Teacher Burnout Journal Prompts

Write in a stream of consciousness style—let your thoughts flow without worrying about spelling or grammar. This is a chance to reflect openly and honestly, giving yourself the space to explore what makes your work fulfilling and where you might benefit from extra support or boundaries.

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Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions, but it can also be incredibly demanding. For educators, finding balance often means juggling energy, time, and boundaries to avoid burnout and stay connected to the joy of teaching. This prompt invites you to reflect on the experiences and boundaries that keep you energized, as well as those areas where you might need more support.

Journal Prompts

• Think of a recent experience in your classroom that made you feel energized and fulfilled. What specific elements contributed to that positive feeling?

• Can you identify a recurring challenge or situation that consistently drains your energy? Is there a particular aspect of your teaching role that you find especially stressful?

• What boundaries do you have in place to protect your time, workload, and energy at work? For example, do you set specific work hours, limit your email checking outside of work hours, or delegate tasks when possible?

• What's something small you can add to your work week to make it more enjoyable? This could be anything from grading papers in a cozy coffee shop to trying a new teaching activity or connecting with a colleague outside of work.

Take your time with each question, noticing any insights that arise. To dive deeper into these topics, check out this blog post for more tips and ideas on cultivating balance and fulfillment in your teaching journey.