On World Teachers' Day, we celebrate those who guide and inspire our children. But who supports the teachers when they're grieving?

Behind the lesson plans and reassuring smiles, many teachers carry silent burdens. Some are mourning the loss of a loved one, others are navigating emotional struggles, and many give so much of themselves that there's little left for their own healing.

As someone who works closely with professionals who care deeply for others, I want to pause today and honour the teachers who continue to show up, even when their own hearts are heavy.

Teachers as Emotional Anchors

Teachers are more than educators. They're listeners, role models, and safe spaces for children. When tragedy strikes, a pupil losing a parent, a classroom shaken by collective grief, or a colleague facing illness, teachers are often the steady presence holding everyone together.

But who holds the teacher?

When you're expected to remain strong for others, it can feel nearly impossible to acknowledge your own pain. Many teachers carry grief privately, believing that expressing it might make them appear less capable or less dependable.

The truth is, even those who give so much need space to heal.

Why I Understand This Struggle

I know the exhaustion of trying to carry grief whilst showing up for others. My youngest sister died by suicide, and that loss reshaped my life in ways I'm still discovering today.

For a long time, I believed I had to stay strong for everyone around me. I smiled, I worked, I kept going but beneath it all was a quiet ache that never left. It was only when I gave myself permission to feel, to process, and to speak openly that healing began.

This is why I now help professionals, including teachers, work through grief and loss in ways that don't require years of being stuck in pain. You deserve tools that empower you to thrive again, not just survive.

And that's exactly why I created resources designed specifically for people like you.

The Different Types of Grief Teachers Carry

Loss takes many forms in a teacher's life, and each one weighs differently:

Personal loss – the death of a family member, partner, or friend.

Collective loss – experiencing grief as part of a school community, such as the sudden loss of a student or colleague.

Professional loss – saying goodbye to pupils at the end of a school year, or dealing with constant changes that affect connection and stability.

Invisible loss – loss of time, identity, or opportunities, especially when pouring so much energy into caring for others.

When you're grieving in one area whilst carrying responsibility in another, the lines often blur. A teacher may be delivering a lesson while inwardly replaying memories of someone they've lost. They may put on a brave face for pupils whilst feeling fragile inside.

If you're feeling stretched thin and aren't sure where the gaps are, my free Hidden Wellbeing Gaps Quiz can help you identify where you need support most. It takes just a few minutes and might shine a light on something you've been overlooking.

👉 Take the free quiz here

Why Teacher Wellbeing Often Gets Overlooked

There are several reasons teachers find it especially difficult to process grief:

The caregiving role – Teachers often place their pupils' wellbeing above their own, leaving little space for their own needs.

Cultural expectations – Schools are seen as places of stability. Teachers feel pressure to model strength and resilience at all times.

Time pressures – Between marking, planning, meetings, and after-school responsibilities, there's barely a moment to breathe, let alone process loss.

Fear of vulnerability – Many worry that admitting their struggles might be seen as weakness or that it might affect how others view their capability.

But here's the truth: being human, being vulnerable, and being real doesn't make you weaker as a teacher. It makes you stronger, more relatable, and ultimately, more resilient.

Gentle Ways Teachers Can Begin Healing

If you're a teacher carrying grief right now, here are some steps that may help:

Acknowledge your loss. Saying "I'm grieving" out loud or writing it down is a powerful first step.

Create safe spaces for yourself. Whether it's a quiet corner at home, journalling, or time with a supportive friend, give yourself time to feel what you're feeling.

Set boundaries. It's okay to say no to extra duties whilst you heal. Look after yourself first.

Seek connection. Talk to trusted colleagues or a grief specialist who understands the balance between professional care and personal loss.

Practise self-compassion. You don't need to be "over it" quickly. Healing has no deadline.

Processing grief isn't something you have to do alone or figure out by yourself. Sometimes having a clear starting point makes all the difference.

That's why I invite you to explore the Hidden Wellbeing Gaps Quiz. It's a free resource designed to help you spot areas where you might be running on empty and guide you towards balance and resilience, without adding more to your plate.

👉 Take the free quiz here

A Thought-Provoking Question

Teachers are often described as role models. But what if your greatest lesson isn't the one in the textbook?

What if your courage to acknowledge pain, take care of yourself, and seek support is the most powerful example you can give to the young people watching you?

Grief, when handled with honesty and compassion, teaches resilience. And resilience is a life lesson no classroom can do without.

Supporting Teachers Beyond the Classroom

On this World Teachers' Day, let's not only thank teachers for their service, but also recognise their humanity.

If you are a teacher, or if you know one, take a moment to ask:

• How are you, really?

• What do you need right now?

• Who is holding space for you as you hold space for others?

These questions may seem simple, but they open the door to much-needed conversations about teacher mental health and wellbeing.

If you're supporting a colleague, friend, or family member who's grieving, you might worry about saying the wrong thing. I've created a free guide that walks you through exactly how to be there for someone without making things harder for them.

👉 Download: How to Support Someone Through Grief and Loss (Without Making Things Worse)

Moving Forward Together

Teachers, you don't have to carry loss alone. You can continue to give, inspire, and lead whilst also tending to your own heart. Processing grief is not a sign of weakness, it's an act of courage and self-care.

If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear your reflections. Your story matters, not just in the classroom, but in life.

Final Thought

Teachers light the way for so many. But even the brightest light needs refuelling.

On this World Teachers' Day, may we celebrate not only the lessons teachers give, but also the courage it takes for them to face their own losses and still keep showing up.

Because when teachers care for themselves as deeply as they care for others, everyone benefits—the classroom, the community, and most importantly, their own hearts.

If you're a teacher or know someone who is, what's one small act of self-care that could bring a little more light into your day? I'd genuinely love to hear from you.