Hey there, educators and change-makers,
Let’s talk about the thing that’s burning through school systems faster than we care to admit: teacher burnout.
Not the buzzword kind. The real, soul-grinding kind that leaves passionate, talented educators questioning if it’s even worth staying.
I’ve spent the last year visiting schools across the country. Urban, rural, charter, public—you name it. And no matter where I go, I hear the same things over and over again.
Here are the 5 biggest reasons teachers are burning out—and a few thoughts on what we can do to actually shift the system.
Teachers aren’t just teaching anymore. They’re grading, calling parents, running clubs, managing behaviors, writing IEPs, covering classes, and attending meetings—often without a moment to eat or even use the restroom.
This isn’t a work ethic issue. It’s a system that demands more than is humanly sustainable.
Fix it: Schedule protected planning time. Start treating teacher calendars like sacred ground.
We preach critical thinking to students—but teachers are often forced to follow scripts, stick to pacing guides, and color inside the lines.
And here’s the secret: even rigid systems don’t produce consistency. They just produce anxiety.
Fix it: Train and trust teachers. Set clear goals, but give them the flexibility to teach their way.
The number of educators who say they feel unsupported when it comes to student discipline is staggering. Too often, teachers are left alone to manage increasingly complex behavioral needs.
Fix it: Behavior systems have to be campus-wide. Admin support needs to be visible, consistent, and proactive.
Staff rooms where negativity rules? Veteran teachers who vent to newbies? Passive-aggressive emails? Yeah, we’ve all seen it.
When school culture turns cold, burnout gets contagious.
Fix it: Focus on relationships. Celebrate progress. Build a mentorship model that actually works.
Let’s be real. Passion doesn’t pay the bills. Many teachers work second jobs, coach after school, or tutor on the side—just to make ends meet.
Fix it: While we fight for policy change, we can at least acknowledge financial stress, offer flexible stipends, and explore partnerships that ease the load.
Bottom line?
Burnout isn’t just about workload. It’s about a system that isn’t built to support the humans keeping it afloat.
But here’s the good news: we can change that—school by school, leader by leader, choice by choice.
If this resonated, consider sharing it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you’re ready to dig deeper, subscribe below and join me weekly on The Traveling Principal Show.
✊ In solidarity,
Joe Clausi
Veteran educator. Leadership consultant. Traveler of hallways.