Whether you’re already back in school or preparing to go back to school, you are probably feeling a ton of emotions about the new school year. As a passionate teacher, I struggle with my mental health and my feelings about returning to school. It’s hard to boost teacher motivation for back to school and make it last all the way through the end of the year! I hope these tips make this school year enjoyable for you.
As I’m about to start my 12th year teaching, I am so excited for the upcoming school year. However, I know that passion and enthusiasm will fade by week two because of the challenges that teaching brings.I absolutely love teaching. I am so grateful to be a teacher and love being able to make a positive difference in children’s lives. But I also think about quitting once a week.
Here’s how I work to stay positive and enthusiastic from the first day of school through the rough period of March until June.
As teachers, we all know that magical feeling at the beginning of the school year. The classroom is freshly decorated, the lesson plans are filled with creative ideas, and we’re brimming with enthusiasm, ready to inspire and guide our students. But as the year progresses, maintaining that same level of energy and excitement can become a real challenge. The demands of teaching, the unexpected hurdles, and the day-to-day grind can gradually wear down even the most passionate educators.
However, keeping your enthusiasm alive throughout the school year is not only possible but essential—for both you and your students. When we’re excited and engaged, our students are more likely to be as well. So how can we sustain that spark from August to June? Here are some strategies to help keep your passion for teaching burning bright all year long.
7. Seek Out Inspiration
Inspiration is all around us, and sometimes, all it takes is a little nudge to reignite your enthusiasm. Seek out stories of innovative teaching, watch TED Talks by inspiring educators, or read about the latest trends in education. Surround yourself with positivity and remind yourself of the incredible work teachers are doing all over the world.
Sometimes, inspiration can come from outside the classroom. Engaging in hobbies, traveling, or even watching a great movie can give you fresh ideas and a renewed sense of energy. When you actively seek out inspiration, you’ll find that your enthusiasm remains strong throughout the year.
Teacher motivation for back to school
How to improve teacher motivation
Teacher motivation for teaching
Verbalize Your Passion to Your Students
This may sound redundant, but students love to hear your passion for them. Yes, most students can see and feel your passion, but saying how passionate you are out loud to your students really makes a difference in their perception of you and your class.
“I’m so excited for this lesson today.”
“Yeah, I don’t like Mondays either, but knowing I get to spend it with you all makes it a little better!”
“I was telling my friends, spouse, or child how much I love teaching your class!”
“I’m so happy to see you today, student’s name!”
These little phrases may seem insignificant to you, but verbalizing them to your students makes their day 10 times brighter. You may be the only one in their life who is excited to be with them.
I’ve found that by normalizing saying things like this to my students, they have become comfortable saying the same to me.
“Ms. C, today is so stressful. I’m so glad I have your class right now.”
“Ms. C, you’re the only teacher I enjoy this year.”
“Ms. C, your class doesn’t suck.”
The support and love of my students help keep me going throughout the year.
Be Honest With Your Students When You’re Struggling
This goes completely against the “old-school” teacher mindset, and that’s a great thing. The old-school way deserves to die out.
I’m Completely Honest With My Students When I’m Having a Bad Day
- “I’m sorry, friends. I’m not feeling well today. It would mean the world to me if we could keep the volume down today.”
- “Today isn’t going well for me. I was really excited about this lesson, but the last class wasn’t into it. If you guys could try to be excited about it, I would greatly appreciate it!”
- “I’m sad today, friends. Can you help cheer me up?”
I’m a high school teacher, so I can be very frank with my students. I hope that last one sounds like what an elementary teacher would say—haha!
Choose your words professionally with your students. Don’t tell them about your breakups, fights with friends, or that you’re hungover. But be honest when teaching is hard.
I always try to frame it as needing my students’ help when I’m having a bad day. They love feeling like they can make an impact on your day!
Some of my worst students have turned into my best students when I tell them I need their help in making my day better.
Their care, concern, and enthusiasm for trying to help me keep me going when I am struggling.
Set Boundaries
I know this is especially difficult when you’re a newer teacher, but setting boundaries is essential for sustaining teacher motivation throughout the school year.
As educators, we often feel pressure to be constantly available, whether it’s staying late to plan lessons, responding to emails after hours, or taking on extra responsibilities. While dedication is important, without clear boundaries, this can quickly lead to burnout.
By setting limits on your time and energy, you create space for self-care and personal time, allowing you to recharge and return to the classroom with renewed enthusiasm. Remember, it’s okay to say no and prioritize your well-being. After all, a motivated, energized teacher is far more effective in the long run.
Here’s how I set boundaries for myself:
- Tell my students at the beginning of the year that I do not check my email after business hours.
- Do not respond to administrators or supervisors after hours.
- Tell parents when I’m available to talk to them during the school day, not the other way around.
- Eat lunch by myself.
- If I expect a parent phone call to go poorly, I do it in the office of someone I trust, such as a supervisor or guidance counselor.
- Do minimal work after business hours.
Telling my students I only check my emails between 8:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. was a game changer last year. Students know they can email me after hours, but that I will not see it until the next morning.
Many students’ emails will start with, “Hi Ms. C, I know it is after hours, but when you get a chance tomorrow, can you please grade…”
Why are they so respectful in their emails?
I tell them it’s a two-way street. I do not check my emails after business hours, and I do not expect them to respond to my emails after business hours.
I try to set the example of a healthy work-life balance for my students because I know many of them will be entering their careers in a few years.
The true goal of education is to make a difference in our students’ lives. I think being a role model who loves their job and maintains a healthy work-life balance is a beautiful thing to teach my students.
Sometimes Being Late With Assignments
I do not recommend doing this regularly, but sometimes I’ll hand back assignments late. Usually, about once a year, I’ll even submit my lesson plans an hour late so I can work on them at school instead of at home.
Sometimes grading things late can actually be a strategic move to maintain teacher motivation and overall well-being. While timely feedback is important, the relentless pressure to grade every assignment immediately can lead to stress and exhaustion.
By giving yourself permission to grade at a manageable pace, you allow for more thoughtful, quality feedback rather than rushing through the process.
This also gives you the mental space to focus on other important aspects of teaching, such as lesson planning, student engagement, and your own self-care.
It’s about finding a balance. Knowing when it’s okay to take a little extra time on grading can help prevent burnout and keep your passion for teaching alive throughout the school year.
I try to be honest with students and say, “I have a lot of assignments to grade right now. It may take me a few days to grade these. I apologize, friends.”
By saying that, students tend to be understanding and sympathetic!
Not Talking to Other Teachers During My Free Period
Taking your free period alone can be a powerful way to preserve your motivation and mental well-being throughout the school year.
While it’s tempting to use this time for socializing with great teacher friends, carving out a quiet, solitary moment can be incredibly rejuvenating.
Spending Time With Other Teachers Can Destroy Your Passion and Enthusiasm
There was a major issue in our school this year. Teachers were infuriated. School leaders were not present. I was not involved in the issue at all, but it became my issue because I heard other teachers talk about it constantly.
After a week of hearing about the issue constantly, I found that my motivation and passion for teaching were gone.
Spending your free period alone allows you to recharge, reflect, and mentally prepare for the rest of the day. It also allows you to stay focused and maximize the amount of work you get done so you do not have to work after hours.
When I do have to be around other teachers during my free period, I put in my noise-canceling headphones. Sometimes I don’t even have music on! I put them in so other teachers do not start talking to me.
I use AirPods Pro. They’re lightweight and discreet. I love that they have the option to turn the noise-canceling feature on and off!
I will tell other teachers, “Sorry, I’m putting in my headphones. Otherwise, I’ll never get these assignments graded!” That way, I don’t come across as rude and antisocial.
By protecting this time, you create a space for self-care, which is essential for maintaining your enthusiasm and energy in the classroom. Remember, it’s not selfish to prioritize your needs. Taking a moment for yourself ensures that you can bring your best self to your students.
Use Your Days Off
Using your days off is crucial for maintaining long-term motivation and avoiding burnout as a teacher.
I completely understand that taking days off is sometimes more work than being in school. However, it’s essential for your mental health.
Allow yourself to take a mental health day when you need it.
It’s also okay if you don’t grade the work that you left for the kids, or you can simply give them a 100 for handing it in.
The constant demands of the classroom, coupled with the emotional investment required in teaching, can sometimes be overwhelming. Recognizing when you need a break to focus on your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Taking mental health days is one of the best ways to preserve your intrinsic motivation and continue being a good teacher.
Mental health days give you the chance to step back, decompress, and address any stress, anxiety, or exhaustion before it becomes unmanageable.
By taking this time, you can prevent burnout and ensure that you’re mentally and emotionally prepared to support your students.
Remember, prioritizing your mental health is essential for maintaining the passion and enthusiasm that make you an effective and inspiring teacher. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to create a positive and nurturing learning environment, so don’t hesitate to take a day when you need it.
Days Off From School Are Days Off
It’s easy to fall into the trap of working through weekends, holidays, or personal days, thinking that you need to stay ahead or catch up. However, taking full advantage of your days off is not just beneficial—it’s necessary.
These breaks provide a much-needed opportunity to disconnect from the demands of teaching, relax, and engage in activities that bring you joy outside of the classroom. Whether it’s spending time with family, pursuing a hobby, or simply resting, using your days off effectively helps you recharge your energy and return to school with a fresh perspective.
Remember, by prioritizing rest and personal time, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also ensuring that you can continue to bring passion and enthusiasm to your teaching throughout the year.
2. Stay Connected With Your “Why”
At the heart of every passionate teacher is a strong sense of purpose—a “why” that drives everything we do. Whether it’s a commitment to making a difference in students’ lives, a love for a particular subject, or a desire to inspire the next generation, this purpose is what fuels our enthusiasm.
To keep your enthusiasm alive, it’s important to stay connected with your “why.” When the going gets tough, take a moment to reflect on why you became a teacher in the first place. Write it down, keep it somewhere visible in your classroom, or even share it with your students. Staying grounded in your purpose can help you push through challenging times and keep your passion alive.
3. Prioritize Self-Care
Teaching is a demanding job, both mentally and physically. To sustain your enthusiasm, you need to take care of yourself. Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When you’re well-rested, healthy, and emotionally balanced, you’re better equipped to handle the challenges of the school year.
Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s exercising, reading, spending time with loved ones, or simply relaxing. Set boundaries to ensure you’re not overextending yourself, and don’t be afraid to say no when necessary. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll have more energy and enthusiasm to give to your students.
9. Celebrate Milestones and Progress
As the school year progresses, it’s important to celebrate milestones—both big and small. Whether it’s reaching the 100th day of school, completing a challenging project, or simply making it through a tough week, acknowledging these moments can help keep your enthusiasm alive.
Create classroom traditions for celebrating milestones, and involve your students in the process. These celebrations not only boost your own enthusiasm but also create a positive and motivated classroom culture.
10. Remember, It’s a Journey
Finally, remember that teaching is a journey. There will be ups and downs, and it’s normal for your enthusiasm to fluctuate. The key is to recognize when you’re feeling burned out and take proactive steps to reignite your passion.
Be patient with yourself and remember that every day is a new opportunity to make a difference. When you approach teaching as a journey, you’re more likely to enjoy the ride and keep your enthusiasm alive all year long.
Therapy
I truly believe all teachers deserve to have a therapist. I go to therapy every other week, and it’s truly essential for my mental health and passion as an educator.
Going to therapy is an invaluable tool for maintaining your motivation and resilience as a teacher. The demands of the profession can take a significant emotional toll, and therapy offers a safe space to process these challenges, gain perspective, and develop coping strategies.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, burnout, or personal issues that impact your teaching, therapy provides support tailored to your unique needs. Regular sessions can help you manage the emotional highs and lows of the classroom, strengthen your mental health, create a self-care routine, and approach your work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
By prioritizing your mental health through therapy, you not only take care of yourself but also enhance your ability to be present and effective for your students. Teaching is hard work! I’ve noticed a big difference in my passion and well-being since I started therapy. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining your passion for teaching all year long.
If schools prioritized teacher mental health by talking about therapy, teacher retention would go up and there would be more positive moods throughout the school community. Even having an in-school support group would do wonders for teacher motivation!
As teachers, our enthusiasm and passion are our most powerful weapons against burnout in the classroom. They are what inspire our students, drive our creativity, and make the challenges of teaching worthwhile. They make a lasting impact on our students’ lives, no matter the subject area.
However, even the most dedicated educators can feel the weight of the school year, and it’s easy to become an unmotivated teacher without the right strategies in place. By setting boundaries, taking mental health days, and even seeking therapy when needed, we can sustain our motivation from the first day of school until summer break.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just beneficial for you—it’s essential for your students as well. Let this year be the one when you invest in your well-being so you can continue to bring your best self to the classroom every single day.
Whenever I’m looking for a therapist, I always use psychologytoday.com because it allows me to find therapists based on my needs and who accept my insurance.
It’s a learning process! Keep putting one foot forward and know that you’ve got this. Have a great school year!