A New York teacher calls out ways to avoid burnout as an educator with the argument, “You have to be able to have boundaries.” Something that she acknowledges is difficult in this profession. It creates guilt that makes teachers feel like it’s their job to save every student, but it’s important to remember “to pour into yourself [first].”
There was a time when the New York teacher focused too much on the negativity, and it was driving her away from the classroom. She shares that for her to maintain the energy to do her job, “You have to be able to detach from your job.” She explains that while teachers are assumed to be “this magical being” that comes in and makes a difference in everyone’s lives, this isn’t sustainable. Her TikTok video came in response to comments asking her how she manages to have everything together. It has over 178,000 views and over 29,000 likes.
While it is a part of what educating entails, she insists, “You cannot put that pressure on yourself.” She argues that creating boundaries is important, saying, “My job can only stretch so far. It’s the parents’ responsibility to also support their child.” The way she handles it is by taking her teacher hat off at the end of the day and separating herself from her job. When it comes to the curriculum, her advice is to look at it and see how it can be changed by tone or engagement, then “do what you can and then let it go.” Showing up every day to teach impacts lives, and that is enough. The woman specifically wants her video to reach other educators, stating, “If there’s one video on my profile that I want every teacher to see, it’s this one.”
New York Teacher Sparks Conversation
The video has several teachers chiming in with their own thoughts. One states, “We do our best, but we’re also living life Monday-Friday too!” Another points out, “Heavy on the ‘it’s also the parents’ responsibility to support the kids’.” A third commenter adds, “It does feel overwhelming at the thought of having to save all of your kiddos, but we’re only one human [who] can only take so much.”
Others needed to hear the New York teacher’s words today and have expressed their appreciation. One tells her, “22 years, and I needed to hear this today. Teaching today is much harder than it was 20 years ago.” Another adds, “Words I needed to hear today. Thank you!” However, her video has reached beyond the teaching profession. One commenter says, “Not a teacher but a pediatric BCBA and needed to hear this today… Trying to save everyone is exhausting.”
She has other videos detailing her experiences as a teacher posted on her channel.
