'Emma cares'
I’m passionate about the link between wellbeing, integrity and success. I’m insatiably curious about people, their unique contributions and their exciting potential.
I believe that the key to feeling fulfilled and successful as humans and professionals is to follow our moral compass, know our worth, be aware of what we model to those around us, and ultimately to take a deep breath and be brave, knowing we are valued and loved.
I take a pragmatic and optimistic approach to each of my roles, and I am constantly working to develop my expertise.
I tweet with persistent positivity and realism about wellbeing, education, parenting and cats. Follow me on Twitter – @thosethatcan.
Through the portfolio career I have forged, these are some of the ways in which I channel my energy and expertise:
Teach
I teach part-time. I work with some of the most vulnerable young people in our area at Aspire Alternative Provision.
Coach
I coach people in education and beyond; I’m proud to have qualified as a Performance Coach.
Facilitate
I’m a writer, speaker and facilitator. I share research-based, practical strategies on wellbeing, self-care and balancing work and parenting in education settings and beyond.
Govern
I’m a school governor at a local secondary school; the role of the critical friend is crucial to supporting the school community.
Podcast
I’m the co-host of the Clem and Em podcast, in which we interview influential figures on what school taught them, and what lessons they have.
Coach
I train and support new teachers and existing and aspiring school leaders.
Conferences
I believe in the power of giving voice to others and am proud to have organised a number of conferences and TeachMeets to bring together education professionals to grow and learn together.
Doctorate
Having completed a doctorate on the subject of balancing parenting and teaching in 2016, I bring my research skills to all elements of my work.
How to Survive in Teaching
Without imploding, exploding or walking away
Drawing on years of research and first-hand experience, How to Survive in Teaching offers support, advice and practical suggestions to help you and your colleagues stay flourishing, positive and most importantly, stay teaching!
Teacher Wellbeing & Self-Care
The Little Guide for Teachers series is little in size but BIG on all the support and inspiration you need to navigate your day to day life as a teacher.
- Authored by experts in the field
- Easy to dip in-and-out of
- Interactive activities encourage you to write into the book and make it your own
- Fun engaging illustrations throughout
- Read in an afternoon or take as long as you like with it!
Dr. Emma Kell served as a plenary speaker at the AAIE (Association for the Advancement of International Education) Conference in February 2025, delivering an insightful, impactful and enjoyable presentation. From the outset, Emma demonstrated the professionalism— inquisitive about our community, eager to align her message with our theme, and truly dedicated to crafting a meaningful and thought-provoking talk. She asked the right questions, remained highly responsive, and ensured that her presentation was both relevant and engaging. Emma’s talk was widely regarded as inspiring, thought-provoking, and profoundly relevant, capturing the attention of international education leaders from around the world. She emphasized the critical responsibility of caring for those we lead, addressing key issues such as compassion fatigue, stress management, and the importance of setting boundaries. Additionally, she provided valuable insights on nurturing personal well-being, self-care strategies, and fostering a sustainable work-life balance. Emma commanded the stage with confidence and grace, seamlessly guiding the AAIE Global Conversation with depth and expertise. Her ability to connect with our audience and deliver such a compelling message makes her a speaker we would welcome back without hesitation. We highly recommend her.
Laura Light, Executive Director, Association for the Advancement of International Education
It was a great pleasure to have Emma at the conference. Her topic on teacher well-being was of particular interest to our counterparts and bank staff. Emma’s in-depth knowledge and practical insights were extremely valuable. As an established speaker, her engagement with the audience was outstanding. Her breadth and depth of knowledge, combined with excellent communication skills, sparked rich discussions among the conference participants. We very much look forward to other opportunities of collaborating with Emma.
Anna Berdzenadze, Education Specialist, World Bank