080 - Resignation - The Fear, the Finances, and the Freedom
In this special episode, Sharon and Sarah hold space for one of the biggest topics in education - the mystery, the pressure and the fear around teacher resignation dates.Why do teachers only get three windows a year to resign? What happens if you miss the May 31st deadline? And why does this system leave so many feeling trapped, anxious and powerless?From the realities of the Burgundy Book to the emotional and financial toll of leaving a “job for life,” this conversation is honest, supportive and packed with insight. Sharon and Sarah share their own experiences, the tough love advice they give inside the Pit Pony community, and the practical steps teachers can take to reclaim control of their lives and careers.They explore:What resignation windows actually meanThe fear of missing the deadline - and what to do if you doHow to plan financially and emotionally before you leaveWhy guilt, shame and loyalty often hold teachers backWhen it’s too soon (or too late) to resignA grounded, empowering conversation for anyone standing at the edge of a big decision.Thanks to our sponsors: Little VoicesConexus TuitionBuy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...
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079 - Suspension - Navigating the Hardest Days in Education
In this powerful new episode, Sharon and Sarah tackle one of the most difficult experiences any teacher can face: suspension from school.They unpack what really happens when you’re suspended, why it is supposed to be a neutral act, and the reality of how it is often handled in schools. With honesty and compassion, they talk through the emotional toll, the fear, and the isolation, and offer practical guidance on what to do next.From understanding ACAS guidance and TRA investigations to managing shame, union support, and how to write your statement using Sharon’s “Three Rs” (Respond, Reflect, Reassure), this episode is both grounding and empowering for anyone caught up in the process.If you or someone you know has ever faced suspension, this conversation will bring clarity, comfort, and strength.With thanks to our episode sponsors (Click to visit their websites):Little VoicesConexus TuitionBuy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...
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078 - Sarah Grocutt - Classroom to Freelance Email Marketing Strategist
After twelve years teaching in specialist and alternative education, Sarah Grocutt reached breaking point. What began as a career full of creativity, compassion, and purpose turned into exhaustion, fear, and guilt as she tried to balance motherhood with an unforgiving system.In this candid conversation, Sarah opens up about her powerful decision to walk away from the classroom after an unsafe and unsustainable experience in a new provision. She shares what it took to rebuild her identity, rediscover confidence, and create a new life as an email strategist and copywriter.Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood explore motherhood, guilt, flexibility, and leadership in education – and what real support for teachers could look like. This is an episode about courage, clarity, and the moment you finally choose yourself.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...
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077 - Lisa Mead - Classroom to Online Tutor
After twenty years in primary education, Lisa Mead found herself completely burnt out. The workload, the pressure, the impossible expectations - it all came to a head one morning when she simply couldn’t face going back into the classroom.In this powerful and relatable episode, Lisa opens up about: • Balancing motherhood with teaching and the guilt that comes with both • The culture of overwork and silent expectation in schools • The grief and shock of losing a colleague to suicide • The breaking point that led her to send that one life-changing text • And how discovering Life After Teaching helped her step into a new chapterNow an online tutor, Lisa has rebuilt her career on her own terms - finding joy, flexibility and freedom in the process. Her story is one so many will recognise, and her honesty will stay with you long after you’ve listened.💬 “It’s like someone opened the jar - and I realised the whole world was waiting for me.”Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...
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076 - Paula Smith - Classroom to Transformational Coach and Trainer
After three decades in education, rising to the ranks of headteacher and executive head, Paula Smith found herself at breaking point. In this deeply moving and powerful conversation, Paula opens up about her career, the moment that changed everything on the M25, and how she rebuilt her life from burnout to transformation.Now a Transformational Coach and Trainer, Paula shares how she turned pain into purpose, discovered the importance of choosing herself, and now helps others break free from fear, shame, and self-limiting beliefs.This episode is a story of courage, faith, and rebirth - a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your own ending.Buy Us a Coffee ☕️ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? We’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us: https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast Contribute to our 'Silenced by Support' Campaign - complete the questionnaire, read the report, sign up to the mailing list. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help: Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital R...
Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood talk to former teachers about exiting from the classroom and thriving.Don't forget to leave us a VOICEMAIL, quickly and easily at https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastSupport the podcast by buying us a coffee here:https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub
New Zealand