Burnt Teacher Syndrome, What It Is And How To Avoid It

If we have children in elementary or high school, even if we are teachers, we can find several examples of the burnt teacher syndrome. This syndrome, also known as burnout , has serious consequences not only for the teacher, but also for the students.

Know everything about this disorder.

The characteristics of burnt teacher syndrome

When a person suffers from burnt teacher syndrome, they don’t like their work. A job that, in general, is vocational. He’s in a bad mood most of the time, and all he thinks about is vacation, or leaving the room to go home. However, let’s see what other characteristics a burnt teacher has:

• Ignore your students: The teacher enters the class and starts giving the program as if there were no students. He doesn’t tell them to shut up, and he doesn’t mind them. He gives the story without caring whether they are listening or not. When class ends, he leaves.
• Punish by putting duties: As you are unable to manage all the stress level you have, and are very bored, if students don’t shut up, interrupt, ignore you, or engage in another matter in your class, you will punish them by putting an excessive amount of homework.
• Leave the classroom: Excessive anxiety and stress can cause the teacher to leave the classroom at any time, as they are unable to manage what they are feeling. Most of the time, he follows this by slamming the door.
• He yells at the students: The despair he feels makes him scream and clearly show that he is overwhelmed by the circumstances. This can cause the student to lose respect.

What consequences does this have for students?

The main consequence suffered by students is that they are not able to keep up with the pace of the class and, even less, to resolve any doubts that may arise. The teacher will be absent, distant, and the students will feel that they are not doing their job, that is, teaching and worrying about understanding the subject.

Occasionally, it is common for the burnt teacher syndrome to cause the teacher to pay attention only to the “best” students. Those who have desirable qualifications, and who do not have a great difficulty in memorizing concepts, will have the teacher’s full attention, as their work is “easy” in this case, and will save them a lot of stress.

The problem is that those who find it harder to learn or understand the subject will be at a disadvantage. If they tend to get bad grades, they won’t improve because of the attitude shown by the teacher.

Ways to Avoid Burnt Teacher Syndrome

Burnt teacher syndrome can be avoided or reduced if it has already occurred. But, for this, it is necessary that the teacher is aware of what is happening to him, and has an interest in changing. It should be clear that it is not the students’ fault. A change of perspective, and new ways of attitude can prevent burnout syndrome .

More practice, less theory

Students can read the theory at home. What they need is for them to do exercises in class, and not fall asleep with the teacher’s explanations or reading the subject. Therefore, we must focus on the subject in a practical way.

This way the students will be more entertained doing the exercises, they will be less distracted, and if they are talking to each other it is to do something productive, not waste time. It also helps the teacher, who will have a lot less stress, and will feel better.

Focus on student learning

It is normal that the entire program is not given. So, before trying to condense and give it away quickly, let’s try to do as mentioned above, and be more practical. Let’s see that theory when turned into practice is understood much better.

Likewise, the teacher must focus on the students, meeting their needs, solving their doubts. Also, it would be good if they could do tutorials if there are questions that need more time to be resolved. In this way, class hours will not be consumed. Certainly, these tips can help a teacher regain the enjoyment of the work he thought he had lost. Inevitably, this will also boost your self-esteem, and help you feel much better and more fulfilled.

Conclusion

Finally, these are some characteristics that we can find in a burnt teacher. The “ burnout ” syndrome also affects other professionals, such as doctors. It is not something isolated from teaching alone.

Currently, health professionals can treat this problem in their practice. So, if you’re a teacher, or think you’re burned out in your profession and can’t find a way out, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Without a doubt, it is important because it can lead to serious conditions such as depression.