I am a burned out teacher. What can I do with my life?

Question

I have been teaching in a low income/high risk urban school district for 8 years. I enjoy the kids and the challenge of teaching them, although I do worry about personal safety sometimes. I just feel really burned out because in addition to teaching these little people, I also have MOUNTAINS of paperwork that I am responsible for. It's not important, just BS. that basically justifies someone higher ups' position. I really feel like I cannot do all of this and be an effective teacher, and also a mother-there is just not enough time in the day. I feel as though my family suffers because I am so stressed out when I get home.

I have an undergarduate teaching degree and a master's degree in Liberal Studies( I chose this field of study because I suspected that I could not do my present job for 30 years). What else can I do with these credentials? Please give me some ideas. I'd like to work from home, although that isn't necessary, and I don't want to have to travel.

Answer 1

I quit teaching about 4 years ago. I still do subbing, but it is none of the paperwork or headaches. Also have a landscaping business that goes from spring through fall. I am single, so I don't have to support a family. Do you have a spouse working? If you can possibly get away with it, just quit. You will find something else. Even if you work in a shopping mall, you will find that the life change gives you inspiration. I initially left thinking it would just be a leave of absence. The relief I felt was unanticipated. It was kind of like having your head in a vice for so long that you don't know how uncomfortable it is until someone takes it off! I had flashback type nightmares for about 3 years about having stressful situations in the classroom. Now I am actually considering going back into teaching, but either in a private school or abroad. I never want to do the urban public school district again. I know exactly what you are talking about. You can collect a nice paycheck and benefits, but it is not worth it. Get out while you can.

Answer 2

Burned Out Teacher

Answer 3

Jobs For Burned Out Teachers

Answer 4

Hello friend Ovais, teachers would show light to expel the darkness of ignorance. So giving light is just like a burning candle. As candle burns, it gets melted. In those days teachers were not well paid due to so many reasons. So they had to live a simple life. That is why it is mentioned as at the cost of their welfare they did help to others in wiping out the ignorance. But now a days it is not so. They are well paid and most of the teachers are not up to their mark both in the subject mastery and doing service to the humanity. So no more use of saying that teacher is a candle. Students have web sites to get information and learn on their own. This is the modern trend. But there are some teachers who still burn as a candle to give light to show the righteous path for the youngsters to bring peace in the world. They definitely live a simple life without any expectation both material and fame. Simply they perform their duties as they enjoy doing so.

Answer 5

My mom retired from teaching in 2000 - a little early for her - because of all the 'extra' crap she had to do.
She was a great teacher, but at the end I think she was a little burned out.

Have you thought about working at a place like Sylvan Learning Centers? You would really be helping kids - but without all the extra stuff that goes with teaching. Or have you thought about applying at a private school or a college? A community college, teaching literature, or basic math...whatever you like best. You could teach adults English as a second language. You could tutor students in your home. There are a lot of options out there - if you enjoy teaching, you're probably good at it. It would be a shame to let that go to waste... I hope you find something that you enjoy!

Answer 6

Have you considered becoming a consultant for a publishing company? Depending on where you live, you might not have to travel much. Also many large companies like to hire former teachers to give their company inservices. It sounds like you could be in a federally funded job. If so, a change in assignment might make a difference or consider changing districts. I don't think going into administration will get you out of the stress and mountains of paperwork.

I went from teaching primary to 5-6-7 and am so much happier.

Answer 7

Have you thought about teaching at a community college or university? The atmosphere is a bit better and might lift some of the "responsibility "off your shoulders. I personally enjoy and envy the freedom my professors have. I work in a hospital and the teaching staff here is excellent although it may require additonal education like a RN degree but the hours are nine to five, no holidays or weekends.

Research your options in education the fact that you have experience and degrees can point you in many directions. Have you just thought about playing the field and applying for jobs that require a masters or bachlors?

Is it possible that you can communicate these feelings to your current employer and apply for a better position that would not require you to face burnout? I know its hard but I am sure you will make a good decision. Good luck.

Answer 8

First I am so sorry teacher are so overworked and under paid in this country. It's ridiculous. Teacher should make about 75,000 a year. In this way we would attract great mind to teach . Currently if you have a great mind and want to teach it's a personal sacrifice.Why don't you advertise to teach kids being home schooled. Moms would get a break, kids would enjoy the change in their teacher,plus very little paperwork. You could fill in your schedule being a sub till your business gets established. Sorry we're loosing another good teacher.

Answer 9

With your experience of multi-tasking and of frontline teaching, as well as a graduate degree, you could develop a career as a consultant for school boards on best practices for the kind of difficult but rewarding districts where you have been teaching. It will give you the satisfaction of translating bad experiences into real change. Talk to your school board and see how it makes decisions. You could also offer teacher training, either freelance or through a community college. If there is a subject you particularly like, try contacting textbook publishers or museums/institutions and suggest developing written or audio resources on those subjects. Good luck!

Answer 10

Take a break! Or change schools and find a teaching job somewhere else. Don't assume that every school will be the same. Just start looking for another job - even if it is delivering the mail or doing something outside what you went to school for. Remember life is short and you should not spend your time working at a place you don't enjoy. Go back to school and learn how to develop websites or something you can do from home. Just remember that owning a business or doing something from home doesn't mean that it will not be stressful. I have my own home business and at times I work twice as hard as I did for someone else.