Preventing Teacher Burnout:
Top 5 Strategies Every School Needs
From Burnout to Belonging: How Schools Can Keep Great Teachers and Elevate the Teaching Profession.
The staffing shortage crisis in schools isn’t just about low salaries—it’s about teacher burnout, lack of support, and feeling undervalued. Across the country, teachers are leaving the profession at alarming rates, overwhelmed by large class sizes, administrative burdens, and the emotional weight of their work.
But what if we flipped the script? What if we invested in educators the way they invest in their students? Retention isn’t just about keeping teachers in the classroom—it’s about making teaching a profession people want to stay in.
Here’s how schools, administrators, and communities can take action to support educators, prevent teacher burnout, and shift the narrative around teaching.
1. Treat Teaching as a Profession, Not a Sacrifice
Too often, teachers are seen as martyrs rather than professionals. To change that narrative, schools must:
- Celebrate Teaching as a Career Choice – Highlight success stories, provide clear career pathways, and showcase the impact educators make.
- Elevate Teacher Voices – Involve teachers in decision-making processes that affect curriculum, scheduling, and student learning.
- Provide Career Growth Opportunities – Offer teacher leadership roles, mentorship programs, and micro-credentialing to encourage professional development.
2. Reduce Teacher Burnout by Prioritizing Well-Being
Teacher burnout doesn’t come from disliking teaching, but because the demands are unsustainable. Schools must proactively create a culture of well-being:
- Streamline Administrative Tasks – Automate lesson planning tools, grading, and paperwork so teachers can focus on what truly matters—teaching.
- Implement Work-Life Balance Initiatives – Respect pre-scheduled personal time, offer flexible work schedules, and encourage mental health breaks.
- Provide Mental Health & Wellness Resources – Offer stress management training, counseling services, and mindfulness programs to help educators build resilience.
3. Invest in Professional Development That Matters
Generic, one-size-fits-all training doesn’t cut it. Teachers need ongoing, relevant professional learning that helps them grow and stay engaged.
- Teacher-Led Learning Communities – Encourage educators to lead PD workshops on topics they’re passionate about.
- Micro-Credentialing & Skill-Based Training – Offer bite-sized certifications that align with teachers’ career aspirations, whether it’s instructional leadership, EdTech, or culturally responsive teaching.
- Mentorship for New Teachers – Pairing new educators with experienced mentors helps build confidence, reduce stress, and improve retention.
4. Empower Educators with Autonomy & Ownership
One of the biggest reasons teacher burnout causes turnover? Lack of control. When teachers feel empowered, they stay engaged and invested in their work.
- Flexible Curriculum Design – Give educators room to customize lessons that fit their students’ needs and interests.
- Student-Led Learning Models – Encourage project-based learning and student choice boards, reducing teacher burden while increasing student engagement.
- Data-Driven Decision Making – Equip teachers with real-time student performance data so they can adjust strategies without added workload.
5. Build a Stronger Teacher Pipeline
Teacher burnout and staffing shortages won’t be solved overnight, but schools can actively grow their own talent pool:
- Teacher Residency & Fellowship Programs – Partner with universities to offer paid, hands-on training for future educators.
- Recruit from the Community – Hire local talent who understand the culture and challenges of the students they serve.
- Reframe the Teaching Profession – Highlight teaching as a career of impact, not just sacrifice, and attract top talent into the field.
The Future of Teaching Starts Now
If we want to retain great educators, we must change the way we value, support, and invest in them. Schools that prioritize teacher well-being, professional growth, and autonomy will see higher retention, stronger student outcomes, and a more vibrant learning environment.
We can create better school environments by understanding what causes teacher burnout and using effective strategies. From focusing on professional development to building a supportive culture, these methods can help teachers stay motivated and happy – ultimately solving the burnout equation.
At PRACTICE, we know how tough it can be for school administrators and principals dealing with teacher burnout. Our programs are designed with these challenges in mind, offering practical solutions in tutoring and software for schools, teachers, and students. Let’s build schools where teachers don’t just stay—they thrive.
Let’s work together to support your educators and build a sustainable future for teaching – reach out via ‘Contact Us‘ form to learn more about how we can help your school alleviate teacher burnout.
Want to learn how PRACTICE can support your school in preventing teacher burnout while ensuring teachers get the support they need to thrive?
Let’s work together to lighten the load for educators and create lasting impact for students—get started today!
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The PRACTICE Difference
PRACTICE partners with Title I K-12 schools to close learning gaps, boost math and reading proficiency, and increase graduation rates. Since 2010, we’ve empowered over 100,000 low-income students through evidence-based tutoring, program support, and user-friendly gradebook software. PRACTICE is committed to enriching urban education by tailoring solutions to meet each school’s needs, supporting both students and teachers along the way. We’re more than just educators; we’re dedicated champions for every child’s success.