5 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Half of all teachers leave the profession within the first five years. Many of these teachers have burned out relatively soon due to many reasons such as long hours, low pay- causing them to have to work multiple jobs, and the stress that comes with administrative pressures, unhappy parents, and behavioral issues of students. Having worked with at-risk students for 12 years, and having been a teacher for 20, there are some ways that teachers can avoid burnout, leading to long, satisfying, and productive careers. Here are some recommendations to keep teachers energized and excited about their work.

Varied Subject Matter-

Teachers who teach the same classes year in and year out often lose interest in their own teaching. By creating new class offerings or new units within the classes they teach, it brings a "freshness" that invigorates and inspires. A language arts teacher might create a journalism class or a unit on journalism within their current class for example.

Activities-

Get out and see kids in an environment other than your room. You will be amazed what a different view you will have of kids when you watch them in other venues such as athletics, music, drama, and hobbies. This also brings optimism to our view of youth that sometimes gets quite negative with constant classroom behavior issues and low work performance. You might also be surprised to find that when you invest in a student's outside activities, they will begin to invest more in your classroom activities.

Teacher of Impact-

Don't get so tied to curriculum and grades, that you lose focus of the bigger picture- life long success. As teachers, we impact our students in ways that are not just academic in nature. Listening to a student's problems is every bit as important as teaching them about the World War I.
While you may not connect with every student on a deeper level, there is nothing that keeps teachers in the profession more than having past students return to thank them, or involve them in their adult lives.

Satisfaction NOT Guaranteed-

While most believe that every child can learn, I submit that not every child can learn RIGHT NOW! Some come to an appreciation of education long after they leave your tutelage. Being able to accept the fact that you will not be successful with some kids, or perhaps better put, that all kids will not be successful during their time with you, is a huge, necessary admission for longevity in the profession.

Burnout IS avoidable, and many teachers who have devoted their lives to the profession have found long lasting satisfaction and rewarding life long relationships as a result.

Learn more about this author, Tim Driver.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Avoiding teacher burnout?
We want to hear your view. Write now!