Q: “How do I stay motivated to innovate and avoid burnout when students aren’t motivated, and educators and their administrators have defaulted to non-tech or low-tech?”
-Signed, A teacher looking for help
A: As we continue to navigate the complexities of teaching, many of us find ourselves grappling with burnout and a dip in motivation — on the part of students and ourselves. The pandemic has undeniably changed the educational landscape, leading to shifts in teaching methods, student engagement, and our interactions with technology. So, how do we stay motivated without succumbing to burnout?
Understanding burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. In the context of education, it can manifest as feelings of cynicism, detachment, a reduced sense of accomplishment, and an increased desire to leave the profession. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, teachers who experience burnout are less effective in their roles, which can negatively impact student outcomes (Skaalvik & Skaalvik, 2017).
Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step toward addressing it. Feeling some of the symptoms of burnout is not uncommon in any education career since we are expected to handle a variety of stresses daily and don’t often get the downtime we need. Usually putting student needs first, educators have a hard time shutting off. This was my experience in the classroom, which often had me on my computer or phone until late into the night, providing feedback and answering emails because I didn’t want to let my students down. I recognize now that this was not healthy or sustainable.
Reignite your passion for teaching
- Reflect on your why: Take some time to reconnect with your motivation for teaching. What inspired you to enter this profession? Reflecting on your core values and the impact you wish to have on your students can reignite your passion. Consider writing a personal mission statement that encapsulates your teaching philosophy. You can share this statement on social media or with your colleagues at school if you don’t want to be online.
- Set realistic goals: Innovation doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire curriculum or getting a new degree. Start small by setting achievable goals. For instance, you might aim to incorporate one new technology tool each month or develop a single innovative lesson plan. Breaking down larger objectives into manageable tasks can help reduce feelings of overwhelm. Consider collaborating with a peer in your building outside of your department or a colleague from a different school that can create excitement. I once worked with a journalism education colleague who brought students to NY from Florida, and our kids did an assignment together. The day ensued like an in-school field trip, and the students, the other teacher, and I had an outstanding experience.
Foster student engagement
- Incorporate student voice: Engaging students in the decision-making process can increase their motivation and investment in learning. Consider conducting surveys to understand their interests and preferences. This feedback can guide your instructional choices and foster a sense of ownership among students. It can also reduce the amount of work and expectations you put on yourself if you share the load with your students. In addition to surveys, consider suggestion boxes, station rotations, genius hours, and other opportunities for students to contribute to the what and how of the classroom.
- Embrace flexibility: The pandemic has taught us the value of adaptability. Allow for flexibility in assignments and deadlines, recognizing that students may still adjust to the new normal. Offering options for how they complete tasks — such as through technology or traditional methods — can cater to diverse learning styles and needs. It is extremely helpful to offer students opportunities to learn about how they like to learn best and then use that information to plan future lessons. If you have students who understand they are kinesthetic learners, for example, they can advocate for opportunities that promote movement. Understanding multi-modal approaches to demonstrating learning helps all students.
Leverage technology wisely
- Find the right balance: While some educators have reverted to traditional methods, technology can still play a vital role in enhancing learning experiences. Identify specific tools that align with your teaching goals. For example, learning management systems can streamline communication and submission processes, making it easier for students to stay on track. Blogs can be a great way to make writing public, giving students an authentic learning audience and increasing engagement and motivation. Screencasting tools can allow students to demonstrate learning if presenting live increases their anxiety. And there are so many tools out there that you might even let students research and report back on the ones worth trying.
Self-care and support
- Prioritize self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial in preventing burnout. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones. Research shows that self-care practices can enhance resilience and reduce stress (Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012). For me, in my roughest times in the classroom, therapy helped me work through personal and professional challenges. Often, school health care policies provide for these kinds of services. A mindfulness diet can also be helpful if this is something that works for you. Personally, I enjoy a meditative walk in nature, free from distractions. I’m also working on taking digital breaks and removing work apps and email from my phone to stay focused on the present.
- Build a support network: Connect with colleagues to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Collaborating with fellow educators can provide new perspectives and help you feel less isolated. Consider forming a professional learning community (PLC) to discuss innovative practices and support one another. Sunshine clubs, regular coffee dates with friends, or shared activities can be bonding and decompressing time, bringing excitement back to work. Consider organizing a teacher field trip or retreat where folks can connect and escape the usual routine.
Celebrate small wins
- Acknowledge progress: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reflect on the innovative practices you have implemented and their positive impact on your students. Recognizing your progress can boost your motivation and remind you of the difference you are making. I used to keep a blog and would write and reflect after both challenging and productive classes, capitalizing on new learning. It always felt good to share and stay positive.
- Seek feedback: Regularly seek feedback from students and colleagues about your teaching methods and innovations. Constructive feedback can provide insights into what is working and what may need adjustment, helping you refine your approach and stay engaged. Building Pineapple Charts for visiting classes or Lesson Study may be a great way to work with colleagues and learn from each other.
Staying motivated to innovate in education while avoiding burnout is challenging, but it is achievable through intentional reflection, goal setting, and self-care. By embracing flexibility, leveraging technology, and building a supportive network, you can create a thriving learning environment for yourself and your students. The journey of innovation is continuous, and it is essential to prioritize your well-being along the way. Together, we can navigate these challenges and continue to inspire the next generation of learners.
References:
Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2017). Teacher burnout: A review of the literature. Journal of Educational Psychology.
Cohen, S., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2012). Who’s stressed? Distributions of psychological stress in the population. Current Directions in Psychological Science.
Have a question that you’d like Career Confidential to answer? Email ssackstein@educatorsrising.org. All names and schools will remain confidential. No identifying information will be included in the published questions and answers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Starr Sackstein
Starr Sackstein is the Massachusetts state coordinator for PDK’s Educators Rising program, COO of Mastery Portfolio, an education consultant, instructional coach, and author. She was a high school English and journalism teacher and school district curriculum leader. She is the author of more than 15 educational books, including Hacking Assessment (Times 10, 2015), Making an Impact Outside of the Classroom (Routledge, 2024), and Actionable Assessment (Routledge, 2026).
Visit their website at: https://www.mssackstein.com/
