Mental Health & Wellbeing

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Dr. Shannon Babbie is joined by Stephanie O’Reilly, program director for the MEd in Health and Wellbeing at the University of Aberdeen. O’Reilly defines wellbeing as a relational concept that "ebbs and flows daily," noting that mental health and education are deeply intertwined. The discussion explores trauma-informed practice and the necessity of supportive relationships in schools. O’Reilly provides practical advice for educators, such as viewing all behaviour as communication and developing active listening skills. She further emphasizes moving beyond tokenistic self-care to provide teachers with the time, trust, and professional space they need to thrive. Finally, she highlights her work with the Centre for Teaching Excellence and Scotland’s ongoing curriculum reform cycle.