2 answers
Cadence
Student
Altoona, Iowa
1
Question
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How To Combat Teacher Burnout?
How can I combat potential future burnout as a prospective elementary teacher? I see so many elementary teachers quit <5 years into teaching and I want to prevent this.
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2 answers
Michele Engelbert
Manager, ESG, Climate, and CSR
2
Answers
Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michele’s Answer
I was a middle school teacher for four years before transitioning to a corporate role, and I learned a great deal about preventing burnout.
One of the most important lessons was to limit how much work you take home. Focus on what you can realistically accomplish during the school day, and accept that some things may need to wait. When grading and lesson prep consistently spill into nights and weekends, burnout quickly follows.
Where possible, automate and streamline grading. For example, use computer‑based assessments that grade automatically or assign homework platforms that provide real‑time feedback to students, such as Khan Academy. This can significantly reduce after‑hours work.
It’s also critical to take care of yourself physically while teaching. Are you drinking enough water? Eating a full lunch? The days can be hectic, and it’s easy to forget, so intentionally prioritizing your health makes a real difference.
Avoid reinventing the wheel whenever possible. Reuse lesson plans, classwork, and materials from previous years or from colleagues. You don’t need to start from scratch every time.
Teachers are asked to wear many hats. Remember that you can’t do everything perfectly—and that’s okay. Giving yourself permission to be human is essential for long‑term sustainability. Good luck!
One of the most important lessons was to limit how much work you take home. Focus on what you can realistically accomplish during the school day, and accept that some things may need to wait. When grading and lesson prep consistently spill into nights and weekends, burnout quickly follows.
Where possible, automate and streamline grading. For example, use computer‑based assessments that grade automatically or assign homework platforms that provide real‑time feedback to students, such as Khan Academy. This can significantly reduce after‑hours work.
It’s also critical to take care of yourself physically while teaching. Are you drinking enough water? Eating a full lunch? The days can be hectic, and it’s easy to forget, so intentionally prioritizing your health makes a real difference.
Avoid reinventing the wheel whenever possible. Reuse lesson plans, classwork, and materials from previous years or from colleagues. You don’t need to start from scratch every time.
Teachers are asked to wear many hats. Remember that you can’t do everything perfectly—and that’s okay. Giving yourself permission to be human is essential for long‑term sustainability. Good luck!
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
In my opinion, you ought to examine this situation more fully.
I am not at all sure that elementary school teachers "burn out", after a few years. Perhaps for some. But from what I have been reading, the hours can be long and not very monetarily rewarding, even if the work situation is. For many individuals teaching then becomes too much of a sacrifice to the other aspects of life, many of which, to put it bluntly, cost money.
Of course, that is not always the case. It depends upon the state, area, school district, public or private schools, and the competition among graduates for the higher end of elementary teaching.
I know of elementary ed teachers who have led a full and satisfying and comfortable life. I know of others who have had to take second, or part time jobs, just to keep their heads above the economic water.
I am assuming that you are not as yet at an institution of higher learning as an education major. And even if you are already at that level, it really makes no difference. To my mind that is the place to start asking these questions. I am sure there will be other students with the same concerns.
I am not at all sure that elementary school teachers "burn out", after a few years. Perhaps for some. But from what I have been reading, the hours can be long and not very monetarily rewarding, even if the work situation is. For many individuals teaching then becomes too much of a sacrifice to the other aspects of life, many of which, to put it bluntly, cost money.
Of course, that is not always the case. It depends upon the state, area, school district, public or private schools, and the competition among graduates for the higher end of elementary teaching.
I know of elementary ed teachers who have led a full and satisfying and comfortable life. I know of others who have had to take second, or part time jobs, just to keep their heads above the economic water.
I am assuming that you are not as yet at an institution of higher learning as an education major. And even if you are already at that level, it really makes no difference. To my mind that is the place to start asking these questions. I am sure there will be other students with the same concerns.