Dr. Judith Ogweno

Session Summary:

Teaching is a rewarding yet highly demanding profession, often marked by heavy workloads, emotional labour, and isolation. Research shows that teachers who build strong collegial networks and social support systems experience reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and enhanced resilience. For instance, a study of newly qualified teachers found that “support received from the mentor and colleagues is the strongest contributing factor to the successful assimilation of NQTs,” with direct links between collegial relationships and job satisfaction, commitment, and teacher retention (Vanmol, Beausaert & De Wilde, 2022). Similarly, Kaihoi et al. (2022) showed that stress and burnout are shared across teacher networks, with collegial support significantly buffering emotional distress.

This workshop explores how networking can be a vital tool for sustaining mental wellbeing in the teaching profession. Participants will engage in practical and interactive activities designed to foster meaningful professional connections. Through speed networking, peer triads, and mentor mapping exercises, they will experience firsthand how intentional relationship building creates supportive environments. We will share evidence from educational psychology and social support theory, such as the Social Network Perspective on collegial stress support (Kaihoi, Bottiani & Bradshaw, 2022). as well as the framework of teacher social connectedness arguing for “third places” beyond the school for professional development and belonging (Smala, McLay, & Gillies, 2025).

We will also discuss strategies for overcoming common barriers to networking — such as time constraints and institutional culture — and provide tools for sustaining professional communities of practice both in-person and online. Research on teacher resilience indicates it mitigates the negative effects of job stress on job satisfaction (Lu, Junjun Li, & Li, 2024).

By the end of the session, participants will leave with a personalized action plan for strengthening their professional networks to enhance their mental wellbeing. This session is ideal for teachers, school leaders, and education stakeholders who wish to promote a culture of collaboration, support, and resilience in their institutions.

Speakers:

• 

  Dr. Judith Ogweno | Head of Department English/Chaplaincy - State House Girls High School

Categories:

• Wellbeing and Mental Health