'Emma cares'
I’m passionate about the link between wellbeing, integrity and success. I’m insatiably curious about people, their unique contributions and their exciting potential.
I believe that the key to feeling fulfilled and successful as humans and professionals is to follow our moral compass, know our worth, be aware of what we model to those around us, and ultimately to take a deep breath and be brave, knowing we are valued and loved.
I take a pragmatic and optimistic approach to each of my roles, and I am constantly working to develop my expertise.
I tweet with persistent positivity and realism about wellbeing, education, parenting and cats. Follow me on Twitter – @thosethatcan.
Through the portfolio career I have forged, these are some of the ways in which I channel my energy and expertise:
Teach
I teach part-time. I work with some of the most vulnerable young people in our area at Aspire Alternative Provision.
Coach
I coach people in education and beyond; I’m proud to have qualified as a Performance Coach.
Facilitate
I’m a writer, speaker and facilitator. I share research-based, practical strategies on wellbeing, self-care and balancing work and parenting in education settings and beyond.
Govern
I’m a school governor at a local secondary school; the role of the critical friend is crucial to supporting the school community.
Podcast
I’m the co-host of the Clem and Em podcast, in which we interview influential figures on what school taught them, and what lessons they have.
Coach
I train and support new teachers and existing and aspiring school leaders.
Conferences
I believe in the power of giving voice to others and am proud to have organised a number of conferences and TeachMeets to bring together education professionals to grow and learn together.
Doctorate
Having completed a doctorate on the subject of balancing parenting and teaching in 2016, I bring my research skills to all elements of my work.
How to Survive in Teaching
Without imploding, exploding or walking away
Drawing on years of research and first-hand experience, How to Survive in Teaching offers support, advice and practical suggestions to help you and your colleagues stay flourishing, positive and most importantly, stay teaching!
Teacher Wellbeing & Self-Care
The Little Guide for Teachers series is little in size but BIG on all the support and inspiration you need to navigate your day to day life as a teacher.
- Authored by experts in the field
- Easy to dip in-and-out of
- Interactive activities encourage you to write into the book and make it your own
- Fun engaging illustrations throughout
- Read in an afternoon or take as long as you like with it!
Dr Emma Kell, EdD, is an experienced teacher, senior leader, researcher and public speaker. Her extensive knowledge of England's education system is manifest in her work, which forms the basis for her well crafted, well articulated and edgy speeches. As with her research, Dr Kell's practice as a teacher/school leader, as well as her work in public speaking, firmly combines key conceptual elements of social justice - such as respect and equity. Dr Kell is an inspiration, and an inspirational speaker, and to work with her is the fruit of common sense.
Professor Paul Miller, Prof of Educational Leadership & Social Justice
Emma is an energising and inspiring member of the educational community. Not only does she bring boundless experience, knowledge and expertise to everything that she does, but is incredibly kind and supportive to everyone she works with. Emma not only manages to be an incredible practitioner, but looks at everything through the most human of lenses, always keeping wellbeing and care central to her practice. She is a joy and pleasure to learn from and work with.
James Hodge, Senior Teaching Fellow, UCL
Emma Kell cares. Emma cares that the profession she loves is at crisis point. Emma cares about the desperate situations teachers find themselves in. Emma cares about connecting and supporting organisations that work to relieve the pressures on teachers. And Emma cares about communicating her findings in order to add perspective and clarity to the muddy waters of the UK education system. In short; while Emma is around there are still rays of hope for 21st Century teachers.
Georgia Holleran, founder of TeachWellFest and author
It is rare in life to meet someone who is as generous as they are wise, and as uplifting as they are realistic. Emma is one of those people who never leaves you short changed either in terms of rigorous academic content to ignite deep thinking but also in her delivery of bucketloads of humanity and empathy. Emma is a delight to hear and a privilege to work alongside.
Emma Turner, CPD Lead, Discovery Schools Trust
Dr Emma Kell is both a professional whose purpose is to empower and enrich the lives of those she works for and with; and a person whose humour, compassion and kindness embodies the values of ethical research, which point towards the future with a tangible pragmatic optimism.
Matthew Roberts, writer, teacher, researcher, Trust Lead For Oracy and Worship (The Green School Trust)
Emma is supremely dedicated and capable, her awareness is razor sharp and everything that she does exudes integrity and compassion. Her work ethic is second to none. Emma is open-minded and humble. She is brave enough to live outside of her comfort zone and her energy and tenacity are a genuine joy to be around.
Jo Slifi, Educational Psychologist and former school leader
I can hand-on-heart say that Emma is very well in touch with the working lives of teachers. When combined with her unmatched interpersonal skills, her knowledge of the education system makes her a mentor that a new teacher could only dream of.
Omar Akbar, teacher and author