Burnout isn’t just being tired after a long day. It’s a deeper, long-term exhaustion that creeps in when stress at work becomes relentless. It’s the kind of thing that can make even the most dedicated teacher start questioning their love for the job. But don’t worry - there are ways to tackle it.

What exactly is burnout?

Think of burnout as a mix of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. It tends to show up when we’ve been juggling too much for too long. You might notice you’re less enthusiastic about your lessons, constantly tired, or finding it harder to connect with your students. Burnout can affect everything - from how you feel about teaching to how you interact with colleagues, and even how well your students learn.

Burnout can lead to anxiety and depression which need specialised support, so it is important to spot signs of burnout early.

While burnout can happen in any career, teaching often ranks high on the list because of the unique pressures we face. Whether it’s preparing endless lesson plans, managing classroom dynamics, or worrying about meeting curriculum goals, it can all pile up.

Why is it so common?

Even the most passionate teachers can suffer from burnout. Research shows that around two-thirds of teachers will face it at some point in their career, with secondary school teachers often feeling its effects more intensely. 

Feeling burnt out doesn’t mean you don’t care - it’s often the opposite. Let’s look at a few reasons why burnout happens. How many do you recognise?

• Heavy Workloads: Between marking, lesson planning, and administrative tasks, it can feel like there’s never enough time in the day and this is all on top of time spent in the classroom!
• Pressure to Perform: We all want our students to succeed, but that pressure to meet expectations, especially in classes with mixed abilities, can take a toll.
• Lack of Resources: A lack of resources in terms of materials (Do you have enough pens? Arts and crafts material? Technology?) or human resources (How many students are in each class? Do you have a teaching assistant? Is there enough staff to cover sick leave, extra training?) can increase stress levels.
• Lack of support: A lack of professional support from leadership teams, and not having emotional support more generally, can make you feel like you’re doing it all alone, which can be draining.
• Classroom Challenges: Managing behaviour, navigating discipline, or helping struggling students can be emotionally exhausting.

How can you spot burnout?

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It often builds gradually, starting with little signs like feeling more tired than usual or dreading certain tasks. Over time, it can lead to more serious issues like anxiety or depression. If you’ve noticed changes in your mood, energy levels, or attitude toward work, it’s worth taking a closer look.

What can we do about it?

Teacher burnout is a systemic issue that must ultimately be resolved by educational authorities. Schools need to implement policies that promote a healthy work-life balance and support teachers who are at risk of burnout.

However, until those policies are put in place there are some practical steps that we can all take to avoid or address burnout.

• Make time for yourself: This might sound obvious, but self-care is crucial. In this short video, you will find some ideas to get you started. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, eating well, or finding time for hobbies, small changes can make a big difference.
• Set boundaries: Learn to say no when your plate is already full. Protecting your time and energy isn’t selfish - it’s necessary. However, saying no can be difficult when we are so used to trying to do it all. Coach Alexa has some quick tips to help make saying no easier.
• Connect with others: Talking to fellow teachers who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly reassuring. Sharing tips and experiences might also help lighten the load. This can be done in a caring staffroom but also within online teaching communities and support networks.
• Ask for help: If burnout feels unmanageable, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Counsellors or psychologists can provide valuable strategies and support.

Remember, you’re not alone

Teaching is one of the most rewarding yet demanding jobs out there. If you’re feeling burnt out, it doesn’t mean you’re failing - it means you’re human. By taking steps to care for yourself, you’re not just helping yourself - you’re also fostering a healthier learning environment for your students. The work you do matters, and you deserve the support that you need.