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have limited control of what you actually do in the classroom , leads to a feeling of helplessness . With the increase of state and national mandates , teachers have more and more expectations they must meet making them feel they have little control over what is actually taught in the classrooms .

Rex Miller in his book “ Humanizing the Education Machine ,” explains that when new programs succeed it ’ s usually because of the blood , sweat , and tears offered by the staff . “ These often-heroic efforts end up as ‘ Sandcastles ’: they take a lot of effort and look wonderful until the tide of new leadership , new agendas , and new budgets washes them away .”

• Cognitive dissonance : When there is a conflict between what is actually going on in the workplace with the person ’ s personal beliefs it strikes a discord , causing chronic stress . If a teacher does not feel that the school is “ walking the walk ” according to what they publicly say , then there is cognitive dissonance . If it says on the school webpage , for example , that all classes offer differentiated instruction and the teacher knows that half of the staff members choose not to do this because they feel it takes too much time to design multiple lessons , then there is discord in what is

printed with what is actually practiced within the school .

• Work overload : When the workload is more than an individual can handle or too complex with unreasonable timelines , the work can quickly squash one ’ s enthusiasm .

• Insufficient recognition : Teachers work hard , and when it isn ’ t recognized by administration , students , parents , and / or the community at large , it can be a major cause of burnout . Teachers didn ’ t choose their career because of their salary , so money is not actually a motivational factor .

As of November 2017 , $ 54,893 was the median annual Public School Teacher salary in the United States . Beginning salaries are considerably lower . When teachers spend hours upon hours designing lessons , grading papers , decorating the classroom , etc . and there isn ’ t positive feedback for their hard work , they begin to ask , “ is all this really worth it ?”

• Feeling of isolation : Although teaching involves intensive interaction with their students , the majority of the work is done in isolation from their colleagues . With financial cutbacks in administrative help and / or professional development opportunities , many are left on their own to “ sink or swim .” In a study led by Miller McPherson , Social Isolation in America : Changes in Core Discussion Networks Over Two Decades , found the number of individuals who felt isolated and had no one with

whom to relate within the company , had nearly tripled between 1985 and 2004 .

Combating burnout

Establishing and encouraging positive practices is one key step . To reduce stress , one must take care of the body as well as the brain . Urging teachers and staff to exercise , rest , listen to music , and work on a hobby are just a few examples of how to help reduce stress and find more balance and perspective in their work .

Teachers can ’ t help the students if they get burnt out and don ’ t have the desire or energy in their teaching . They need to feel valued . Developing a strong , positive teacher / student relationship is critical to improving student achievement .

John Hattie , in his 800 meta-analyses of educational research , found that the number one factor affecting student achievement was Collective Teacher Efficacy . This is when teachers share the belief that they can reach their common goals and as a team can overcome any challenges they may face . Developing a culture where teachers have time to share ideas and work together , gives staff members the support they need to keep motivated , builds community , and negates the feeling of isolation . Hattie shows collective efficacy and student achievement were strongly related , with collective efficacy having more than double the influence on student achievement

of feedback and more than three times the influence of student motivation , concentration , persistence and engagement .

Conclusion

When teachers report feeling emotionally drained , suffer from stress , lose their sense of worth , exhibit cynicism , sense professional ineffectiveness or have a feeling of lack of accomplishment , it ’ s obvious that the flame is beginning to burn itself out .

There are many reasons why burnout occurs , but basically , according to Richard Gunderman from Indiana University School of Medicine , burnout is “ the accumulation of hundreds or thousands of tiny disappointments , each one hardly noticeable on its own .”

It ’ s important that teachers are able to discuss with their supervisors their workload and obtain the support and feedback necessary in order to feel they are an essential part of the school team . In addition , having time to meet and work closely with their colleagues is one of the most successful ways to help them avoid burnout .

Educators need to always feel a sense of purpose . Understanding that what they do in the classroom is highly valued , and extremely important to the future success of each and every student as well as to the future potential of our society , can help to rekindle the flame and keep it ignited .

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Amanda Diaz and seventh grader Angelo Estrella won prizes for raising the most

money . Team Deadpool , consisting of eighth graders Jessica Colato , Evelyn Gonzalez , Mirozlava Gonzalez , Brie Lepe and Josephine Martinez , raised the most funds as a group and won a pizza party sponsored by the My Buddy Club .

My Buddy Club was formed to create a safe and welcoming space at school where students can participate in meaningful volunteer activities , while also recognizing and appreciating those with different abilities . “ Lynwood Unified is committed to

providing inclusive activities for all of our students that promote community outreach and support ,” Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite said . “ Thank you to the Lynwood community and students for spreading awareness on an important cause .”