By Lyne Frank
As a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, a Master’s in Education, and certification as a life coach, I’ve learned what it takes to combat burnout and achieve a healthy work-life balance. My work as an elementary school teacher and, later, as an educational assistant for several high schools has taught me five essential mindset shifts that every educator should embrace.
The following principles will help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to burnout and, instead, allow you to thrive as a highly effective educator.
1. Teaching Is What You Do, Not Who You Are
Teaching is a significant part of your life, but it’s not your entire identity. Your gifts and talents are meant to empower others both inside and outside of the classroom. It’s crucial to connect with the other roles you play—whether as a parent, partner, or friend. These roles provide a community of support that fuels your journey as a life-long learner and educator. Plus, the experiences you gain away from the classroom often inspire new ideas, allowing you to bring your authentic self into your teaching.
2. Create Boundaries to Prevent Burnout
As both a mother and a teacher, I understand the weight of parent-guilt and teacher-guilt. They can make you feel like you’re never doing enough. In my 15th year of teaching, I realized that without clear boundaries, I was exhausting myself with a never-ending to-do list, constantly driven by the mantra of “do it for the kids.”
To better conserve my energy, I made a conscious decision to limit the work I brought home and to save my lunch hour for myself. By prioritizing self-care—such as taking walks and enjoying uninterrupted meals—I was able to return to the classroom with more patience, positivity, and readiness to teach.
3. Define What Makes an Excellent Teacher
In my work as a life coach and workplace wellness expert, I’ve seen many educators go above and beyond, causing them to burn out. When asked what makes a good teacher, responses often include leading extracurricular activities, club organization, and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing classroom.
However, in Get Unstuck, a wellness workshop that I curated for educators, I ask participants to take a moment to reflect on what they believe makes an educator truly exceptional. They often redefine the qualities they previously listed, this time basing their opinion on their own personal values and expectations.
For myself, a key part of being an excellent teacher is nurturing a love and respect for the environment. This led me to incorporate outdoor education into my programming and to take on the role of lead teacher for our school’s Eco certification. Passion driven work is always more fun.
4. Find a Teacher Bestie
Teaching is a unique profession, and having someone who truly understands that experience is invaluable. A teacher bestie will hold you accountable, listen when you need to vent, and bring laughter into your workday. The two of you can work together to foster a thriving learning community at your school and to avoid burnout.
Be intentional in building these relationships—ask your colleagues about their lives outside of work, or take a walk together during lunch. These shared moments can plant the seeds of lasting friendships, making a significant difference in your day-to-day work life.
5. Understand the Value of Less is More
If you haven’t adjusted your teaching strategies, you might be working harder than necessary.
Our students are different now. The learning gap created by COVID is still very real, and many teachers are trying to close it while also navigating rising rates of student mental health challenges and increased incidents of school violence—all with insufficient classroom support. On top of that, disengagement is a growing concern. Many students struggle to focus, and some are unable to complete grade-appropriate tasks without modifications.
This isn’t a reflection of your teaching ability; it’s the reality of the system we’re in. Strategies need to be adapted to meet students where they are, focusing on smaller, high-quality learning opportunities that build skills, confidence, and resilience rather than overwhelming them with quantity. A single well-designed assignment can yield valuable insights, support skill mastery, and rebuild student self-esteem.
Don’t let unrealistic expectations from outside your classroom dictate your work. Remember, less is more.
When I first started applying these principles in my own classroom, the change was immediate and powerful. I stopped saying yes to every committee and project, and instead focused on the lessons that truly lit me up. I set boundaries with my time and energy, and suddenly I wasn’t dragging myself to work on Monday mornings, I was walking in to actually enjoy teaching my students. I even tried swapping out complicated lesson plans for simpler, more hands-on ones, and found that my students learned better from them.
The truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup. The moment I stopped trying to be everything for everyone, I became a better teacher for the people who mattered most: the students in my classroom. And that’s the point. Teaching can be a sustainable, joyful career when you protect your well-being.
For more teaching hacks and mindset shifts, follow me on Instagram @iamlynefrank. Let’s continue this journey together!
Lyne Frank, MEd, is on a mission to revolutionize educator wellness. With 23 years in education and over five years of research into the lived experiences of women in education and midlife, Lyne blends evidence-based strategies with compassionate leadership. As a certified life coach and women’s circle facilitator, she empowers individuals to reconnect with purpose, prioritize wellness, and lead with clarity.
