6 answers
Zoey
Student
Ozark, Arkansas
1
Question
Updated
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How do I prevent teacher burn out as someone going into the education field?
I hear a lot of past teachers say they quit because of burn out and regret their license. I’m afraid of this happening to me and want to know what to do in order to help prevent this.
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6 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Zoey. As someone who was a school teacher before, I learned that burnout usually doesn't happen all at once. It builds up over time when teachers try to do too much or feel like they don't have support.
One of the most important lessons I learned as a former teacher is the value of setting boundaries right from the start. Many new teachers try to do everything: join every committee, say yes to every request, and try to create perfect lessons every day. That made things much harder. Instead, decide on limits that work for you. For example, choose a time to stop working each day, avoid taking home too much schoolwork, or say no to extra duties when you're already busy. You can't help your students if you're exhausted.
Another important thing is having a support system. When I was teaching, the coworkers who understood the challenges were the ones who helped me the most. Try to connect with teachers who are kind, helpful, and honest about the job. A good mentor or supportive team can save you stress, give you advice, and make school feel less overwhelming. And remember, it's always ok to ask for help.
Another lesson I learned is to plan in a realistic way. You do not need to create brand-new lessons every day. Instead, you may use resources from other teachers, reuse activities that work well, and keep things simple when you can. Trying to be perfect is one of the fastest ways to burn out.
One of the most important lessons I learned as a former teacher is the value of setting boundaries right from the start. Many new teachers try to do everything: join every committee, say yes to every request, and try to create perfect lessons every day. That made things much harder. Instead, decide on limits that work for you. For example, choose a time to stop working each day, avoid taking home too much schoolwork, or say no to extra duties when you're already busy. You can't help your students if you're exhausted.
Another important thing is having a support system. When I was teaching, the coworkers who understood the challenges were the ones who helped me the most. Try to connect with teachers who are kind, helpful, and honest about the job. A good mentor or supportive team can save you stress, give you advice, and make school feel less overwhelming. And remember, it's always ok to ask for help.
Another lesson I learned is to plan in a realistic way. You do not need to create brand-new lessons every day. Instead, you may use resources from other teachers, reuse activities that work well, and keep things simple when you can. Trying to be perfect is one of the fastest ways to burn out.
Wesly Jeanty
Teacher
5
Answers
Port-au-Prince, Ouest Department, Haiti
Updated
Wesly’s Answer
Burnout isn’t just about workload; it’s about emotional sustainability. From my own experience preparing to step into the classroom, I realized early on how easy it is to give everything to students, colleagues, and lesson plans, only to find yourself drained. That’s why I’ve committed to protecting my energy, nurturing my purpose, and setting clear boundaries from the start. By approaching teaching as a marathon rather than a sprint, I can pace myself, stay connected to why I love education, and maintain the passion and care that brought me into this field in the first place.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, check out Wong's and West's answers. More than once, I would think.
The one thing I would add, that may be helpful (?), is in the first week of a new class the teacher should establish the class as a unit, which would include the teacher. I read recently that the teacher is not the coach, but the quarterback, part of the team. You're all together in this.
In my opinion, if the class can jell in this way, not only will members of the class not burn out, neither will the teacher.
The one thing I would add, that may be helpful (?), is in the first week of a new class the teacher should establish the class as a unit, which would include the teacher. I read recently that the teacher is not the coach, but the quarterback, part of the team. You're all together in this.
In my opinion, if the class can jell in this way, not only will members of the class not burn out, neither will the teacher.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Zoey
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
85
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Teacher burnout is a real issue, so it's wise to think about it before starting your teaching career. One good way to avoid burnout is by setting clear boundaries. Decide on specific times for grading, planning lessons, and checking emails, and make sure you have personal time away from school. It's okay to say no to extra tasks that are too much.
Having a strong support system is also important. Mentors and coworkers can give advice and share tips, while friends and family can offer emotional support and a place to relax. Working with others can help you feel less alone.
Lastly, focus on your mental and physical health. Find ways to handle stress before it becomes too much, like exercising, enjoying hobbies, or practicing mindfulness. Remember, asking for help and taking care of yourself is important. It helps you be a better and happier teacher.
Having a strong support system is also important. Mentors and coworkers can give advice and share tips, while friends and family can offer emotional support and a place to relax. Working with others can help you feel less alone.
Lastly, focus on your mental and physical health. Find ways to handle stress before it becomes too much, like exercising, enjoying hobbies, or practicing mindfulness. Remember, asking for help and taking care of yourself is important. It helps you be a better and happier teacher.
Tyler Poletis
Executive Assistant
1
Answer
Auburndale, Florida
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Welcome to the world of teaching! Caring for your students is important, but remember that your well-being matters too.
As Wong pointed out, burnout can sneak up on you if you're not careful. I've learned from my nine years of teaching high school that setting boundaries early on is crucial. It might be tough, but make sure to disconnect from work when you're not in the classroom. Teachers often work beyond school hours, so it's important to give yourself time to relax. Avoid checking school emails on personal devices to keep work from creeping into your personal time. Teaching can be tiring, so prioritize your mental and physical health. You need to be at your best to support your students.
Seek out chances to grow in your career. As you settle in, you'll discover what works best for you and your students. To keep things interesting, explore professional development opportunities for new ideas that can invigorate your teaching and benefit your students.
Remember, it's okay to say "no." Teachers often feel they must say "yes" to everything because it seems necessary. If something goes beyond your comfort zone, don't hesitate to ask for help from colleagues or administrators.
As Wong pointed out, burnout can sneak up on you if you're not careful. I've learned from my nine years of teaching high school that setting boundaries early on is crucial. It might be tough, but make sure to disconnect from work when you're not in the classroom. Teachers often work beyond school hours, so it's important to give yourself time to relax. Avoid checking school emails on personal devices to keep work from creeping into your personal time. Teaching can be tiring, so prioritize your mental and physical health. You need to be at your best to support your students.
Seek out chances to grow in your career. As you settle in, you'll discover what works best for you and your students. To keep things interesting, explore professional development opportunities for new ideas that can invigorate your teaching and benefit your students.
Remember, it's okay to say "no." Teachers often feel they must say "yes" to everything because it seems necessary. If something goes beyond your comfort zone, don't hesitate to ask for help from colleagues or administrators.
Shawndra Winter
Content Strategist, Organizational Development
12
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Shawndra’s Answer
I worked in education, and in the classroom for 15 years. Set boundaries early. Decide when your workday ends and stick to it most days. Teaching will take everything you give it, so don’t give everything. Choose your school carefully. Supportive leadership and healthy staff culture matter more than the grade or subject. Build a life outside the classroom. Rest, hobbies, and relationships are not extras...they’re necessary. Teaching can be sustainable when you protect yourself as much as you protect your students!