Teacher support line

Teacher Support Line offers free information, advice and solution-focused counselling to teachers and lecturers. The helpline is provided by national charity Teacher Support Network and is available 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. There is an online coaching service.

Your Local Authority recognises the vital nature of this service and has helped to fund Teacher Support Line for the next 12 months.

Call Teacher Support Line on: 08000 562 561 (in England).

Teacher Support Line is provided independently of your school, LA or employer. No-one will ever know you have used this service: you don't even have to give your name if you don't want to.

For more information visit the Teacher Support network web site. 14,000 fact sheets are on this website including tips for managing your time and workload.

Caring for your voice when working in a school

A teacher is as much dependent on their voice as any actor. A teacher does not usually receive any vocal training so it is all the more important to recognise the need to consider ways this most crucial 'instrument' of your profession can be looked after.

The following are some pointers to consider with regards to looking after the voice:

• Constantly talking, possibly in a dry atmosphere, takes its toll so take regular sips of water throughout the day will ensure your throat is lubricated.
• When speaking it is important, whenever possible, to stand up straight and keep your eyes forward, so giving a ninety degree angle between your spine and line of vision.
• Rest your voice whenever it is possible.
• Try to monitor the volume at which you talk. Avoid shouting because, if you consistently talk at this level, not only do you strain your voice, you also leave yourself 'nowhere to go' when the need does arise. If you do need to shout, try to drop the volume as soon as possible. This often also aids in emphasising a point. Generally, if you can maintain a quieter voice, the pupils will be more attentive and you will be developing their listening skills at the same time.

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