Pandemic Burnout: Teacher and Leader Tensions

Tensions between school leaders and educators are increasing, exacerbated by pandemic-related shortages and burnout. 

  • “I understand people’s frustrations & I know tensions are running high. Please remember we are all on the same team, #TeamHighline, doing the best we can & we will continue to do better. There is only one opponent here: COVID. Let’s continue to support one another. #grace” —Superintendent in Nevada
  • “I can’t wait to get yelled at for something I quite literally have no control over.” —Principal in Illinois
  • “As most of us return to school today there is still a lot of things unknown and a lot to do … be patient and be kind (with yourself and with others) we are all in uncharted waters.” — High School Assistant Principal in New York
  • “It’s never the kids; it isn’t the stress of pandemic teaching and all its accompanying risks and ~pivots~. Teachers feel demoralized by the constant dissonance between what we know and what we’re told by those with more power over our schools.” — English Teacher in Illinois
  • “Trust is such an important part of the teacher-admin relationship. We teachers should not need to prove that we are serving our students daily.” — Middle School STEM Teacher in Toronto, Canada
  • “Admin, if the initiatives that you are mandating after this winter break do not simplify protocols or make instructional practices more efficient and effective, can it until next school year. Teachers don’t need another box to check just because!” —Teacher in Texas