Coping with mid-year teacher burnout

Educators: We are a little over halfway through the school year, and the feeling of being burned out is already creeping in for some of us or is already in full effect. What are some things you can do to help ease the burden? Try these five tips for coping for mid-year burnout.

1. Remember that learning is fun! Try to incorporate more hands-on activities that align with your lessons. Projects and interactive lessons can add a spark to your day and that of your students. These tend to be more memorable for students too. 
2. Find alternative ways to grade. Taking a load of papers home to grade over the weekend can add unnecessary stress to the only time you get to wind down. Find alternative ways to grade during the school day. Use Google Forms to have the computer grade assignments for you, or have students grade each other’s work.
3. Give yourself grace. Remind yourself you are one person and can’t be perfect at everything. Educators tend to be so hard on themselves. Instead, prioritize your tasks, and know that you may not get through everything in one day. We are flexible and differentiate for our students; we need to do the same with ourselves.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if you have taught in the classroom for many years, it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help! Whether it is technology, curriculum or new ways to manage behaviors, any educator regardless of how long they have been teaching can learn something new from a colleague. Sometimes what works with one class does not work with another, therefore it is always good to ask for new tips and ideas. 
5. Recharge. Go out of your way to plan a day or weekend where you don’t think about the classroom. It is not selfish! You can’t pour from an empty cup. 

What are some things that help you cope with burnout? Share your tips with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (7). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent over 10 years educating third graders, with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.