Jay Midwood has spent more than 22 years working in education at both the national and local level, including roles as Chief of Human Capital for the Central Falls School District and Vice President of Operations for the Center for Secondary School Redesign, Inc. He currently serves as the Director of the Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program at Rhode Island College. Jay is a member of Red Rover's SMAC Council and is passionate about talent strategy, educational pathways, and building what he calls The Talent Ecosystem.
After more than 20 years working in the education sector at both the local and national level, I have had the opportunity to work alongside incredible educators. I have interviewed them, hired them, mentored them, and supported them through both the most rewarding and difficult moments of their careers. One thing has always remained clear to me. Education is not just a profession. It is deeply human work.
Schools are built on relationships. Teachers invest their time, energy, and heart into the lives of students every single day. They celebrate student success, carry the weight of student struggles, and often extend themselves far beyond their job descriptions to make sure every child feels seen and supported. That level of commitment is one of the most beautiful aspects of education. It is also one of the reasons burnout has become such a serious challenge. We work hard to ensure students are seen and supported. Are we doing the same for the adults in the building?
Across the country, teachers are navigating increasing demands, especially post-pandemic. Academic expectations continue to rise. Staffing shortages mean many educators are covering additional responsibilities. The societal needs of students are more complex than ever. At the same time, teachers are balancing their own personal lives, families, and well-being. Too many are walking away from the profession because they no longer feel seen as human beings.
Burnout is not simply about feeling tired after a long week. It happens when people who care deeply about their work begin to feel emotionally drained and disconnected from the purpose that brought them into the profession in the first place. As someone who spent years working in K-12 human capital and talent development, I believe the solution does not lie only in policies or programs. It begins with remembering that education is a people-centered profession.
Teachers are not just employees in a system. They are individuals with passion, purpose, and an extraordinary commitment to their students and communities. When districts keep the human side of this work at the center of decision-making, the environment for educators begins to change. Over the years, I have seen several strategies make a real difference in helping teachers feel supported and sustained in their careers.
1. Protect the Time That Matters Most
One of the most common frustrations I hear from teachers is the loss of time to focus on what they love most about their work. Teachers want to teach. They want to design meaningful lessons, connect with students and colleagues, and reflect on their practice. But many educators feel buried under administrative tasks, meetings, and documentation requirements that pull them away from the heart of their work.
District leaders should regularly examine how teachers spend their time and ask a simple question: does this support teaching and learning? When professional time is protected and unnecessary tasks are reduced, teachers regain the space they need to be creative, thoughtful, and fully present in their classrooms. That sense of professional autonomy can go a long way in preventing burnout.
2. Build Strong Relationships Among Educators
Teaching can feel isolating, particularly for new educators who are still finding their footing. Without strong support systems, teachers may feel like they are facing challenges alone. Mentorship programs, professional learning communities, and peer collaboration create opportunities for educators to learn from one another and build meaningful professional relationships.
These structures are not just about improving instruction. They are about building community within the profession. When teachers have trusted colleagues they can turn to for advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear, the work feels more manageable and far less isolating.
3. Invest in Local Talent and Community Pathways
Over the past several years, I have seen a growing movement toward developing local educator pipelines. Programs that support paraprofessionals and community members in becoming certified teachers have tremendous potential. Many of these individuals already have deep connections to the students and families they serve. They understand the community, share cultural experiences, and bring an authentic commitment to the classroom.
These pathways strengthen the workforce while reinforcing the idea that education is a community-driven profession. When educators feel rooted in the communities they serve, their sense of belonging and purpose grows stronger.
4. Recognize the Humanity Behind the Work
In busy school systems, it is easy to focus on what still needs improvement. But recognition and appreciation matter deeply in a profession built on care and connection. Teachers want to know that their efforts are seen and valued. Sometimes that recognition can be as simple as a principal acknowledging a teacher's creativity in the classroom or a district leader sharing a story of student success made possible by a dedicated educator.
When teachers feel appreciated as people and professionals, their motivation and pride in their work grows. A culture of appreciation reminds educators that what they do truly matters.
5. Lead with Empathy and Trust
Perhaps the most important strategy for addressing burnout is also the most human one. Leadership matters. The tone set by district and school leaders shapes the entire experience of working in a school. Educators need leaders who listen, who understand the realities of the classroom, and who are willing to engage in honest conversations about workload and well-being.
Trust grows when teachers feel their voices are heard and their experiences are respected. When leadership leads with empathy, it creates space for teachers to be both dedicated professionals and fully themselves.
Moving Forward Together
Education has always been about people. It is about the relationships between teachers and students, the partnerships between schools and families, and the collaboration among educators who believe in the power of learning. When we forget the human side of this work, burnout grows. When we honor it, educators rediscover the purpose that brought them into the profession.
As districts continue to navigate staffing challenges and changing expectations, the most important thing to remember is this: we are in the people business. Retention is not won in the benefits package. It is won in the daily experience of helping your greatest asset, your people, feel valued, capable, and connected.
Supporting teachers is not only about retaining staff. It is about sustaining the heart of our schools and ensuring that the next generation of educators can build fulfilling, lasting careers in a profession that truly changes lives.
