2 answers
Lillian
Student
Lititz, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
1901 views
Why do educators always seem to get burned out in their career?
I'm a high school senior, and I've always wanted to be a teacher, but I'm worried seeing so many educators talking about being burned out. How do I avoid this? #Spring25
Login to comment
2 answers
Christina Davis
14
Answers
Updated
Christina’s Answer
As an online art mentor and teacher, I strongly believe that there is a significant need for educators, and there are always vacancies in various areas. So, I encourage you to pursue this path because we need educators who understand that teaching is just one step in their career journey. Education is a continuous process; we are constantly learning ourselves, attending workshops, and seeking training opportunities.
Many educators who experience burnout often mention that they haven’t explored new opportunities in their careers. They may not have joined professional groups or participated in workshops to advance their development. Those who feel burnt out are often the ones who thought they would be satisfied doing the same thing year after year. They may stick to similar roles within the same school, leading to burnout due to a lack of variety in their experiences.
In my own career, I have worked in various educational settings, including childcare, child development, art STEM programs, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and with college students. This range of experiences has helped me avoid burnout, as I view changes and growth as essential.
As an active educator, you’ll discover numerous avenues to continue your work in education. There are many nonprofit organizations that partner with educators to offer workshops and reach students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Being versatile is key; burnout often stems from sticking to just one role and not seeking different perspectives or opportunities.
Many educators who experience burnout often mention that they haven’t explored new opportunities in their careers. They may not have joined professional groups or participated in workshops to advance their development. Those who feel burnt out are often the ones who thought they would be satisfied doing the same thing year after year. They may stick to similar roles within the same school, leading to burnout due to a lack of variety in their experiences.
In my own career, I have worked in various educational settings, including childcare, child development, art STEM programs, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and with college students. This range of experiences has helped me avoid burnout, as I view changes and growth as essential.
As an active educator, you’ll discover numerous avenues to continue your work in education. There are many nonprofit organizations that partner with educators to offer workshops and reach students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Being versatile is key; burnout often stems from sticking to just one role and not seeking different perspectives or opportunities.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lillian !
I encourage you to follow through with the path towards becoming an Educator !
It is quite unprofessional for teachers to talk about their stress or personal complaints about their work in front of the students so I am sorry that the teachers you're around are doing this, especially when it forms a negative image in your mind for the profession you wish to pursue. Not all teachers are tired or weary of their jobs. Try not to base what you're hearing or seeing on how your career will be or how the career is. There are millions of educators that have a very fulfilling, successful career, but perhaps some advice and thoughts can help you feel more comfortable about this.
You didn't mention it, but I will take it that these negative teachers are in a public high school. Things haven't been going well for the past four or five years in public schools in our country, so there are extra issues. But you do not have to work in the public school system when you become a teacher. There are other types of schools you can work at. Some of these are private schools, parochial schools, boarding schools, Montessori Schools, Waldorf Schools and probably more types of schools and all have a different environment and mission and belief system. For other work, there is also hired Homeschool Teaching, Tutoring and evening adult education classes for adults. You can start exploring schools other than the ones in the public school system, although your Student Teaching Assignment in college very well may be in a public school.
Another thing to remember is that what happens to other teachers will not happen to you. You will have a unique career and just because some teachers are fed up doesn't mean that you'd be. You haven't even started yet ! Look at those teachers as individuals, not representatives of a whole career.
Once you are in college Education will seem great to you and you will start knowing how to plan for your specific career. Don't let anything or anyone stop you because we need good teachers no matter which venue they work in. You'll know just where you'd want to work as you move along at college as an Education Major. Also realize that teachers aren't the only ones that grow miserable with their jobs, it happens to people in all careers. The real crucial thing is what one does about it. So hone your coping skills and learn all you can about school environments and you'll be able to make a good decision for yourself as to where to find work after you graduate college.
Don't give up. Stand true to your aspirations of becoming an educator.
I encourage you to follow through with the path towards becoming an Educator !
It is quite unprofessional for teachers to talk about their stress or personal complaints about their work in front of the students so I am sorry that the teachers you're around are doing this, especially when it forms a negative image in your mind for the profession you wish to pursue. Not all teachers are tired or weary of their jobs. Try not to base what you're hearing or seeing on how your career will be or how the career is. There are millions of educators that have a very fulfilling, successful career, but perhaps some advice and thoughts can help you feel more comfortable about this.
You didn't mention it, but I will take it that these negative teachers are in a public high school. Things haven't been going well for the past four or five years in public schools in our country, so there are extra issues. But you do not have to work in the public school system when you become a teacher. There are other types of schools you can work at. Some of these are private schools, parochial schools, boarding schools, Montessori Schools, Waldorf Schools and probably more types of schools and all have a different environment and mission and belief system. For other work, there is also hired Homeschool Teaching, Tutoring and evening adult education classes for adults. You can start exploring schools other than the ones in the public school system, although your Student Teaching Assignment in college very well may be in a public school.
Another thing to remember is that what happens to other teachers will not happen to you. You will have a unique career and just because some teachers are fed up doesn't mean that you'd be. You haven't even started yet ! Look at those teachers as individuals, not representatives of a whole career.
Once you are in college Education will seem great to you and you will start knowing how to plan for your specific career. Don't let anything or anyone stop you because we need good teachers no matter which venue they work in. You'll know just where you'd want to work as you move along at college as an Education Major. Also realize that teachers aren't the only ones that grow miserable with their jobs, it happens to people in all careers. The real crucial thing is what one does about it. So hone your coping skills and learn all you can about school environments and you'll be able to make a good decision for yourself as to where to find work after you graduate college.
Don't give up. Stand true to your aspirations of becoming an educator.