6 Methods to Prevent Teacher Burnout

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Teaching has always been tough, but in the past few years, teacher burnout has become an increasingly serious problem. A RAND survey found that 60% of K-12 educators are burnt out, 59% are under significant stress at work, and nearly 1 in 4 are struggling to find answers to their daily classroom challenges.

Whether you’re a first-year or seasoned veteran, burnout can quickly creep in if you’re not proactive about your well-being and prepared. Professional development is one of the most valuable tools teachers have for preventing burnout, and courses like Classroom Management I – Creating Classroom Expectations ensure they have solid strategies for minimizing classroom stress.

There will always be unexpected developments in teaching, so it’s important to stay informed and get ahead of potential problems before they start. Here are six ways to avoid teacher burnout and set yourself up for a fantastic school year.

1.   Create a Solid Classroom Management Plan

If you don’t have control of your environment on day one, you might find yourself struggling for air for the rest of the semester. A solid classroom management plan is one of the best gifts any teacher can give themselves.

A decent plan establishes rules and consequences, but a great one addresses a wide range of potential issues that can overwhelm teachers as the year evolves. Here are some key details to consider as you build out your classroom management plan:

• Expectations. Does your plan rely on cause-and-effect punishments, or does it outline a path to better choices?
• Establish routines. Every student is at a unique personal and developmental place in their life. Routines provide structure and predictability, allowing all students to find their rhythm and anticipate change.
• Create communication. Classrooms function best when everyone has a chance to voice their challenges and empathize with classmates.

Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to classroom management plans, and they often need to be adapted throughout the year. But by establishing a plan right away, teachers will have the energy and emotional reserves to make effective changes as needs arise.

2.   Set Boundaries

A healthy work-life balance is essential for avoiding burnout in any job, and it’s especially true for a high-stress profession like education. 84% of teachers report not being able to finish their daily workload during normal hours, and tasks like grading, lesson planning, paperwork, and emails often follow them home.

Setting boundaries for how you use technology, communicate with parents and staff, and manage your free time all play a role in avoiding burnout throughout the year. Giving yourself permission to shut the laptop and focus on your life will recharge your batteries and help you be the best teacher possible on Monday morning.

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3.   Prioritize Yourself

Teachers give everything to their students, often at the expense of their own well-being. As a result, teachers experience significantly higher-than-average rates of compassion fatigue—also known as secondary traumatic stress (STS)—with studies showing 3 out of 4 exceeding diagnostic thresholds. This is a significant contributing factor to teacher burnout, as well as depression rates that are 7.5% higher than the national average.

Exercise, sleep, good nutrition, and active relationship maintenance all contribute to healthy and sustainable lifestyle patterns. By incorporating them into your yearly planning, you can stay grounded even when the pressure’s on.

4.   Lean Into Colleagues

There is no prize for suffering in silence, so when you're feeling the stress piling up, lean on some close colleagues for support. The more experienced teachers in your building almost always have valuable advice for difficult issues, and new hires often bring fresh perspectives. Regardless, staying connected and open can provide you with solutions to tough classroom problems before helplessness, frustration, and burnout set in.

Also, don’t forget that you might have something to offer as well. Supporting a colleague through their struggles can strengthen relationships, unlock insights for your own classroom, and build a sense of empowerment in your work.

5.   Celebrate Your Wins

It’s easy to dwell on what could be going better or what you could have done differently. Yes, reflecting on your opportunities for improvement is important, but cut yourself some slack! What about the wins?

Taking time to reflect on what you’ve done well can help you gain valuable perspective on the good work you’ve done for your students and families. When you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, take a moment to review the progress your students have made and the success you’ve shared together.

6.   Professional Development

Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness are two of the most common contributors to teacher burnout—and what you don’t know can hurt you the most. Teachers are often confronted with these experiences when they lack strategies, resources, and perspectives to manage classroom challenges and new expectations.

Professional development offers teachers a chance to explore new research, best practices, and sharpen valuable skills like building inclusive classrooms and developing IEPs. The best providers deliver award-winning content that can be easily accessed online, so busy teachers always have the resources they need no matter what the school year brings.

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