Best Practice

Challenging perfectionist behaviour: Tips for teachers

Are you a perfectionist? Is this driving you towards burn-out? Emily Kenneally considers how we might avoid perfectionist thinking and challenge our inner critic

 

Do you feel the pressure to be perfect as a teacher? What do you worry will happen if you’re not perfect? It is an important thing to consider because the simple fact is – none of us are perfect.

No lesson plan, pupil, school day, teacher, or school leader can ever be perfect. So why do we strive for perfection?

It is okay to have high standards in the workplace. Caring about your work, about your students, is only natural when we are passionate about what we do.

However, having a better understanding of perfectionist behaviour and letting go of rigid, all-or-nothing thinking can help you preserve your energy, while still ensuring you are there for your pupils and colleagues.

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