Sign in

Dr Emma Kell

@thosethatcan.bsky.social
2.6K followers 698 following 199 posts

Teacher, coach, writer, speaker, pragmatist. Specialisms: staff wellbeing, teacher retention. TEDx: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ZEoYM3zHw My website: www.those-that-can.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
It would be truly remiss of me to post without including some shots of the heavenly food, which makes up for about 95% of my camera roll. Name that dish... (And yes, the lobster was as fresh as it can possibly be. Sorry lobster!) 2/2
040
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
190
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 · 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
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 · 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 · 10/01/2025
Play bows in the snow with Rebel’s best mate.
070
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 · 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 · 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
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
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Delighted to be asked back to deliver a session on surviving and thriving as a middle leader for the @neunion.bsky.social after such positive feedback last year. This coming Monday 11 a.m. There will be pragmatism, humour and poo references. Hope to see you there! #middleleadership
040
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
What have you spent time and energy worrying about that turned out not to happen and/or not to matter? Yes, I’m being Burkeman-ed again. Highly recommended. (Whilst also lying awake with busy brain!)
170
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
I had the immense privilege of working with aspiring headteachers in Bucks today. A day of hope and determination after a difficult week processing world events. If you aspire to headship, I'd love to hear about what motivates you. #sltchat #headteacherchat
031
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
Leading Schools with Courage and Compassion, a face-to-face conference on the Isle of Wight: 12 March 2025. @MissHusseyHead are delighted to offer a unique, exciting opportunity for leaders at all levels. We promise passion, humour and wisdom. eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-scho… 1/
200
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 13/10/2024
To my colleagues in education. Here's your annual reminder of how we're all tired at the same time (unlike in most other jobs), which can make everything feel tough. Honest communication, plenty of appreciation in every direction and kindness (to self and others) recommended.
14414
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 02/10/2024
1/5 What does 'professional wellbeing' mean to you? 🤔For me, it's about: 1. Agency - we have more control than we imagine 2. Sustainable practices for long-term satisfaction 3. Acknowledging individual needs while fostering community #teacherwellbeingselfcare
241
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 22/09/2024
This weekend, I took my own advice and went for a long-standing appointment in the diary that I've been looking forward to for weeks. To still call this glorious, kind, clever woman my friend almost 32 years to the day since we met is a special kind of joy.
140
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
Eight years ago today, I officially earned the right to call myself Dr Kell with my doctorate on balancing teaching and parenthood. It remains one of the craziest decisions I've ever made and my proudest professional achievement. And why did nobody tell me how young I looked?! 1/
1101
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 15/09/2024
Poor Rebel. If only someone would let her inside.
1240
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 15/09/2024
Would you value a #coaching space to provide perspective, clarity and positivity? I am an experienced coach and educator and am going to be gradually opening up around 4 new spaces over coming weeks. If you'd like a chat (no cost/commitment) about how coaching might benefit you, do get in touch.
120
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 12/09/2024
Organisational culture and #wellbeing are inextricably linked. Grateful to Dr Zachary Walker for introducing me to the concept of 'culture is water'. What's the water like in your organisation? 1/
250
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 11/09/2024
Hey folks - this is your reminder of this important graph from @AdamMGrant. You may be tempted to go above and give it your all, especially if you're an educator at the beginning of the school year, but it's fine to pace yourself and listen to what you need. #teacherwellbeingselfcare
23010
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/09/2024
This brilliant quote, cited by Kim Scott in Radical Candor, stopped me in my tracks. So many potential avenues! How might you apply it? #edusky
0122
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/09/2024
I am delighted to open up two new spaces for coaching, Here are a couple of testimonials from recent days. I also have the capacity to work with groups and teams and can offer DISC profiling for self-awareness and enhanced communication. www.those-that-can.com #coaching
031
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 09/09/2024
Are you looking for some unique, impactful and interesting CPD for yourself or your colleagues this year? I'm very proud of my new and improved course developed with @marymyatt.bsky.social for Huh Academy. Take our quiz to find out how it can benefit you! mary-qm81cvoh.scoreapp.com 1/
221
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 05/09/2024
Dog was tired and being grumpy, so obviously we decided to see what we could pile on her and get away with it.
071
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 01/09/2024
Taking in beautiful Canterbury ahead of my first staff wellbeing facilitation of the new academic year. Let’s do this!
180
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 29/08/2024
Our daughter just confused Gandhi with Gandalf. Reader, she is currently planning to study International Relations at uni. Send strength. (Posting with reluctant consent from her, and mishearing was at least part of the issue 😃)
4310
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 25/08/2024
Sherwood on BBC. Best drama I’ve watched in years. Stunning cast, script, plot. And a storyline which goes back to a period I remember vividly, despite only being ten years old. Highly recommended. #Sherwood
2131
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 22/08/2024
Fascinated away by this superb book, which I've been meaning to read for years. Speaking and writing about 'culture' without falling into the trap of offensive stereotypes is extremely tough, but a couple of chapters in, I think Meyer does a great job of it. Would love thoughts if you've read it.
200
Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/08/2024
If you're an educator preparing your toolkit for the year ahead, can I humbly recommend our Little Guide to Wellbeing and Self-Care? Adrian Bethune and I offer research-based, practical ideas and channel our belief that school staff deserve to thrive AND survive. #teacherwellbeingselfcare
1204