Hope for School TeachersSample

BURNOUT

As we’ve discovered this week, the call to educate is rewarding but not without challenges. Perhaps this is why teachers, like students, get breaks for holidays and summers—mental health and time to refresh and reboot. 

But with the pressure to volunteer for afterschool events and grading papers long into the night, when do you get time for physical, mental, and spiritual renewal? This predicament is compounded with personal or family responsibilities. 

Think about it, every day you pour yourself into your students. Who pours into you? It’s vital you follow Christ’s example (Luke 5:16) and take time away to restore your soul. Even Jesus knew when to withdraw and be ministered to. Only then could he return to ministry revived and ready to face the world. 

You have an important role in society; the unique function of teacher, a job we cannot do without (Romans 12:6-8). Yet the attrition factor for educators reveals something sad. While 15% of U.S. teachers leave each year, over 40% of new teachers quit in the first five years.

Most of these teachers failed to recharge, resulting in occupational burnout.

As you interact with students, parents, co-workers, and supervisors remember this; if you are to be a light in this dark world, take time daily to be re-filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). It’s vital to attend a local church, join a small group Bible study, and surround yourself with godly people who can speak into your life. But most importantly, spend time drawing close to and gaining strength from your Savior, your comfort and hope.   

Only then will you be able to avoid burnout, making a difference in this world. You may be a vision-caster, spokesperson, coach, or an agent of change. Whatever your leadership style, do what you can to instruct, encourage, challenge, and confront in the power of the Holy Spirit, then leave the results to God. 

Thank you for completing this reading plan. Learn more from award-winning author Tez Brooks, about influencing students with short film discussions.