Brenna Woods | Supporting Teachers Starts With Tackling Burnout Head-On

Brenna Woods

Burnout among educators is more than a temporary challenge—it’s a systemic issue that threatens the stability of public education. Brenna Woods, a dedicated assistant principal and advocate for school wellness, underscores the importance of addressing burnout as part of a broader retention strategy. Teachers can't be expected to pour from an empty cup.

Supporting teacher wellness begins with intentional scheduling and work design. Schools must evaluate how much non-instructional labor is required of teachers and look for ways to reduce overload. Leaders who actively streamline administrative tasks free up teachers' capacity to engage meaningfully with their students.

Retaining great educators also means creating emotionally safe spaces. Faculty should have regular opportunities to speak openly about workload, emotional strain, and classroom challenges—without fear of judgment. Systems like embedded wellness teams and rotating restorative check-ins can make a significant difference.

Compensation and recognition matter too, but they are not the only factors. Schools that celebrate contributions, acknowledge emotional labor, and invest in growth pathways tend to retain staff longer. These are environments where educators feel anchored.

In Brenna Woods’s view, school leaders have the responsibility—and opportunity—to create systems that honor the humanity of their teachers. Burnout isn’t inevitable; with the right conditions, it can be prevented, and retention can rise.