Undercover Wellbeing: Listening to Voices from the Ground Up

Undercover Wellbeing: Listening to Voices from the Ground Up

 In this unique and engaging webinar, school leaders will experience the wisdom of positive psychology through the lens of a Special Needs Assistant (SNA). Often seen as “on the ground” team members, SNAs provide a unique perspective on school life that can offer invaluable insights into staff wellbeing. What happens when school leaders take advice from those who are rarely in the spotlight? Inspired by the television programme Undercover Boss, this session will challenge hierarchies, celebrate collaboration, and empower leaders to adopt practical, empathy-driven strategies for fostering a wellbeing-focused school environment. Additionally, school leaders—particularly principals—will gain tools and strategies to maintain their own wellbeing while supporting their staff and fostering a positive school culture.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore Insights from Diverse Perspectives: Understand how listening to and implementing ideas from middle-rung staff, such as Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), can enhance school wellbeing and foster a more collaborative environment.

2. Apply Positive Psychology Principles: Learn practical strategies rooted in positive psychology to support the wellbeing of school staff, including tools for maintaining their own mental and emotional health as school leaders.

3. Strengthen Leadership Practices: Reflect on current leadership approaches and develop actionable plans to prioritise wellbeing, improve staff morale, and build a more inclusive and supportive school culture.

Facilitator: Magdalena Landziak

Magdalena has over 8 years of experience working as a Special Needs Assistant in a primary school in Co. Limerick, supporting children with additional needs. She is the Editor and Publisher of AMYGDALA – the First National Magazine for SNAs. Magdalena graduated from UCD after completing the National Training Programme for SNAs and earning a Certificate in Inclusive School Support. With a teaching background from Poland, she expanded her expertise by graduating in May 2024 from Trinity College Dublin with a Postgraduate Level 9 qualification in 21st Century Teaching and Learning. Recently, she completed her Master's in Inclusive Education and SEN and is awaiting the results. Magdalena is running an Instagram page called @sna_zone where she provides valuable resources for SNAs and educators. Magdalena is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow SNAs. She is deeply passionate about advocating for children's rights every day and embraces everything about inclusive education.