
Five tips for creating a positive working environment for teachers
The last few years have brought employee wellbeing into sharp focus, particularly in the education sector. As COVID lockdowns intensified the gaze on wellness, businesses around the world began to invest more resources into creating a positive working environment and keeping track of their employees’ welfare.
A positive working environment can make a huge difference to a teacher’s health, happiness and productivity. The best way to attract and maintain excellent school teachers is by fostering a healthy work environment. Effective teachers improve the quality of education. Every school system should strive to provide a work environment that's truly conducive to learning.
These five tips should help create a positive working environment and improve teacher wellbeing.
Acknowledge teachers’ individual needs
Schools will normally accommodate a diverse range of staff members, with different lifestyles, responsibilities and needs. Within the fast-paced world of education, personal challenges can often be overlooked as leaders have less face-to-face time with their team members, making it harder to spot potential issues.
Schools must be able to identify if a teacher is facing any issues and offer to make any adjustments that would ensure they can perform their role to the best of their ability. This can be as simple as assessing a teacher’s work-life balance and asking if they are experiencing any potential distractions or challenges that are affecting their working lives.
If a team member knows that you are aware of their individual needs and willing to cater for them, it can drastically reduce their stress levels and contribute to a more positive working environment.
Encourage career development
Talking to your teaching staff about their career development will promote a healthy work ethic. Putting growth opportunities on the table, whether a promotion or additional training, shows that you are investing both time and money in your employees’ future.
This is an integral feature of a positive work environment. Teachers will feel more assured that they can develop their careers with your school, with positive consequences for your retention rate. Studies show that the majority of workers place career growth high on the list of their priorities, and that it can provide motivation to produce better results at work.
Always show your appreciation
Gestures of appreciation, large or small, can go a long way in creating a positive work environment for teachers. Taking a couple of minutes to tell your employee why their contributions are so valuable to your school can have a tremendous impact on their working life and the environment as a whole.
Try to make a habit of showing appreciation by dedicating the first 10 minutes of each meeting to acknowledging individual accomplishments and praising the overall team performance. This way, your employees are aware that their hard work is being acknowledged, and should feel encouraged to keep striving for the best results.
Promote a positive team connection
Building positive connections and relationships between all your employees fosters a culture of collaboration that makes teachers at all levels feel included in the team.
One of the most powerful benefits of team building is developing skills like communication, planning, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. A close-knit team can increase productivity, improve educational standards and contribute to a healthy work environment. Some examples of team-building exercises include:
-
Group dinners and general after-work socialising
-
Teacher support days
-
Organising charity events together
-
Quiz nights
-
Summer retreats
-
Sports days
Promote Diversity and Inclusivity
A positive, inclusive work environment starts with welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and celebrating their differences. Encourage employees to share their stories with the rest of the team, promote inclusive language and think about creating a committee that tackles diversity initiatives.
Diversity should be a part of your recruitment strategy, and the benefits of a diverse workforce will extend to your pupils too.. An environment where teachers are comfortable and feel accepted will be one that sees higher team morale and performance.
Build your team with Teaching Personnel
If you are looking for teachers, supply teachers, teaching assistants or SEN teachers, then Teaching Personnel can help. We understand the difference a great teacher can make to your students’ education, and that’s why we only provide the top talent in the country.
We are the UK's leading education recruitment agency. Every academic year we provide staff to over 5,000 schools, delivering a national service on a local scale from our 80 branches. If you would like us to help you fill your school with the best teachers in the UK, contact Teaching Personnel to start the conversation.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£120 - 160 per day
Location free text
Barnsley
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
South Yorkshire
Description
SEN Teacher – Primary | Barnsley | September 2025 or Immediate Start Are you an experienced and passionate SEN Teacher looking for your next rewarding opportunity? We are seeking a dedicated teache
Reference
S65777
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield NorthAuthor
Sheffield NorthSalary
£35k - 40k per year
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
Sector
SEN General
Location
Northampton
Description
Teaching Personnel have partnered with a nation SEN school group who are seeking to appoint a Maths Teaching from September 2025 The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, delivering,
Reference
197087
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£120 - 150 per day
Location free text
Northallerton
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Primary
Location
North Yorkshire
Description
Exciting Opportunity: Primary Teacher Needed in Northallerton! Are you ready to inspire and guide young minds in a nurturing school environment? We’re searching for a passionate and skilled Primary
Reference
MTPTDL
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees PrimaryAuthor
Tyne Tees PrimarySalary
£160 - 250 per day
Location free text
Crewe
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Cheshire
Description
Are you a passionate and knowledgeable Religious Education teacher looking for your next role? Join a thriving secondary school in a welcoming Staffordshire community, dedicated to nurturing student a
Reference
2349o8274980234
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North SecondaryAuthor
Manchester North SecondarySalary
£13.75 - 14.50 per hour
Location free text
Bridport
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Dorset
Description
Teaching Assistant – Bridport Location: Bridport, Dorset Start Date: September 2025 Pay: Market-related (dependent on experience) Apply: beth.maxwell@teachingpersonnel.com Are you passionate about ed
Reference
brid/ta3
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£89 - 95 per day
Location free text
Norwich
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Less than £500 per week
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Norwich
Description
Teaching Assistant – Championing Learners with Diverse Educational Needs (Greater Norwich Area)Are you passionate about guiding young minds on their educational journey? Do you thrive in a supportive,
Reference
SpcTANorwich
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£90 - 105 per day
Location free text
Mansfield
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Nottinghamshire
Description
Location: MansfieldSector: Special Educational NeedsJob Type: Full-TimeSalary: £90-£105 Teaching Assistant – Teaching Personnel are working with some fantastic primary schools in the Nottingham area
Reference
senTAmsfld
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
East MidlandsAuthor
East MidlandsSalary
£162 - 251 per day
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Art and Design
Location
Derby
Description
Art Teacher QTS – Derbyshire Daily Rate: £162 – £251 Start Date: September 2025 / Immediate Start AvailableAre you a creative and enthusiastic Art Teacher with a passion for inspiring young artists?
Reference
Art Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
East MidlandsAuthor
East MidlandsSalary
£166.32 - 200.00 per day
Location free text
Chepstow
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Monmouthshire
Description
Primary PPA Teacher – NP16 Area Location: Chepstow (NP16) Start Date: September 2025 Pay: Minimum £166.32 per day Contract: Full-time, ongoingTeaching Personnel are working in partnership with a welco
Reference
TM/PPA/NP16
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Newport PrimaryAuthor
Newport PrimarySalary
£162 - 251 per day
Location free text
Derby
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Drama
Location
Derby
Description
Drama Teacher QTS – Derbyshire Daily Rate: £162 – £251 Start Date: September 2025 / Immediate Start AvailableAre you a passionate and energetic Drama Teacher ready to bring creativity and confidence
Reference
Drama Teacher
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
East MidlandsAuthor
East MidlandsRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
How to navigate SEND funding for 2025-26 As government funding for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) evolves, schools face critical challenges securing essential resources. Sch

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Unpacking SEND reform: Where are we now and what’s coming next? A rapid rise in pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, social, emotional, and mental health needs (including ADHD), as

Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
What do schools need to know this term? Change is constant in the education sector, and this term is no different. From Ofsted and pay reviews, to structural shifts like RISE and curriculum refo
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job