iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Routledge Books @routledgebooks.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Navigating your first years in teaching? ‘Questions on Teacher Wellbeing’ ed. by @adrianbethune.bsky.social & @thosethatcan.bsky.social is your go-to resource 📚 The first book in a new series, this practical guide tackles the real questions ECTs face. 🔗 spr.ly/6000BDu3in #TeacherWellbeing

Book: 'Questions on Teacher Wellbeing: Creating a Happy and Sustainable School Life as an Early Career Teacher' edited by Adrian Bethune & Emma Kell. Save 20% with code 26SME2 at routledge.com, valid 1 April 2026 - 30 Sep 2026.

021

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

#Freeschoolmeals. I know I'm admitting to terrible naivety and ignorance here, but I've spent the day staggered at how ANY family can survive on an income of £7400 a year, having realised that's it for those entitled to free school meals so far. In a first world country, in 2025. 1/2

240

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Returned today from the proudest of teacher-moments. The wedding of my former student Balan, with the best of best men from my tutor group from 2001-2006, Amit, in glorious Sicily. Even in the most challenging of weeks, it's impossible to forget what an honour this job is. 1/2

180

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Grateful for a week with two brilliant school teams. Huge thanks to Alfriston School & Chess Valley Trust for your warmth, insight, and humour made the sessions on #teacherwellbeingselfcare truly special. Always a privilege to do this work. Get in touch to find out more: www.those-that-can.com

010

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

This weekend, I’m attending the wedding of a young man I taught from 2001-2006, and this is one of the many reasons why teaching is the best career in the world.

0100

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

NEW guest blog: A SCITT Survival Story An #ECT opens up about the reality of teacher training while navigating grief and neurodivergence. Read it here: www.those-that-can.com/a-scitt-surv... #TeacherTraining #NeurodivergentVoices #Education #SCITT #WellbeingInSchools #BlueskyEdu

154

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

After 100s of hours (and 26 yrs), I’ve written the last sentences of my book, Real Lives of Teachers. It’s been a battle at times, but I’m finally proud. These final words echo my late friend & headteacher Kevin, who taught me to believe my words mattered. More soon. #teachers

290

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

NEW podcast appearance, in which I share as yet untold stories about guilt, presenteeism, hyperaccountability, over-work and the reasons why I am so passionate about the work I do now with schools on #wellbeing, #communication + thriving #cultures podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e... 1/2

191

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Intensive Easter Coaching with me, Emma Kell, of Those That Can Limited: back by popular demand! Spaces limited. 🪺 A trusting and non-judgemental space? 🐣 An opportunity to gain clarity and perspective? 🪴 A chance to articulate and enact your next steps? DM for more detail. #coaching

020

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Laura McInerney @missmc.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

There is an awkward situation brewing about the fact that, at one point, the ‘go to work, get your quals, get a great job and a nice house’ was, mainly, true. These days, the jobs and the houses are looking much further away…

1110630

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

This week, I received some feedback that means the world. Sharing it puts me outside my comfort zone, but I'm part of a wonderful group of women and we encourage one another to do so, so I'm taking a deep breath. Thank you so much Laura Light and AAIE. It was epic.

090

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

I asked my teen why some of her friends have low attendance. ‘Because they don’t like school and don’t see the point. Or they have bigger problems.’ Shaming ch’n, schools and parents isn’t working. Any ideas for fresh approaches? #attendance

3262

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Today, I'm contemplating 'squiggly careers'. To what extent has yours turned out as you expected? What surprises have there been along the way? Feel free to DM. #IAmWriting

390

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

#SENDCos, I know it's tough for many of you. Thank you for the difference you make. Grateful to spend time with @hertscc.bsky.social DPSL3 recently on looking after their own #wellbeing. There was pragmatism, passion, purpose, laughter and such a powerful sense of community and connection.

060

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

We're all juggling. Some balls are glass (mental health, relationships, key commitments), + some plastic (fleeting pressures, opinions, minor urgencies). Drop a glass ball, + it shatters. Drop a plastic one, and it bounces. What are your glass balls? #TeacherWellbeing #SelfCare

151

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

With teenage daughters and their friends navigating the world, this quote is proving more useful than motherly advice!

1190

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

#Mfl #French teachers, help pls. Best engaging online platforms to help students learn/revise a lot of vocabulary independently and quickly (context below). Used to love Memrise but it seems to have changed...? Seneca good but engagement levels varied. 1/2

521

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

'Never forget a five lesson day' has always been my advice to school leaders. Folks, today I have had a six lesson day and, whilst it was fab, I am DONE. Of all the things I do, my teaching is my most rewarding - and most exhausting!

media.tenor.com

a cat standing in front of a door with the words i 'm so done below it

ALT: a cat standing in front of a door with the words i 'm so done below it

330

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 20/01/2025

Today, I am fiercely avoiding the news and focusing on doing the good I can, within my zone of control...

2330

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Peter Foster @pnjfoster.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

The Long Game is out now Here’s what @thosethatcan.bsky.social thought

021

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

Parenting teens. Big transitions. The 17.5 year old is out with friends. One is driving. She is sensible (so are they ) and we trust her. When can we remove ourselves from the stress ceiling, please? And how did parents do life without online trackers…? #parentingteens

8140

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Caroline Keep @ka83k.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

Daughter and friends answered. Categorically no was the answer. They felt it was cheating them out of a decent education. My daughter " So you get teachers and we get bots"

111

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

My dear network... I'm gathering perspectives. Please could you turn around and ask your nearest young person the following question? *Can (or should) teachers be replaced by AI?* Then post below what they say? Mouths of babes and all that. Thanks in advance! #edusky

1163

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Play bows in the snow with Rebel’s best mate.

070

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Finding My Work-Life Balance as a New Teacher Thanks so much to ⁦‪@TeacherTapp‬⁩ for sharing this excellent blog by a teacher I know. www.those-that-can.com/finding-my-w...

those-that-can.com

Finding My Work-Life Balance as a New Teacher | Those That Can.

073

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Daughter’s school football team won 18-0 in the first round of the national cup today! In fact, the game was brought to an end 15 mins early after all the extra subs on the opposition were allowed to join in. We’ve been on both sides of this one, so well done to all girls!

0120

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

The Gavin and Stacey fuss is a bit much, but I’m still watching because Rob Brydon and everything he does gives me joy. And my husband’s met Ruth Jones and says she’s wonderful.

140

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

If you're looking for a book to curl up with during the final days/hours of the holiday, this is magnificent. Tracy Chevalier is truly a master of her craft

4120

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

As we enter 2025, I'm re-sharing my #TEDx talk - on loving your work, taking control of what truly matters and protecting yourself from burnout. I hope it chimes and would love your thoughts: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ZE...

youtube.com

Taking control and reducing the risk of burnout | Emma Kell | TEDxKingstonUponThames

YouTube video by TEDx Talks

241

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

I am probably the only person in the country not to have seen #Nativity, but I'm so glad the girls insisted we watch it this evening. It warmed every cockle of my teacher and parent heart, once I learned to ignore the safeguarding klaxons 😀

0240

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

I have the privilege of meeting many educators who share their stories with me, and I just wanted to say thank you and well done for making it to the end of this term. It's a rewarding job but I know the challenges have taken their toll on many passionate, dedicated people. 1/2

1301

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

'Are you ready for Christmas?' What does that even MEAN?! Let's take the ridiculous pressure off ourselves and everyone else, please. So many are struggling. Even I can feel myself drawn into the MORE mentality and it's entirely pointless. Love from Scrooge. (But seriously.)

1140

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Shout-out to fellow members of the ‘sandwich generation’. I am so grateful for everything I have, I really am. And supporting parents, teenagers, a career, a marriage and a house can, on some days, feel really hard and as if nothing is enough. Trying to remember who I am and how to have fun!

3220

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

I’d love to say I’ve never shouted in the classroom. I have. I also remember: - overheating, fast heartbeat, lost control. - a child asking me to calm down. - apologising to the class afterwards. - realising that nobody was winning. I didn’t do it again. I’m the adult.

1110

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Julia Thomson @julia-t.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

Henry (Year 7) says: No, because children need teachers who understand people and AI doesn’t understand people or their feelings. He is also dubious about AI’s behaviour management skills.

251

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

1163

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

Ah, the uniquely fierce independence of the mid-teenage years. Mum, I’ve got training. But Dad, I need to get to work. I’m going to London tomorrow. Adore the bones of them, and I’ll miss this fearless busy phase, but it’s exhausting! Need a virtual twin. Em le taxi

media.tenor.com

a man is standing next to a yellow car with the words no problem written on it .

ALT: a man is standing next to a yellow car with the words no problem written on it .

070

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

The decline of Twitter genuinely makes me sad, as it opened so many doors over many years and introduced me to inspirational and life-enhancing people and views. Hope this platform will be able to do the same for all of us!

3422

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

I’ve taught 6 solid lessons for the last few Thursdays. I love it but it’s a pertinent reminder that NOTHING I do or have done is so exhausting 😃 Hats off to mainscale, full-time teachers.

media.tenor.com

a group of cats are standing next to each other on a wooden floor and one of them is saying `` me '' .

ALT: a group of cats are standing next to each other on a wooden floor and one of them is saying `` me '' .

3572

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 04/12/2024

This morning, I got to focus on wellbeing + effectiveness with leaders from 10 (!) primary schools in Gateshead, and it really is a special place - I'm inspired by the combination of realism, pragmatism, humour and powerful relationships within and between schools. @gatesheadcouncil.bsky.social

070

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Rebel v much enjoyed her walk today, thanks for asking. Bloody retrievers.

1230

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Helen Mac @helenupnorth.bsky.social · 27/11/2024

Amazing 😁

011

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

BaritoneDeaf @baritonedeaf.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

"Open the curtains!" *Gasps*

131

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

Today, I learned of a headteacher who felt compelled to hold an assembly to directly address the rumour that she was a vampire. This story has made me smile all day. I too wish to know how she proved otherwise.

media.tenor.com

a woman with vampire teeth is wearing a necklace and a pendant .

ALT: a woman with vampire teeth is wearing a necklace and a pendant .

7502

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

Keranjit Kaur @kerankaur77.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Empathy, compassion, emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, effective communication, ability to collaborate, creativity, integrity, patience, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to lifelong learning.

061

Reposted by Dr Emma Kell

AR @psalisbury.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Empathy. Resilience. Emotional intelligence. Understanding of pedagogical approaches. Self motivated. Reliable. Honest. Understanding and appreciation of rugby league. Amongst other things.

1122

Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

Would you help me with a bit of research I'm doing, please? Working in schools in 2024 is challenging - but can also be hugely rewarding. What qualities do we need/want from the adults working in our schools today?

856