Tips for Reducing Teacher Burnout

Why are so many teachers leaving the classroom and pursuing new careers? Is burnout the driving force behind this trend? The topic of teacher burnout is commonly discussed among educators and as a former teacher who experienced burnout after years in the classroom, I understand how urgent it is to address this growing issue.

The importance of this issue is emphasized by a National Education Association (NEA) survey which found that 90% of educators feel burned out, with 55% considering leaving the profession earlier than planned as a result. Teacher burnout is affecting both educators’ wellbeing and the overall success of schools.  Addressing these challenges is not just about keeping educators in the classroom, it’s about creating a healthier, more equitable education system for all. In this blog, we will explore what teacher burnout is, examine its causes and impacts, and provide strategies for administrators to help manage these challenges.

 

Understanding Teacher Burnout

What exactly is burnout? It is much more than just feeling tired after a long day at work. Burnout, as defined by the World Health Organization, “is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.” For educators, burnout is particularly devastating because teaching is often more than just a job, it’s a personal calling that requires years of extensive training working towards a degree and certification. Walking away after such an investment is never a decision made lightly.

So, what causes teacher burnout? There is usually not just one thing that causes teachers to leave the classroom, and it typically doesn’t happen in a day. Burnout progresses and builds over time. Here are some common causes:

• Excessive workload: Juggling lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities duties leaves little room for recovery.
• Lack of administrative support: When leadership fails to provide guidance, resources, or support teachers can be left feeling isolated.
• Student behavioral challenges: Managing daily disruptions with little to no additional help can drain emotional energy and distract from teaching.
• Low pay: Teacher salaries often do not match the stress faced on the job, with some teachers having to work extra jobs to make ends meet.

While all educators face these challenges to some degree, certain groups are at an even higher risk for burnout. Special education teachers and those working in high-poverty districts, for example, often face additional challenges, including greater emotional demands and fewer resources, which adds to stress.

 

The Impacts of Teacher Burnout

Teacher burnout does not just affect educators, it also spreads out to students, school environments, and entire communities. According to NEA, 80% of teachers reported that due to an increase in staff shortages, they are having to take on more work obligations beyond their expected duties. This, understandably, places significant strain on teachers still in the classroom. Let’s explore how burnout impacts not just teachers, but also students and the overall school climate.

Students

• Impaired academic performance: Burnout can lead to inconsistent teaching and less effective lesson delivery.
• Reduced student engagement: Disengaged teachers may struggle to inspire their students, leading to lower participation and increased classroom management issues.
• Negative student-teacher relationships: Burned out teachers may have less patience and energy to build strong connections with students.

School Climate

• Tense school environment: Staff that are burned out can create a culture of stress and low morale.
• Weak relationships among colleagues: When overwhelmed, teachers may struggle to collaborate effectively.

Educators

• Impaired sleep cycle: Educators may find it hard to “shut off their brains” at night, preventing them from getting necessary rest.
• Inability to enjoy personal time: Teachers cannot simply leave their stress at school, which may affect their time outside of school spent with family and friends.
• Physical health affected: With inconsistent sleep and frequent stress, physical health may start to suffer.

Seeing these far-reaching impacts proves how important it is to address teacher burnout.

 

Practical Tips for Reducing Teacher Burnout

It is important to address feelings of burnout early, and the best way to do that is to have preventative tools already in place for educators. Here are some strategies schools can adopt to help reduce burnout among staff:

1. Foster a Supportive Work Environment

• Establish mentorship programs for new teachers.
• Promote open communication between staff and administration.
• Prioritize racial and social justice by ensuring inclusive and respectful curriculums and work environments.
• Regularly ask teachers for feedback on how to improve their work environment.
• Recognize and celebrate teachers’ achievements (milestones, innovative teaching methods, and overall staff dedication).
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork among staff where they can share challenges, solutions, and innovative ideas.

2. Make Mental Health Resources Accessible

• Host workshops on mindfulness, time management, and self-care techniques.
• Ensure mental health programs are effective, confidential, and free from barriers like long wait times.
• Make sure staff are aware of their benefits.
• Offer mental health support for students and their families.

3. Adjust Workload and Expectations

• Set realistic and achievable expectations.
• Reduce non-teaching duties like excessive meetings, paperwork, and supervision tasks (bus duty).
• Allow flexible scheduling, such as early release days, for additional planning time.
• Ensure teachers have manageable workloads.
• Reduce class sizes.

4. Provide Adequate Resources

• Reduce out-of-pocket expenses by providing necessary supplies and technology.
• Hire additional staff such as paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, behavioral interventionists, etc.
• Enlist parent volunteers if the budget does not allow for additional hired staff.
• Invest in tutoring programs and summer school.
• Provide professional development related to technology to address possible job-related stressors.

5. Improve Compensation and Benefits

• Advocate for competitive salaries and bonuses to retain current staff and recruit new educators.
• Offer competitive benefits.

Long-Term Approaches to Combatting Teacher Burnout

Reducing teacher burnout is possible and essential for the future of education. Educators play a vital role in shaping the lives of their students and their well-being directly impacts the success of schools and communities. It is my hope that this blog was able to provide realistic, proactive strategies for school administrators to implement.

By fostering supportive environments, addressing workload concerns, prioritizing mental health, and ensuring fair compensation, schools can help educators feel valued and supported. Investing in these long-term solutions to combat burnout can help build a more sustainable and equitable education system where both teachers and students can flourish.