Three weeks into the new school year and many teachers are already feeling exhausted. Teachers from different schools are sharing the same story—they are tired and overwhelmed. Long hours spent planning lessons, preparing materials and handling classroom tasks leave them with little time for themselves. Many teachers feel they barely have time for their own families and their social lives are nonexistent. Despite their efforts, they feel like they can never catch up.

The question is: when will it stop? When will school leaders realise that overworked, tired teachers cannot help a school achieve success? Each week, teachers face the “Sunday Scaries,” dreading the upcoming workweek. Burnout is becoming a common issue among teachers and it’s something that can no longer be ignored.

What is Teacher Burnout?

Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. For teachers, this often happens when the demands of the job become too much. Symptoms of burnout include fatigue, frustration and a lack of motivation. Burnt-out teachers may also get sick more often and struggle to balance their personal and professional lives.

Burnout affects teachers deeply. Many start to feel like they are failing their children, even though they are working hard. This leads to guilt and frustration. They spend hours on tasks like grading, lesson planning and responding to administrative requests, leaving little time for self-care.

The Impact on Teachers’ Personal Lives

Burnout doesn’t just affect teachers in the classroom—it also impacts their lives at home. Many teachers report that they have little to no time for their own children or family. After long days of work, they don’t have the energy to enjoy their personal lives. Teaching, a profession that many enter with passion and excitement, starts to feel like an endless grind.

School leaders often push teachers to achieve high standards without considering their well-being. If teachers take a sick day or a mental health break, they may feel judged or unsupported. However, the constant pressure from management and the endless demands of the job make it difficult to sustain good health—physically or mentally.

What Schools and Parents Can Do

The problem goes beyond individual teachers; it’s part of a larger issue in the education system. Many schools expect teachers to work long hours and take on more responsibilities, thinking that this will lead to better results. But this is not the case. Schools need to understand that tired, unhappy teachers cannot give their best in the classroom.

Parents also play a role in this. Teachers are often expected to be available 24/7, responding to emails late at night and addressing concerns at any time. Parents need to realise that teachers, like everyone else, need time to rest and recharge.

How Schools Can Help

To address burnout, schools must make some changes. Here are a few steps they can take:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Schools should focus on what’s achievable, rather than pushing teachers to meet unrealistic goals. Improving the quality of education should not come at the expense of teacher well-being.
2. Provide Support: Schools need to create a culture where teachers feel supported. This could include professional development, peer support groups, or simply allowing teachers to take time off without guilt.
3. Limit After-Hours Work: Schools should set clear boundaries for communication with parents. Teachers should not be expected to answer emails or phone calls outside of working hours unless it’s an emergency.
4. Focus on Teacher Wellness: Schools should take care of their teachers just as they take care of their students. Offering wellness programs, mental health resources, and regular check-ins can make a big difference in preventing burnout.

How Parents Can Help

Parents can also help reduce teacher burnout by:

1. Respecting Boundaries: Understand that teachers have personal lives outside of school. Avoid sending emails or making requests late at night unless it’s urgent.
2. Showing Appreciation: A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Teachers often work behind the scenes to ensure your child’s success, so showing gratitude is important.
3. Communicating Kindly: When reaching out to teachers, approach with kindness and understanding. Recognise the pressures they face, and try to reduce unnecessary stress.

The Future of Education Depends on Teachers

Teacher burnout is a serious issue that must be addressed. Schools cannot expect great results from teachers who are overworked and stressed. If we want a bright future for education, we need to take care of the people who make it possible—our teachers. Both schools and parents have a role to play in making sure teachers feel supported, respected and energised to continue doing the important work of educating our children.