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Teacher Burnout

Signs & Ways to Overcome

Teachers have many roles throughout the day: nurse, psychiatrist, mediator, data analyst, statistician, IT specialist, researcher, problem solver, coach, etc. It is easy to experience burnout from the many decisions and tasks that are required from educators within a day. Burnout is a serious issue that can affect the mental and emotional health of educators, and can leave them to exit the profession.

Teacher Burnout

What Causes Burnout?

  • Excessive Workload
  • Lack of Support
  • Poor Working Conditions
  • Negative Student & Parent Relationships
  • Lack of Appreciation
  • Poor Compensations
  • Stressful Events
  • Staff Shortages
Teacher with Hand on her head looking overwhelmed in a classroom

What are the Warning Signs?

  • Emotional & Physical Exhaustion
  • Mood Swings
  • Forgetfulness or Inability to Concentrate
  • Detachment from the Job
  • Reduced Performance
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Weight Changes
  • Physical symptoms: headaches, dizziness, palpitations, increased illness and stomach pain
Burnout Warning Signs Chart
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Resilience

Resilience is the ability to respond positively and adaptively to significant challenges or adversity. People who exhibit resilience can navigate stressful situations effectively while maintaining their overall well-being. It’s important to understand that resilience doesn’t mean individuals remain unchanged by their experiences; instead, it reflects their capacity to adapt in ways that support healthy progress and growth.

Teacher meditating at her desk

Be Aware of Your Health, Emotions & Stress Level

  • Manage your workload: Not everything on your list has to get done everyday, so prioritize tasks and delegate when you can. 
  • Practice self-care: Find the best way for you to de-stress (reading, exercise, journaling, meditating) and make it a common practice. Make time to “check in” with yourself and take mental health days when you need them and find a positive source to talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed.
  • Make yourself a priority: We often put our students before ourselves, but putting yourself before work isn’t wrong. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and emergency procedure on an airplane instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first.
Personal growth - woman on her computer

Supportive Resources for Educators

  • Contact your district office to inquire about an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    • An EAP is a workplace benefit that provides confidential counseling, support and resources to employees and their families to address personal or work-related challenges, often at no or little cost.
  • Contact your teachers union to see what resources are available to members
  • Attend teacher conferences that can equip you with tools, resources, uplift you and provide support
    • Check our “Events” page for upcoming conferences/retreats
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