The Resilient Educator: Embracing Our Changing Profession
Published 6 January 2025
“Why educators should push through the tough times? I think one thing that I realized after I went to grad school was being in education can look different for everybody. If you decide that you get a degree in elementary ed, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be a K5 teacher for the rest of your life. You can add different certifications. You can switch to higher levels or lower levels. You can choose to teach a different content area. So I think my recommendation is to stick with it because it is a field that has a lot of jobs. If you find yourself teaching classes and feeling really passionate about it and you like the way you feel after teaching a class, then you are probably meant to be a teacher or in the education sector. So, chase the ideals, find the joy, and make sure that you are doing things that don’t result in burnout because you’re probably in the right profession.”
Teaching is a calling, but even the most passionate educators can find themselves questioning whether to stay in the profession. From increasing workloads to lack of support, low pay, and burnout, it’s no secret that teachers face significant challenges. However, staying committed to education doesn’t have to mean struggling in the same role indefinitely. The key to longevity in the field is recognizing that being an educator is not a one-size-fits-all career—–there are multiple pathways to make an impact while maintaining your passion and well-being.
One of the biggest misconceptions about a teaching career is that it’s static. Many educators believe that earning a degree in elementary or secondary education locks them into one role for life. However, education is a dynamic field with opportunities to evolve. Whether it’s shifting to a different grade level, adding a certification, moving into administration, or exploring instructional design, teachers can pivot without abandoning their passion. Understanding that flexibility exists can help teachers push through difficult moments with a renewed sense of purpose.
Another crucial factor in long-term commitment is maintaining a connection to the joy of teaching. Reflect on what drew you to education in the first place––was it the thrill of seeing students grasp new concepts? The ability to shape minds? The camaraderie with colleagues? By focusing on the core reasons for becoming a teacher, educators can recenter their passion even in tough times.
Burnout is one of the leading causes of teachers leaving the profession, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. The key to avoiding burnout is setting realistic boundaries and prioritizing self-care. Teaching is an emotionally demanding job, and without intentional breaks and personal time, exhaustion will set in. Educators must be proactive in maintaining their mental health, whether by limiting after-hours work, seeking peer support, or engaging in hobbies outside of school.
Five Practical Strategies to Stay Committed to Teaching:
Explore Career Flexibility: If one teaching role isn’t working, look into different certifications, grade levels, or alternative education careers such as curriculum development or instructional coaching.
Reconnect with Your Passion: Regularly reflect on the aspects of teaching that bring you joy and seek opportunities to engage in those areas, whether through mentoring, clubs, or professional development.
Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout: Protect your time and energy by limiting work outside of contract hours and ensuring you have downtime to recharge.
Build a Strong Support Network: Connect with fellow educators, mentors, and professional organizations to share strategies, vent frustrations, and receive encouragement.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and appreciate everyday victories, from a student’s breakthrough moment to a well-executed lesson, to maintain motivation and job satisfaction.
As teachers, we should remind ourselves of our value and impact. It’s easy to become disheartened when facing policy changes, budget cuts, or challenging student behaviors. However, every lesson taught, every student encouraged, and every small success contributes to the greater goal of shaping future generations. Finding joy in those small victories can make all the difference in sustaining a lifelong career in education.
