacular things you do.

You might not realise it, but every day you change lives, and make a difference in ways you can’t always see.

But others see it, and they value what you do.

Here’s a quick recap of this issue’s takeaways…

In next week’s issue, we’ll unpick a recent report on 5 ways to teacher wellbeing and pin down some actionable strategies for change.

Until then, remember, you’re more than your marking, your lesson observations and your planning.

You’re you. And that’s all you need to be.