Unlocking the Mind: A Conversation with Dr. Poppy Gibson on Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Education.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thewccs.substack.com Education and mental health are deeply intertwined, shaping not only the development of young minds but also the well-being of educators who guide them. This week on The Writing Community Chat Show, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Poppy Gibson, a leading figure in the field of education and mental health.Dr. Gibson’s journey through the world of education is both inspiring and deeply rooted in a passion for psychological development and student well-being. With over a decade of experience working in London primary schools, she transitioned into higher education in 2017, where she has since been instrumental in shaping future educators. Currently a Lecturer in Education with the WELS team, Dr. Gibson holds a Senior Fellowship with HEA and has an impressive body of research focusing on mental health and wellbeing in education for both learners and staff.A Trailblazer in Education and Mental HealthDr. Gibson’s academic achievements are as extensive as they are impactful. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Oxford Brookes University, where her groundbreaking thesis on young girls' experiences with social media became the ‘Most Downloaded’ thesis from the EThOS database in Autumn 2020. This work explored how online interactions in a ‘third space’ influence identity formation, a topic that remains highly relevant in today's digital age.Beyond her doctorate, Dr. Gibson boasts a wealth of qualifications, including a Master of Education in Leadership and Management and a Master of Science in Mental Health Science, both from the Open University. Her expertise extends across child psychology, teacher wellbeing, interventions for anxiety and depression, and inclusion for neurodivergent learners and educators.An Accomplished AuthorIn addition to her work as an educator and researcher, Dr. Gibson is also an accomplished author. Her latest book, Who Am I Teaching?: How a Better Understanding of Children Improves Primary Teaching and Learning, takes a deep dive into the complexities children bring to the classroom. In the midst of the termly chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of daily interactions between teachers and students. This essential book provides professional learning for educators, exploring topics such as child development, mental health, trauma, identity, and communication challenges. With practical advice on Quality First Teaching, Dr. Gibson offers insights that help teachers engage and support their students more effectively.You can pick up her latest book, WHO AM I TEACHING, here.Highlights from Our ConversationDuring our discussion, we explored some of the most pressing issues in education today, including:* Understanding Young People's Communication in the Digital Age – How social media and online spaces influence identity and mental health.* The Power of Reading: Unlocking Children's Potential – The crucial role that reading plays in a child’s development and how educators can encourage a love for books.* How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Topics – Strategies for addressing sensitive subjects with young learners in a way that fosters trust and understanding.* Essential Self-Care Tips for Teachers to Avoid Burnout – Practical ways educators can protect their mental health and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.Dr. Gibson’s insights were both enlightening and practical, offering valuable takeaways for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education and mental health.Watch the Full InterviewFor our paid Substack members, the full interview is available at the bottom of this page. Non-paid members will gain access to the recording in two weeks. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a true expert in the field! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-writing-community-chat-show--5445493/support.