Our children’s educators are facing immense challenges. They are overwhelmed and experiencing burnout, often out of paid leave and confronting the fear of illness, both for themselves and their students. Many are anxious about being criticized or targeted online, all while managing the pressures of being historically underappreciated and undercompensated.
The issues extend beyond the pandemic. Schools have become battlegrounds for societal divides, with teachers navigating increased scrutiny over their teaching methods. The situation has become dire; several educators I know have received threats, and some now require police escorts to public meetings.
Parents are also feeling the strain after two years of pandemic life. A group of mothers recently gathered at a local school to voice their frustrations in a rather primal way. One California mom shared a humorous post on Twitter about balancing childcare responsibilities, which resonated widely, highlighting how many of us struggle with piecing together school and childcare week by week. If teachers burn out, the situation will worsen for everyone involved. We must rally around those entrusted with our children’s education—many of whom are parents themselves carrying a heavy load.
To genuinely support teachers, we can return to the basics. Here are three key approaches: Be considerate, practice patience, and have a plan.
Be Considerate
After the winter break, I received a call from my child’s principal informing me that my son tested positive for Covid. As she shared this news, I realized that this late-night call was part of her nightly routine. When I mentioned I would reach out to my son’s teacher, she advised me to “be considerate,” emphasizing that it’s crucial to communicate that it’s not her fault.
Teachers often bear the brunt of parental frustrations. Even a mild complaint can compound, and some parents are outright rude. Remember, teachers are not faceless customer service agents; they are the caring adults responsible for your children. The next time you feel frustrated, pause and consider: “Is this worth saying? Should I say it now?” Conversely, when you feel impressed, don’t hesitate to express it. A simple thank you can mean a lot—something like, “I see you and appreciate your hard work. We’re in this together.”
Practice Patience
Everything seems to take longer these days. Schools face supply and demand issues, just like grocery stores. There are more students needing attention, and problem behaviors are on the rise. Pediatricians have declared youth mental health a national emergency.
This is a complex issue without quick fixes, reflecting deeper problems. We lack adequate behavioral and mental health resources for our children, and many new graduates are hesitant to enter the teaching profession due to what they’ve witnessed. Teacher shortages are likely to continue.
We can practice patience by applying the wisdom of the serenity prayer: change what you can, accept what you can’t, and know the difference. Parents can’t solve systemic issues, but we can manage our reactions. Most schools are doing their best under extraordinary circumstances, so when interacting with teachers—whether in person, via email, or through an app—be kind.
Have a Plan
Inevitably, the stress and burnout affecting teachers will touch your child’s classroom. A teacher might take leave or appear disengaged. You might hear that the teacher you hoped your child would have next year is retiring early or staying home.
Having a plan in place will ease the transition for you and your child when challenges arise. It’s vital to consider what support your child will need if their teacher leaves mid-year, especially for those with special needs.
Let’s not exacerbate this already challenging situation by directing our frustrations toward those who are likely feeling even more stressed than we are but still show up to teach. Most teachers are also navigating the challenges of parenthood alongside their professional duties. Small acts of kindness and patience can make a significant impact when individuals feel undervalued and overwhelmed.
To navigate these times, we must support one another. This is about uplifting each other during a marathon where we might feel like we’re running out of steam. Let’s hope we are nearing a turning point in this journey.
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Summary
Supporting overworked teachers requires kindness, patience, and proactive planning. As educators face burnout and challenges, it’s crucial for parents to communicate supportively, practice understanding, and prepare for potential transitions within classrooms. By doing so, we can foster a collaborative environment for our children’s learning experiences.
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