How a Coach Can Support Teachers with Burnout
Teaching is a profession driven by passion, but it often comes at a cost.
Long hours
high expectations
and emotional strain leaves many educators exhausted and disillusioned.
Studies show that 72% of teachers in the UK experience work-related stress, and one-third consider leaving the profession within five years (Education Support Partnership, 2019).
With so much at stake, how can coaching help teachers regain control and avoid burnout?
The Cost of Burnout: When Passion Becomes Exhaustion
Burnout is more than just tiredness; it’s a state of chronic stress that affects mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Symptoms include:
Constant fatigue and lack of motivation
Increased irritability and emotional exhaustion
Feeling ineffective or unappreciated
Struggling with work-life balance
Health problems such as headaches, insomnia, and anxiety
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to serious consequences—both personally and professionally.
Teachers who burn out often experience declining mental health, strained relationships, and reduced classroom effectiveness.
What If You Had Support?
When I was a teacher, burnout hit me hard. I pushed through, believing that working harder was the only solution. But if I had a coach, I would have been able to implement strategies that made my workload manageable while protecting my well-being.
A coach doesn’t just give advice—they help you shift your mindset, develop practical coping strategies, and create a personalised plan to reduce stress. Here’s a few strategies:
1. The 'Do, Delegate, or Dump' Strategy
One of the biggest contributors to burnout is the belief that everything is essential. A coach helps teachers categorise tasks into three groups:
Do: Tasks that are high-priority and must be done personally.
Delegate: Tasks that can be shared or assigned to others (e.g., student-led activities, admin help).
Dump: Tasks that are unnecessary or don’t contribute to teaching effectiveness.
This strategy alone can free up time and reduce stress.
2. Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
Many teachers struggle to set boundaries, fearing they will let others down. A coach helps reframe boundaries as an act of self-preservation, not selfishness. This includes:
Saying no to unrealistic expectations.
Creating work-life separation (e.g., not answering emails after work hours).
Protecting non-teaching time for personal well-being.
By reinforcing boundaries, teachers can reclaim personal time without guilt.
3. Restorative Self-Care That Actually Works
Many teachers dismiss self-care as “just another thing to do.” But real self-care isn’t about spa days; it’s about strategic recovery. Coaches help teachers implement:
Micro-breaks: Five-minute pauses throughout the day to reset.
Movement: Gentle stretching, walks, or breathing exercises to release tension.
Reflection: Journaling or gratitude practices to shift focus from stress to small wins.
Rather than waiting until exhaustion hits, self-care becomes a sustainable part of daily routines.
Long-Term Career Fulfillment
Some teachers reach a point where they need to ask, Do I want to stay in teaching, or is it time for a change?
A coach provides unbiased support in making this decision. Whether it’s rediscovering passion within the classroom or exploring new career options, coaching empowers teachers to make informed choices rather than feeling stuck.
From Surviving to Thriving
Imagine waking up without the crushing weight of exhaustion. Imagine stepping into your classroom with renewed energy, knowing you have strategies to protect your well-being. That’s the transformation coaching provides.
Teachers who work with coaches report:
Greater clarity and control over workload
Stronger emotional resilience
A renewed sense of purpose in their careers
Coaching isn’t about fixing teachers—it’s about giving them the tools to thrive.
Take Action: Join a Community of Support
You don’t have to navigate burnout alone. Join our Facebook group ‘From Surviving to Thriving for Teachers’—a safe space where educators share strategies, support each other, and take steps toward a healthier work-life balance.
Join here: From Thriving to Surviving
Let’s move from burnout to balance, from surviving to thriving.
