Burnout Blues

In a previous post we talked about how to make it through to summer vacation. For some teachers, it goes deeper than a need for a summer vacation. Burnout is a real problem and causes so many teachers to lose any desire to return to teaching in the fall. The last year has been even harder on teachers, causing many to feel burnout that might not normally. So, how do we overcome burnout and rekindle our love of teaching? What can we do to prevent this from happening in the future?

Let’s first look at what burnout really is. It is not just being tired. That can happen to anyone at any time. Although fatigue happens most to teachers towards the end of the school year. Burnout is a more long lasting response to the stress of the job (Pircon, 2020). This can cause teachers to cope in different ways. They can become so exhausted that they honestly feel that they have nothing more that they can give to their job and students. They can become apathetic and just feel distant, and act as if nothing matters any more. They can also become lax and ineffective, not feeling as if they can actually do their job well.

Now, how do we overcome burnout? One of the first things you can do is educate yourself on the realities of what we face in the classroom. I know, I know, more professional development can’t be the answer, right? I am not saying it has to be a formalized class, but I am saying read more about trauma in your students. Understand the realities of the stress you will be facing. When you have unrealistic expectations about how you will reach your students and change their lives in the nine months that you have them, it will make the stress far worse. Understanding trauma and growth in students will better help you prepare yourself for the stress you will face. This will help you better react to the challenges and, believe it or not, will rekindle your hope and passion for teaching.

Also, give others permission to help you watch for early signs of burnout. Have a “battle buddy” that you help and they help you. This way, you don’t feel as alone in the sometimes daunting task of helping young minds grow. Your battle buddy will be there with you and help you talk things out. This gives you a chance to see things from another perspective. Just make sure you pick someone who you can have honest conversations with, and who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear.

I also challenge you to remember your “why?” Why did you become a teacher? Remember that moment when you first realized that teaching was your passion and dream. Make a note in your journal, paint a picture, or maybe write a song about it. In whatever ways you can find to creatively remind yourself of your why, do them. Those reminders will be there to help you overcome the darkest moments, cherish them. Then, spend some time with family and friends to recharge. Those precious moments help set the reset button and give you the resilience to face another day.

Reference:

Pircon, B. (2020, December 24). Teacher Burnout Solutions & Prevention - How to Retain Talented Educators. The Graide Network. https://www.thegraidenetwork.com/blog-all/teacher-burnout-solutions-prevention.