5 Ways to Avoid Teacher Burnout

Teacher smiling with students in a circle

Teacher burnout is a problem that faces many educators in the American school system today. This can happen when a teacher becomes worn out from both their students and their workload, and they being to lose their passion to teach. The effects of a teacher losing their passion to teach can be felt by their students, therefore they also lose the energy to want to learn; and by their colleagues around them, making work less enjoyable for everyone. Don’t let the mid-year slump slow you down, instead use these five tips to help you avoid teacher burnout.

Stay Healthy:

It’s important to take care of yourself first and foremost. Staying healthy and taking care of your mind and body can help you avoid a teacher burnout as the second half of the year approaches. To ensure you stay healthy, set up a schedule that works with your work hours that allows you to take time to exercise. Whether that be lifting weights, going for a jog, or doing yoga, staying active can help prevent you from becoming worn out. You should also stick to a regular sleep schedule as this can help prevent feeling anxious, stressed and even help you feel more energized throughout the day. Finally, you can keep yourself engaged by eating healthy. That means getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs through proper fruits and proteins to stay energized throughout your day. If you need inspiration to keep a healthy diet, check out our blog Healthy Lunch Recipes to Take to Work.

Talk to Colleagues:

You may think that you’re the only teacher feeling burnt out, but the truth is that many teachers face this struggle, especially as the midyear approaches. Communicating with your colleagues is one of the best ways you can prevent burnout because they can offer you the best support. Your colleagues will not only understand your frustrations but will be able to help you overcome the stress you’re feeling by offering the best tips and advice. You may even establish friendships with your coworkers that will help you laugh off those frustrations.

Recognize Your Accomplishments:

Now that you’re halfway through the year, you can recognize and appreciate the things that have been working well for you and your students in the first half of the year. Even when it feels like the world is against you, it is important to recognize what you are doing well. Whether it be how you’re grading or how you plan your lessons in advance, or even tracking the progress of your students throughout the year, look for the positive results of every workday. You can also take this time to recognize things you could improve on, to ensure the rest of the year goes as smoothly as possible.

Prepare Ahead of Schedule:

Before leaving for winter break, take time to schedule out lesson plans for the rest of the year, and set a goal for days you teach these plans. This way you don’t find yourself getting lost or falling behind as the year goes on. This schedule doesn’t have to be set-in-stone, but it will give you a good guideline to help your semester run smoothly. According to Applied Educational Systems, the best time to plan your week is on a Friday afternoon, before leaving the school. This way you won’t put it off until Sunday night, or feel overwhelmed to get your schedule done fast on a Monday morning.

Leave School Work at School:

It’s important to take time for yourself and your family when you get home. Setting boundaries between your personal and professional life will help make you a happier person. Even if you have to finish your grading a little later, do it in the classroom before leaving for home. This way you can focus on you and your personal health when you get home, and home can be a place for you to relax and enjoy your time with loved ones.

We hope these 5 tips to avoid teacher burnout will keep you motivated as the year goes on. Tag us on Twitter (@Bostitchoffice) with your own advice on how to avoid teacher burnout!

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