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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

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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.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
And yes, the commitment to FSMs for all those on Universal Credit is of course very welcome, but I sincerely hope that the promise that schools will receive all they need to fund it will be fulfilled in its entirety. 2/2 #FreeSchoolMeals
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Yes - what also gets me about this is that if the trainee doesn't make it through, literally NOBODY wins. This particular person, I know, plumbed remarkable depths of resilience and I'm so glad, but unsuccessful conclusions are all-too-common.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Thanks so much for sharing, Hannah. What really gets me is how nearly the profession completely lost this trainee, who (I know) was truly dedicated to teaching. I wonder how many 'nearly' teachers are out there, who could be making a difference in classrooms today...
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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
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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
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
This is a great piece, @claireharley.bsky.social! Are you happy for me to cite it in my book about real lives of educators?
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
She is an uncannily brilliant listener! I thought I'd told all the stories there were, but NO! 😂 Was properly vulnerable in this one. The Nativity play... 🥲
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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
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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
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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…
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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!
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Thank you! I'll check them out myself first as don't want to risk overwhelm (there are so many platforms and sources of support!). Goodness, I miss Memrise - my students used to play it on the bus and compete over their scores 😀
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Oh, and please not Duolingo. It serves a purpose, but not this one!
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
I have not - would you recommend?
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Context: Alternative Provision. Students coming in at different times with varying experience of the lang. 1 lesson a week for Y11 between now and the exams. Determined to get the best out of them, and they want to go for it. 2/2
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
This made me smile and makes a special kind of sense.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Frankly, I’m now marvelling at how many of us made it through previous decades intact and without our parents having total breakdowns! 😀
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
The teen years are a whole new brilliant and terrifying rollercoaster!
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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
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
Ooh… so they wouldn’t need to go to school at all, potentially?
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
😂 Decisive response!
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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"
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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
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
This is a brilliant answer, though I am clearly a biased researcher 😂. Please thank your daughter from me.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Ooh. Great answer! By ‘not completely’ what elements might be replaceable?
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Play bows in the snow with Rebel’s best mate.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Dr Emma Kell @thosethatcan.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
I am seriously tempted! What she did with the passing of time was so clever and subtle. I loved it!
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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
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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
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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 😀
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