Ending Educator Burnout
Educator burnout has reached a critical point, with K-12 workers experiencing the highest burnout rates of any industry in the U.S. (Marken & Agrawal, 2022). Over half of teachers are considering leaving the profession early (American Federation of Teachers, 2022), creating an urgent crisis that demands more than temporary fixes. We need solutions that address the root causes of burnout, transforming teaching from a draining endeavor into a sustainable, fulfilling career. But what exactly is burnout, and why does it matter? Most importantly, what can be done to address it?
What Is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that builds up over time due to prolonged work-related stress (Canu et al., 2021). For educators, burnout often involves three main symptoms: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of accomplishment (Maslach, 2018). These symptoms might show up as fatigue, irritability, or a sense of detachment from their work. Many teachers describe burnout as a constant feeling of defeat, as if no amount of effort can make a difference.
Why Does Burnout Matter?
Teachers are the most significant school-based factor in student success (Chetty, Friedman, & Rockoff, 2014). When teachers are burned out, their effectiveness in the classroom suffers, directly impacting student outcomes. Burnout can also lead to stress contagion, where students pick up on the stress and frustration of their teachers, affecting their social-emotional development and the overall classroom climate (Oberle & Schonert-Reichl, 2016; Jennings & Greenberg, 2009).
The effects of burnout reach far beyond the individual teacher; as experienced educators leave the profession, it becomes increasingly challenging to attract new teachers. This makes addressing burnout essential not just for retaining current educators but also for sustaining a healthy pipeline of future teachers. The stakes are high: tackling burnout is crucial for building a sustainable, impactful educational system.
What Can We Do About It?
Burnout affects each educator differently, but research shows that it’s primarily driven by systemic issues, not individual shortcomings (Maslach, 2003). Quick fixes like occasional self-care days or staff-room treats might provide temporary relief, but they don’t get to the heart of the problem—and in some cases, they can even make burnout feel more isolating.
At Vital, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of focusing on “self-care” alone, we work with schools and districts to create lasting change through “organizational growth.” We begin by gathering insights directly from educators on three critical areas that impact their work experience: voice and decision-making, time management, and care and support. With these insights, we help schools set improvement goals and develop strategies that address the root causes of burnout, creating workplaces where teachers feel valued, supported, and motivated.
This isn’t about short-term morale boosts; it’s about building the foundations for a sustainable teaching environment where educators can thrive in their roles and be effective in the classroom.
A Vision for Sustainable Education
Ending educator burnout is about more than just retention—it’s about reshaping the teaching profession into one that’s sustainable, rewarding, and impactful. When we prioritize the well-being of teachers, we create a positive ripple effect that reaches students, schools, and the broader educational system. Vital is committed to supporting teachers and administrators in this mission, helping to build schools where teachers and students can reach their full potential.
Ready to be part of the change? Stay connected with us at Vital to learn more about how we’re supporting educators and making a difference in the fight against burnout.