Teacher-Tired

There's tired, and then there's teacher tired. It's the kind of exhaustion that goes beyond physical, it's emotional, and mental. It's the result of managing dozens of student needs, grading into the night, navigating behavior challenges, supporting families, and somehow still showing up every day with a smile and a plan. And when the school year starts winding down that teacher tired can feel heavier than ever. So what can teachers do during this time, when their energy is low but demands are still high?

Now is not the time to reinvent the wheel. Pull out the lesson plans that have worked in the past. Embrace review activities, project-based learning, or let students lead a discussion. Give yourself permission to scale back without guilt. It's not laziness; it's sustainability. Right now, your job is to get across the finish line without burning out.

Next, build in breathers—for both you and your students. Just as they need brain breaks, so do you. Integrate quiet activities like journaling, reading, or drawing. Allow for five-minute mindfulness check-ins or gratitude moments. Create space in your day to simply be rather than constantly do. These tiny moments of stillness can help restore your energy and mental clarity.

Take a moment to reconnect with your why. Remember what brought you to teaching in the first place. Reread an old thank-you note from a student. Celebrate a recent success, no matter how small. Talk with a trusted colleague who understands the highs and lows of this profession. These reminders can rekindle your sense of purpose and help you push through with renewed perspective.

And above all, treat yourself like a student you love. If a child came to you overwhelmed and exhausted, you'd show them empathy. You'd make accommodations. You'd reassure them that it's okay to take a break. Extend that same grace to yourself. Rest when you need to. Speak to yourself with kindness. You are doing the best you can and that is more than enough.

Finally, make a plan for your recovery. Whether it's summer break, a weekend, or just one quiet evening, be intentional about rest. Don't fill all your time catching up on tasks. Sleep in. Go outside. Read a book for fun. Let yourself do nothing without guilt. That recovery time is not a luxury, it's a necessity.

There is truly nothing like teacher tired. But you are not alone in it. And while the exhaustion may feel overwhelming now, it will pass. Until then, protect your peace, honor your limits, and remember that you are making a difference, even when you're running low.