The Teacher Burnout Crisis—And How We Can Fix It

The Growing Crisis of Teacher Burnout

Recently, while on a walk with a friend, our conversation turned to FocusedKids and our work supporting teacher well-being in the community. She mentioned a friend who was struggling. “She’s not sure how much longer she can hold on,” she said. When I asked if I knew the teacher she was referring to, I was surprised to learn it was someone I had always seen as a seasoned, accomplished, and composed educator—someone I would have never expected to be on the brink of burnout.

This isn’t the first time I’ve had this experience. In recent years, I’ve watched dedicated, highly respected teachers—true experts in their field—begin to unravel. The stress is simply becoming too much to bear.

Understanding the Root Causes

Research tells us that self-sacrifice leads to burnout. Teachers are really good at sacrificing their own well-being in order to fulfill the demands of their job.

“Teacher burnout is a pervasive issue characterized by chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged job-related stress. This phenomenon not only affects educators’ well-being but also impairs their effectiveness in the classroom, ultimately impacting student outcomes.” –colorincolorado.org

Teaching has long been a demanding profession—underpaid, overworked, and often undervalued. Great teachers enter the field driven by a deep passion for educating, guiding, and supporting students and their families. But over time, the weight of that passion, combined with relentless stress, becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

The Changing Landscape of Education

What has changed over the years to drive the rise in teacher burnout? Based on my observations and the subjective data I’ve gathered, several key factors stand out:

• Classrooms today are marked by high levels of dysregulation—students struggling with focus, increased school refusal (even in preschool), and challenging behaviors that are difficult to manage
• Concerns about school safety
• Mounting demands from administrators and districts
• The ever-growing need for extreme differentiation to support a wider range of diagnoses

These compounded pressures are making it increasingly difficult for teachers to sustain their passion and well-being in the profession.

A Story of Hope: One Teacher’s Journey

Three years ago, I worked with a second-grade class in our community. The students were delightful—eager to learn, excited when I walked in for a FocusedKids lesson, and always ready to share a story, show off a new toy or fidget, or report on a classmate who had upset them earlier in the day.

Their teacher was just as wonderful—young, energetic, intelligent, and deeply dedicated. As a mother of young children herself, she approached her students with patience and care. But despite her passion, the daily realities of the classroom were wearing her down. Students moved in and out for specialized classes, individualized learning plans demanded constant adjustments, and active children who struggled to sit still were strategically placed to allow movement without disrupting their peers.

As much as I adored both the teacher and her students, I left that classroom exhausted after just 30 minutes. I could only imagine how drained she felt by the end of each day.

This was the kind of classroom that could easily lead to burnout. But what happened instead was remarkable.

Rather than resenting her students for challenges beyond their control, she embraced the FocusedKids method. She did what I had done when I was on the brink of burnout—she shut her door and leaned into the practices that could sustain her. She created calming corners, built in multiple brain breaks, prioritized relationships, and connected with her students on a deeper level. She showed up for them—breathing with them, supporting them, and loving them—while also learning to show up for herself.

At the end of the school year, she told me, “FocusedKids saved me from quitting my job.”

This “magical” success story is just one of many we hear from teachers in our community. And the good news? With a little intention, consistent practice, and the right strategies in place, teachers can rediscover their love for the profession and regain the confidence that they can do this.

Reversing teacher burnout starts with self-compassion.

Step 1: Have Compassion for Yourself

“As we create more peace for ourselves, we create more peace for the world,” says Hunter Clarke-Fields. This profound insight reminds us that self-compassion isn’t selfish—it’s essential for creating positive change both in and beyond the classroom. If this feels difficult or unfamiliar, start by exploring the research-backed tools of self-compassion. I encourage you to watch our PD session with Hunter Clarke-Fields, where she beautifully outlines practical strategies for teachers to nurture themselves while navigating daily stressors.

Step 2: Say No

Take an honest look at what’s on your plate—both personally and professionally. What can you let go of? What can someone else take on? Teachers often fall into the mindset that their classroom—or the world—will fall apart without them. And while it may feel that way at times, the truth is, things can get done without you. Setting boundaries isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.

Step 3: Create a Calmer, More Connected Classroom

Small, intentional changes can transform the classroom environment. Build in moments to pause, breathe, and truly show up alongside your students. The more regulated you are, the more your students will mirror that calm.

Step 4: Take Care of Yourself—Even in Small Ways

Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Start small. A three-minute walk without your phone. A few deep, intentional breaths. A sip of water, a mindful snack, a moment of stillness. These small acts, done consistently, add up to real change.

Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice

At FocusedKids, we say this all the time—the brain thrives on consistency. What you practice, you wire your brain for. Where you focus your attention, energy flows. It’s not about how long you practice, but how often you do. Small, steady efforts create lasting change.

FocusedKids is here to support you every step of the way on your journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling teaching experience. Through our monthly Professional Development Series and classroom lessons, we provide practical tools and strategies you can implement right away. Stay connected with us and access our latest resources by signing up for our newsletters and following us on social media. We’re constantly developing new materials and creating opportunities to support teachers like you in building calmer, more connected classrooms. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone—we’re here to help you thrive, not just survive, in your teaching career.

Teachers are incredible at what they do—but they often put their own needs last. Let today be the day you shift that. Prioritize yourself. Make space for your well-being. You deserve a happier, healthier life.

You’ve got this.