How to manage change and uncertainty in schools: 6 tips for teachers and staff

Discover 6 evidence-based strategies to help teachers and school staff manage change and uncertainty. Learn how to reduce stress, support wellbeing, and build resilience in education settings.

Articles / 3 mins read

Key takeaways:

Change in schools can negatively impact teacher wellbeing and increase stress
Understanding transition (not just change) helps manage emotional responses
The fight-or-flight response can stay active long after a stressful event
Strategies like psychological safety, reflection, and support improve emotional resilience
Small, practical actions can help staff manage uncertainty effectively

How does change affect teachers’ mental health?

When was the last time you experienced change or uncertainty at work? Perhaps a change to the curriculum, budgets, staff restructuring, redundancies, or something else? How did it make you feel?

Often, change or a stressful situation can happen without prior notice, especially for those working in education. Even when you are aware a change is coming, it can feel difficult to prepare for the impact it has on your mental and physical wellbeing.

This might look like:

Exhaustion, increased tiredness, or sleep issues
Mental detachment from your work
Problems with performance
Strained relationships at work
Another impact on you mentally, physically, or emotionally

What is the difference between change and transition?

Change and transition are often used interchangeably, but it can be helpful to consider the distinction. According to author and speaker, William Bridges, change refers to a situation or external factor, while transition refers to the psychological factors or internal experiences we go through in response to the change.

Bridges says that change can happen quickly, while transition usually occurs more slowly. His model on transition highlights three stages of transition that people go through when they experience change:

Ending, losing, and letting go
The neutral zone
The new beginning

Bridges says that people will go through each stage at their own pace; those who are comfortable with the change will likely move ahead to stage three quickly, while others may take longer to get there.

What is the flight, fight, freeze response?

When we perceive a threat, our bodies will trigger the stress response. This is our bodies natural way of preparing us to take action to keep ourselves safe - you may have heard this referred to as "flight or fight".

The stress response releases stress hormones like cortisol, increasing alertness and energy in the short term. Once the danger has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system (or relaxation response) can be tiggered to calm the body down.

However, prolonged or frequent stress can negatively impact both mental and physical health. Even after a stressful event passes, its effects can linger.

That’s why it’s essential to adopt proactive strategies to manage stress and support wellbeing in school environments.

How can school staff manage stress during change?

1. How are you managing stress?

Learn about ‘the stress cycle’ and how to complete it using these 7 evidence-based strategies readily available to teachers and school staff.

2. What is your school culture?

Schools that prioritise psychological safety all-year round will be in a much stronger position to deal with change when it arises. School leaders can start by completing our Psychological Safety Audit.

We also suggest reading Compassionate leadership for advice on having supportive conversations with staff.

3. What can you control?

The circle of control, influence and concern is a useful tool to help you consider what you can influence and what is out of your control when it comes to change.

4. How do you interpret worries and gain perspective?

Try The Worry Tree exercise for teachers and education staff to help reflect on worries and gain perspective.

5. What is your purpose in education?

Taking time to reflect on your practice and reconnect with your ‘why’ is crucial for maintaining perspective during challenging periods.

6. Have you reached out for support?

All teachers and education staff can call Education Support’s free and confidential helpline 24/7 for confidential, emotional support: 08000 562 561. You’ll speak to a qualified counsellor immediately.

Are you a school leader or manager in Wales seeking support with change or uncertainty? The Staff Wellbeing Service, funded by Welsh Government, offers help for you and your team, at no cost.

About the Author

Emily Kenneally is a communications professional with over 10 years’ experience in the UK charity sector, specialising in workplace wellbeing, education, and social prescribing. Emily holds a Master of Design (MDes) with Business Studies from the University of Brighton, and is trained in delivering adapted mindfulness-based interventions through the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, an NHS-associated, trauma-informed programme.

Emily also designs and teaches wellbeing workshops for adults and children across the UK, using evidence-informed approaches to support stress management and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals.

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