Can We Recognize Educator Burnout?

As we pass the anniversary of when schools across the United States closed, we must reflect.   A year ago, it was anticipated that schools would be closed for a few weeks, but the reality was something we could not have imagined.  This has been a trying and difficult time for many.  It is vital to recognize the pressure our educators have endured.  Most educators wanted to continue to foster the success of our children but needed assistance and guidance to make this happen while keeping themselves and their own families safe. 

Educators continue to be placed in an impossible position.  As I have stated in previous posts, our education system is in massive need of an overhaul and should not solely lie on the shoulders of the educators.  We are asking and requiring educators to meet an insurmountable task and have to acknowledge the stress and pressure that causes.  This will and has led to burnout.   

The burnout educators are experiencing has caused many of them to consider their profession.  This has pushed educators to retire or find a new career.  As of August 2020, the number of educators in training programs has dropped by a third since 2010.  We can only begin to anticipate how more educators have or will leave the profession due to the pandemic.  Educators need our support.  

Parents have been vocal about their feelings of being inadequate educators for their own children.  Educators are a vital part of our community and need our support now more than ever.  It is always important to share our gratitude to our educators but we also need to find continuous ways to support them.  One way, specifically for district leadership, would be to provide mentors or coaches beyond the first few years in teaching.   Let’s continue to train experienced educators to mentor newer educators.  Most districts do not supply mentors after an educator’s first couple of years but many could benefit from the continued support or access to the support.  Educators also need to be provided with meaningful and purposeful professional development. We as parents, could provide words of encouragement and choose positive intent first.  Instead of being quick to send your dissatisfaction with social media.  We can do better which in turn will help create a stronger community and support for our children.  

#standreadytosupport