Teacher Burnout Is Serious

You have a passion for the profession, teaching is worthwhile because of the positive impact on students’ learning, development and chances in life.

However, increasingly teachers are suffering from burnout and acknowledging that it is real is very important for the individual and the profession.

We created this blog, to help teachers prevent and manage burnout. If you are not sure what burnout is and what signs to look for in yourself or your colleagues please read this blog: What Is Teacher Burnout?

Teacher burnout is a serious concern that can affect both educators and students.

Here are some top tips to help prevent and manage teacher burnout:

“Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress, for example, working a stressful job.” Mental Health UK

Self-Care

Prioritise your own wellbeing. Engage in activities you enjoy outside of teaching, such as exercise, hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing creative interests. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential.

“Making small changes in our daily lives can make a world of difference! A self-care plan does not have to include exotic travels or a full day at the spa. It can simply be taking 15 minutes to practice mindfulness, joining a book club, or taking a hot shower to clear your head. When we have a self-care plan in place, we can begin to bounce back from burnout and establish a balance to manage our ongoing stressors and responsibilities.” Kristin McDonald is a professor and Associate Chair of Human Services and Sociology

Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid bringing work home whenever possible and designate specific times for relaxation and self-care.

Time Management

Efficiently manage your time by planning lessons, grading, and other tasks in advance. Use tools like planners, to-do lists, and digital apps to stay organised. Good time management can help your create and maintain a better work/life balance.

It is worth reading this blog from Forbes ‘The Top 10 Time Management Tips To Work Smarter, Not Harder’. Forbes was written by Bernard Marr, an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies.

Delegate & Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate tasks when appropriate. Collaborate with colleagues, share resources, and lean on your support network, both within and outside the school.

Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, into your daily routine. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

Here are 10 Mindful Attitudes for Reducing Anxiety Mindful.org

Positive Relationships

Foster positive relationships with colleagues, students, and parents. Open communication and a supportive network can make a significant difference in managing stress.

“Long-term loneliness can impact our mental and physical health – which has implications not just for individuals but also for society at large. Being lonely for a long time can lead to a negative spiral: loneliness makes it harder to connect, which leads to people being afraid of social situations, meaning it is harder to find joy in life and escape negative thoughts.” Mental Health Foundation

Variety In Teaching

Keep your teaching engaging by incorporating a variety of teaching methods, activities, and assessments. This can help prevent monotony and make the teaching experience more enjoyable.

Read this Cambridge University blog on the benefits of a teaching community, this is a great way to share ideas, keep your teaching fresh and also help others with your expertise.

Teaching communities can be found on many social media sites or you can create one in school. 

It’s worth remembering that if you want to join or start a positive teaching community, some groups can be very negative spaces for teachers who need to vent. We recommend you focus on professional and personal development communities that celebrate successes and offer support.

Celebrate Small Wins

Recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your successes can boost your morale and motivation.

You should start writing down moments that you are proud of throughout your teaching career. What are you proud of this week? Keep a record on your phone, laptop or notebook, add to it each week.

Professional Development

Continuously invest in your professional growth. Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay updated on teaching techniques and educational trends.

You can find free courses online, these could enhance your subject knowledge, and classroom management or boost your computer literacy skills.

It’s worth searching as organisations like FutureLearn, a global learning platform that delivers top online courses from the world’s leading universities and brands.

GOV.UK have free leadership courses for teachers. Lyfta have free courses to improve classroom practice and school culture.

Open University have a huge repertoire of free courses that suit teachers.

Seek Help

If you find yourself struggling with burnout, don’t hesitate to seek help from a counsellor, therapist, or mental health professional. Talking about your feelings and challenges can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.

“We need to look after ourselves and those we work with if we are to keep great teachers teaching.” Education Support

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep.

“Poor sleep leads to worrying. Worrying leads to poor sleep. Worrying about sleep is like your mind trying to fight itself. That’s a horrible place to be.” Mind.org

Physical well-being can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional health.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Embrace flexibility and adaptability in your teaching approach. Being open to change and adjusting your strategies can help reduce stress when faced with unexpected challenges.

Reflect & Revaluate

Periodically reflect on your teaching practices and workload. Are there areas where you can streamline tasks or make improvements? Regularly reevaluating your approach can lead to more efficient and effective teaching.

Remember that burnout is a real concern, and it’s important to address it proactively. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can better manage stress and maintain your passion for teaching.

If you feel you’re heading for burnout, or experiencing it already, don’t suffer alone. Speak to colleagues, friends, family or call Education Support free, confidential helpline, staffed by qualified counsellors and available 24/7 on 08000 562 561.

Read our blog on What Is Teacher Burnout to recognise the warning signs for yourself and your colleagues.