Finding a Balance by Rebecca Zeckzer
Every day, teachers face a growing
number of challenges that cause their stress levels to rise. Beyond ensuring students meet their academic
goals, educators must address Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section
504 plans, English learner support, and escalating behavior concerns. The rise in student cell phone use during
class, as well as reports of teachers being verbally or physically attacked,
adds to the strain. Many teachers arrive
early and stay late, preparing for the next day’s lessons, analyzing student
data, and differentiating instruction to meet everyone’s individual learning
needs. It is not uncommon for educators
to work 10 to 20 hours beyond their contracted time each week.
Professional development often
focuses on learning and implementing new strategies; however, it rarely
provides time for teachers to complete essential tasks such as lesson planning,
grading, and inputting scores during contract hours. These responsibilities, critical to
instructional success, are often relegated to personal time. Outside of work, many teachers also juggle
family responsibilities, including caring for small children and transporting
them to extracurricular activities. The
result is a continuous struggle to find balance between professional and
personal demands.
Anne Klotz prefers the term
“stacking” or “sequencing” over “balance.” She emphasizes prioritizing tasks
and completing them in order of urgency rather than attempting to juggle
everything at once (Edutopia). This
means that instead of trying to do everything at the same time, teachers should
focus on one task at a time, starting with the most urgent. This mindset allows teachers to focus on what
is most pressing, reducing the feeling of being pulled in too many directions.
Practical strategies for achieving
a healthier work–life dynamic include setting clear boundaries, such as
limiting the amount of work taken home and checking work emails less frequently
(Teacher Professional Development, n.d.).
Establishing a set time to disconnect from work communications can help
teachers reclaim personal time and mental space. This idea is supported by advocates for the
“right to disconnect” movement, a global initiative that aims to protect
employees from being constantly connected to their work, even during their
personal time. Creating these boundaries
not only improves personal well-being but also helps maintain energy and focus
during the school day.
Research also underscores the
importance of proactive time management and self-care. According to Providence Ready (2025),
strategies such as time blocking, delegating non-essential tasks, and
integrating wellness activities into daily routines can reduce burnout. Likewise, the ERIC Digest on teacher stress
notes that collaboration with colleagues, setting realistic expectations, and
engaging in stress-reducing activities contribute significantly to sustaining a
long-term teaching career (Yong & Yue, 2007).
Finding a work-life balance - or
sequencing priorities - is not a one-time fix.
Instead, it is an ongoing process that requires teachers to reflect on
what is a priority, make adjustments, and set boundaries that protect their
personal time. By taking the necessary
steps to protect their personal time after work hours, they can reduce some of
the stress that comes from the classroom.
Finding the balance will help teachers flourish in their chosen career
path while maintaining their health and well-being.
References
Frommert, M. (2023, June 9). Finding balance in the lives of teachers. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/work-life-balance-teachers/
Graduate Programs for Educators. (2023, January 31). Work-life balance: Defending a teacher’s right to disconnect. https://www.graduateprogram.org/blog/work-life-balance-defending-a-teachers-right-to-disconnect
Providence Ready. (2025, June). Balancing school, work, and life: Strategies for students. https://www.providenceready.org/resources/blog/2025/june/balancing-school-work-and-life-strategies-for-st
Teacher Professional Development. (n.d.). Work-life balance strategies. TPD. https://tpd.edu.au/work-life-balance-strategies
Yong, Z., & Yue, Y. (2007). Causes, impacts, and solutions to teacher stress. ERIC Digest. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED546884.pdf
