Why is teaching so hard? This question has been asked by more than one teacher. It usually begins with a questioning look, a dazed gaze out the window, and a small sigh before it’s asked. Why is teaching so hard? Well, let’s look at it. The focus shifts from lesson design and classroom strategies. It […]
The early signs of overwhelm rarely show up as a clear warning. Most of the time, nothing in particular has gone wrong. The class is still running. You’re still responding, still managing, still doing what you always do. And yet, something has shifted internally. You can feel yourself working harder to stay steady than you
Teachers often experience a buildup of stress even when nothing is visibly wrong, resulting in physiological signs like muscle tension and reduced emotional bandwidth. This internal strain stems from continuous classroom demands, leading to an accumulation of pressure. Brief moment-specific interventions can help alleviate this stress without needing full recovery.
Not Every Hard Day Is Burnout There’s a lot of language right now about burnout in teaching. And while burnout is real, not every hard day is burnout. Some days are just too much at once. They are teacher overload. What Teacher Overload Actually Looks Like The day fills with decisions that must be made
What Teacher Overload Feels Like: Relentless and Not Burnout Read More »
Teachers don’t get enough credit for their resilience. Spending a day with your nervous system dragged around can feel overwhelming. It’s akin to being a substitute teacher on the first day of school. The bells, the announcements, the questions, the sudden chaos. Then, there are the emails that start with “Just checking in.” It’s a
14 Tiny Teacher Habits for Daily Resilience Read More »
There’s a quiet truth in education that almost everyone feels. Very few people name it: schools are full of adults who are carrying trauma. We talk a lot about student trauma — and we should. Somewhere along the way, the trauma that teachers, paraprofessionals, and aides absorb gets treated like an afterthought. This includes counselors,
Supporting Educators: Addressing Teacher Trauma Read More »
Trauma experienced by teachers extends beyond individual incidents, adversely affecting their interactions and the school culture. Unlike burnout, trauma requires specific acknowledgment and support. Addressing staff trauma fosters a healthier environment, enhancing retention, engagement, and student safety. Systemic change is essential for recognizing and addressing the impact of trauma within educational settings.
The Silent Impact of Trauma on Educators: Beyond Burnout Read More »
[When a student was murdered during the school day at my school, district officials gave us snacks and scripts—but no space to grieve. This is the silent crisis driving teachers away, and until we acknowledge it, the retention problem will only get worse.
The Hidden Costs of Teacher Trauma in Schools Read More »
The discussion around teacher wellness often emphasizes burnout, overlooking the deeper issue of teacher trauma arising from exposure to students’ struggles and systemic pressures. While burnout can be healed with care, trauma requires acknowledgment and meaningful support. Addressing trauma shifts responsibility from teachers to the systems affecting their well-being, enabling effective solutions.
Understanding Teacher Trauma vs. Burnout Read More »
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