Teacher Burnout
Understanding and Overcoming Teacher Burnout: Insights from a Decade in the Classroom
As a teacher with over ten years of experience in the classroom, I’ve witnessed first-hand the challenges that come with the profession. Teaching is a deeply rewarding job, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Over the years, I faced moments of exhaustion and disillusionment that, in retrospect, I recognise as signs of teacher burnout. Today, I want to share my journey and offer strategies that can help others in similar situations.
What is Teacher Burnout?
Before this, I want to describe a little of what burnout is. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. It can result in feelings of cynicism, detachment from work, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment. The demands of managing classrooms, meeting administrative expectations, and juggling personal life can all contribute to this overwhelming state.
My Experience
In my early years of teaching, I was brimming with passion and energy. I eagerly engaged in CPD, stayed late to address concerns with parents, and took immense pride in every lesson I crafted. I even spent weekends ensuring that all resources, differentiation, and lesson plans were completed to the highest standard. This wasn’t a burden, but something I took pride in.
Looking back, I can see this is where I began to sow the seeds of my burn outs. I also can see that teaching is a demanding profession that doesn’t offer a gentle introduction at all. From Day 1, you’re thrown into managing behaviour, setting classroom expectations, and catering to a diverse group of students. Crafting a lesson plan, understanding the desired outcomes, and developing a scheme of work is a complex art that takes years to perfect with little to no help except the criticisms that come after they are done.
Despite the challenges, I loved the job. However, over time, the weight of unmet expectations and relentless pressure began to take its toll. I started to feel drained, unmotivated, and began questioning my effectiveness. Exhausted and disheartened, I struggled to recognise these feelings as burnout. I experienced burnout three times over eleven years, each marked by work-related stress leave from some of the schools where I worked. It wasn’t until the third burn out that I accepted it was the system, not me, that was the problem. Coming to terms with this realisation was crucial, and acknowledging burnout became the first step toward my recovery.
Signs of Burnout
Burnout can manifest in various ways, often through subtle physical and emotional signs that are easy to ignore. Common symptoms include:
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.
Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or other unexplained ailments.
Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached, disinterested, or apathetic towards work and students.
Irritability: Increased frustration or impatience, both in and out of the classroom.
Reduced Performance: A noticeable decline in the quality of work or productivity.
Strategies to Combat Teacher Burnout
1. Set Boundaries: One of the most crucial steps in preventing burnout is establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life. It’s essential to set limits on the amount of time you spend working outside of school hours. As a teacher, you can always do more; nothing is every finished. For me, creating a strict "no work after 5 PM" rule helped me reclaim my evenings and weekends for relaxation and self-care.
2. Prioritise Self-Care: Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational. I found that incorporating short mindfulness practices into my day, such as deep breathing or a brief walk, helped alleviate stress. Even small actions, like taking a few moments to enjoy a cup of tea, can make a difference.
3. Seek Support: Part of burnout can be the shame involved in ‘not coping’ with the work load. That is why talking about your experiences with colleagues, friends, or a mental health professional can be incredibly validating and relieving. Over time, I learned to make sure I was transparent with someone who could understand and hold the space.
4. Delegate and Collaborate: Teaching doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavour. Collaborate with colleagues, delegate tasks when possible, and share resources. By working together, you can alleviate some of the pressures and foster a sense of community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help even with the small things.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflecting on your work and its impact can help you stay connected to your purpose. For instance, journaling about positive student interactions or accomplishments can remind you why you chose this career. Additionally, reassessing your workload and making necessary adjustments can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
6. Professional Development: I found that I would become reinspired talking to teachers who I admired and by participating in meaningful CPD. There is a perspective shift when this happens that can reconnect you to your work and to the classroom.
Final Thoughts
Teacher burnout is a significant issue that many educators face, and it’s important to recognise that it’s not a reflection of your dedication or capability. It’s a signal that adjustments are needed to maintain your well-being. By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, seeking support, and making proactive changes, you can navigate burnout and continue to thrive in your teaching career.
Remember, taking care of yourself is essential to being the best educator you can be. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and there are resources and strategies available to help you through this challenging time.
