Shaz leGrange

I wear many hats, yet at my core I am a learner, a traveller, a teacher and an indomitable optimist.

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

A 2024 study found that, despite 44% of teachers using AI, their workload has remained the same. Many state that they need time to learn to use AI and check to correct errors made by AI in the work assigned to it. So is AI the answer?
#FTinELM @YassimKat
https://t.co/wjOGWfA8WN

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

AI can become a powerful tool, reducing teacher workloads & increasing their efficiency. From automating tasks to handling admin, AI could give teachers more time for their students & themselves. The obstacle: schools are change-averse
#FTinELM @YassimKat
https://t.co/IDtb1pxSti

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

AI can become a virtual teaching assistant, help streamline tasks and simplify our lives as teachers & leaders. It might be the key to teacher/leader exhaustion & the mountainous workloads. Are we willing to embrace this lifeline? #FTinELM @YassimKat
https://t.co/PG4pt5wGWX

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@LUCKY7533922364 @YassimKat @Phelady_SG @YusraHarmse @CynthiaPet86624 AI could a play a pivotal role in reducing teacher workloads. I think we are getting there in terms of having self-marking tools on learning platforms. But there is still a way to go and AI could eventually help with automating certain admin tasks etc.
https://t.co/3bJOvWwrBv

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@FakirHayley @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter I agree, this is vital! My current school actually encourages us not to check email after hours and over weekends. It is liberating, and shows staff that their family time is respected.

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

A series of small changes can shift the balance and greatly enhance the wellbeing of teachers and school leaders.
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

This study found that younger and female school heads in South Africa were more susceptible to poor mental wellbeing. Is this because females feel the need to maintain a strong image and challenge stigmas and stereotypes?
#FTinELM @YassimKat
https://t.co/pYg1ZUOHBV

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@TMkhize27200 @YassimKat Yet, maintaining work-life balance is easier said than done. Often, our work loads (including extra-mural duties after hours) require us to put in more work in the evenings, after hours. This makes maintaining a clear separation between work and home difficult.

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

The DBE intends to begin prioritising mental wellbeing starting this year through training and the provision of avenues for mental health support. This a great step in the right direction.
#FTinELM @YassimKat @GenevieveS88288 @VRPotgieter @AshenaNaid25487
https://t.co/YdKdk05BkA

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@Smith93Ivan @YassimKat It does start with us. But this is unchartered territory, and for some leaders it is the fearful unknown. I think it takes the courage to be wrong, and the willingness to learn by trial and error to figure out the parameters for AI use

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@amy_israel12 @YassimKat @CliveKOSmith @PurenSas72055 Agreed! But only some independent schools have the financial resources to hire full time counsellors. The DBE should make this a priority as the overall wellbeing of the entire school community is of paramount importance.

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

On a scale of 1 - 4, how likely are you to discuss your struggles with being overworked / mentally drained while at work?
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

As per a recent study, school principals are struggling due to high stress, financial strain, heavy workloads & lack of support. Leaders often keep silent about their struggles.We need to destigmatise this
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter
https://t.co/afg3by3Hry

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

Principals are often consumed by their schools' daily challenges to their own detriment. While they're putting out fires, holding their teams together and working to meet quantifiable outcomes, they are actually burning out.
#FTinELM @YassimKat
https://t.co/v1ixbgywc4

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

"When school leaders thrive their schools thrive." It is vital that school leaders care for their own wellbeing in order to lead effectively and establish a healthy culture in their schools. Service at the cost of one's self achieves nothing.
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

Fostering teacher leadership could provide an array of benefits to schools, not least promoting teacher wellbeing.
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter @TMkhize27200 @hollis876
https://t.co/g5U4yHkh69

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@HenryMarie63485 @tasneemmotan @YassimKat @YusraHarmse @tibane98 @hollis876 @GenevieveS88288 @AshenaNaid25487 @smitjpc @CliveKOSmith Absolutely! School leaders that don't teach anymore sometimes lose touch with the reality on the ground. Staying abreast with your staff team and students by teaching at least one class is vital.

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

@Mbali20661301 @YassimKat It's wonderful to see government recognition of the need to support the mental wellness of teachers. South Africa is definitely a step ahead in this regard!

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

In the US, it has been found that school leaders struggle with their mental wellbeing. The mental health of school leaders often gets overshadowed by concerns around the wellbeing of educators.
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @VRPotgieter
https://t.co/fxX4KsjhQf

[Shaz leGrange @Shaz_legrange]

What do you do when you are stressed / overwhelmed or feel you need a brain break from school?
#FTinELM @YassimKat @AshenaNaid25487 @hollis876 @Smith93Ivan @TMkhize27200 @PurenSas72055