Maybe it’s your first year in the classroom, or maybe you’re a seasoned pro—five, ten, or even fifteen years in. Perhaps you’re adjusting to a new school, grade, or curriculum. It might have been your choice—or not. Maybe your schedule changed, and now your prep time is gone, or a new student has shifted the entire class vibe. Maybe you’ve got a sleepy class that seems to need a pulse check every hour. Or, you’re dealing with changes in staff—new leadership, new colleagues—and it’s unsettling.
Or maybe none of those apply, but you’re still feeling overwhelmed by the whirlwind that is teaching right now. Guess what? That’s normal. We’ve all been there, and the struggle is real!
Teaching during the fall can be tough. A friend once told me how she saw a therapist in October, and her counselor said, “This is the time of year when all the teachers come in!” So, if you’re feeling off balance, you’re not alone, and it’s not a sign that you’re failing.
The school year follows a predictable rhythm. There’s always that initial burst of energy and optimism in August, fueled by the excitement of a new year. You’re learning names, setting expectations, and feeling hopeful. But then October rolls around. The lessons get tougher, students push back, and suddenly, things feel off course. You start questioning your effectiveness.
Before you let that spiral out of control, consider this: teaching is hard work. You make countless decisions every day with little immediate feedback, and the weight of that can feel overwhelming. But remember, it’s expected—teaching has always been one of the most challenging jobs. And, it’s incredibly important. Societies thrive because we teach the next generation how to live and succeed.
When students act out or say hurtful things, remind yourself not to take it personally. It’s often more about them than it is about you. This is a hard truth to internalize, but it’s part of growing wiser as a teacher.
Also, it’s okay to step back and work less. If you’re clocking 70-hour weeks just to keep up, something’s got to give. Start setting boundaries. Find ways to streamline your lessons, and remember that not every day has to be perfect.
Take a full day off each week—seriously. It’s one of the best ways to recharge and avoid burnout. And if you’re still in the early years of your career, be kind to yourself. This job is hard, and it’s normal to feel like you’re just figuring it out.
While fall can be rough, it’s also an opportunity. It’s one of the longest, most academically productive stretches of the year. Use it to build skills and reinforce concepts with your students. The rhythm of the school year—intense learning followed by breaks—means that there’s always time to reset and refresh.
As fall winds down, winter will bring a fresh burst of energy, and before you know it, spring will arrive, with the promise of new growth and warmer days.
So, hang in there. This Thursday, I’ll share an updated version of one of my favorite posts, “Jedi Mind Tricks for Avoiding Burnout,” with tips on how to stay engaged and focused.
I see you, my fellow teacher. We’ve got this, and we’re only going to get better.
Happy fall! 😊
