August 2025 blog

Why the emotional work is the real work – and why connection matters most

I still can’t quite believe that I now share an office space with Professor Ron Rapee, whose research on anxiety I once quoted in nearly every second uni assignment. As an education and psychology undergrad, I had full-blown fan-girl moments over his work. Working alongside someone whose contributions have genuinely shaped the way schools and clinicians respond to youth mental health is both incredibly inspiring and deeply motivating.

I recently landed my dream job – working with a passionate team of educators, psychologists and researchers at My Mind Check, a student wellbeing check-in tool designed for Australian schools. After years in the classroom, I now have the privilege of contributing to a new mission: helping schools understand and support the emotional lives of their students in a more proactive, informed way. This new role has offered space to reflect on everything teaching taught me about student mental health – lessons learned not just from textbooks, but from lived experience.

When I first stepped into the classroom, I thought my job would mostly be about lessons, learning outcomes and curriculum. I had colour-coded unit plans, interactive activities and a determination to help every student succeed. It didn’t take long before I realised the heart of teaching isn’t just academic. The real work – the meaningful, life-shaping work – is emotional.

The unseen curriculum

There’s no subject called “Mental Health 101” on the timetable. Still, it’s a part of the school day in every classroom, every interaction, every silent struggle.

I remember one student – let’s call her Mia. Bright, creative, full of potential. Often late, sometimes withdrawn, occasionally reactive. On paper, she was “underachieving”. As trust developed between us, the story behind her behaviour began to emerge: a complex family situation, waves of anxiety, and a deep fear of not being “good enough.” Mia didn’t need a lecture on study skills. She needed safety. She needed someone to see past the behaviour and connect with the person.

That experience helped me understand something fundamental: you can’t teach a child who doesn’t feel seen, heard or safe.

Emotional work is the real work

Teaching involves far more than delivering content. It requires emotional awareness, patience and presence. Some days you’re a motivator. Other days you’re a calm and consistent presence. Often, you are the stable adult in a young person’s life, someone who shows up no matter what.

There’s an emotional load that comes with being that person. The casual confessions in the corridor. The subtle signs that something isn’t right. The gut instinct that prompts a quiet conversation after class. The soft “thank you” from a student who finally feels safe enough to be themselves.

These are not side moments. These are the job. These moments reflect the deep, relational core of teaching and the trust students place in us.

Bridging the gap between school and support

Teachers are often the first to notice when something isn’t right. We are skilled observers, quick to sense shifts in mood, behaviour or engagement. Still, we are not counsellors or clinicians, and we shouldn’t have to navigate student mental health alone.

This is why I’m proud to be part of My Mind Check – a mental health and wellbeing check-in tool designed specifically for Australian schools. The platform helps identify students who may be struggling, even if they appear to be coping on the surface. A simple check-in can uncover patterns that warrant a closer look, opening the door to early intervention and appropriate support.

Connection before correction

Teaching has shown me that relationships are at the centre of everything. When students feel supported emotionally, they are more likely to thrive academically. A strong connection can transform behaviour, build confidence, and spark a lifelong love of learning.

Every student deserves to be supported holistically – not just as learners, but as people. Every teacher deserves the tools to recognise distress and the support to take action confidently.

To every educator reading this: Your emotional labour is powerful. Your care is not invisible. This is the work that truly matters.

Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep listening. Let’s continue building stronger bridges between our classrooms and the support systems our students need.

Supporting your school community

If you’re an educator or school leader looking to strengthen student wellbeing, now is the time to act. My Mind Check makes it easy to monitor mental health trends, flag early warning signs, and helps to ensure that no student falls through the cracks. Our team works closely with schools to provide a simple, secure and supportive tool that empowers staff and uplifts students.

Contact us for more information on our free mental health and wellbeing check-in tool.