The Show Notes
Some days it feels impossible to overcome teacher guilt. The expectations from administrators, parents, students, and even other teachers are constant. The weight of this teacher guilt can be even more intense if teaching was a childhood dream or a career path you were so sure was the perfect fit.
But if you’re questioning how much longer you can stay in the classroom, you’re not alone and it’s time to face those feelings so you can get unstuck faster. In this episode, I’m talking with author, speaker, and founder of Burned-In Teacher, Amber Harper.
We’re talking about her roller-coaster career path, why you need to validate your frustration, and why you need to stop just surviving.
That’s Not What I Expected
Teacher burnout can set in after many years – or it can start right away like it did for Amber. Her ideas and desire for collaboration were not welcome on her team. She also had a poor match for a mentor teacher. And yet, she still loved so many aspects of teaching. This added up to one big roller coaster of emotions – enthusiastic and hopeful to discouraged- all in one week. It was hard to imagine how she could overcome teacher guilt.
Then a position as the executive director at a local non-profit opened up. Amber was thrilled to apply and landed the position. But because of their difficult financial position, they closed within a few short months. What would Amber do now? This was supposed to be the springboard of opportunity she needed.
No More Pointing Fingers
Starting a new career after teaching can bring a lot of relief and health to your life. But Amber did an excellent job of reminding us of something important: you are the only one who can decide to make a change. Toxic school climates, bad administrators, and lack of opportunities for growth are no doubt reasons to be discouraged.
But when you’re burnt out and weighed down by teacher guilt, it’s not about hurting anyone’s feelings anymore. If you’re frustrated or discouraged, chances are you need to share your story. You need to be validated. But that pain you’re feeling can also be a gift. It can be the trigger we need to spring into action.
Don’t Let Someday Be So Far Away
If you find yourself saying things like “I just have to survive until spring break” or “I just have to make it through this pandemic,” or even “I just have to survive this week…my question to you is: why? Why do you have to hold onto that teacher’s guilt?
Amber gave us an important question to ask ourselves: what do you want your legacy to be? When people remember you after you’re gone, will they remember someone enthusiastic and excited about the impact they made? Or someone who second-guessed themselves, was always tired, and never prioritized their own needs?
Friend, if teacher guilt is weighing you down, it’s time to sign your own permission slip and take charge of exploring your options. You deserve to be happy.
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Resources Mentioned in the Show
Ready to dive into YOUR career in instructional design? Click HERE to enroll in the course- From Teacher to Instructional Designer today!
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- Take the Instructional Designer Quiz!
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- Check out the Burned-In Teacher Podcast
Connect with Amber
Amber Harper is an educator, author, speaker, Google Certified Trainer, and Teacher Burnout Coach. She’s the founder of www.burnedinteacher.com, author of Hacking Teacher Burnout, and is dedicated to empowering burned-out teachers to believe that they deserve and can achieve a happier and more fulfilled career and life with her 8-step BURNED-IN process. She also hosts a weekly podcast dedicated to action, inspiration, and support for teachers dealing with teacher burnout called The Burned-In Teacher Podcast.
