Advancing More Equitable Support Systems for Educators

Burnout and attrition are rising across K–12 schools in the U.S. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 44% of school staff feel burned out most or all the time, leading to exhaustion, disconnection, and declining effectiveness. More than a quarter million teachers are now expected to leave the workforce annually due to inconsistent leadership support, unclear decision‑making, constant changes, low pay, and heavy workloads, all of which undermine student learning.

To better understand the challenges educators face, Healthier Generation convened a panel of experts to discuss healthy work-life boundaries, peer support, and strategies to prevent burnout. While the discussion offered valuable insights into workplace wellness, it also underscored the importance of centering diverse lived experiences in conversations about burnout and support.

Although only 20% of teachers identify as people of color, these educators are disproportionately affected by burnout and attrition. Research shows that Black and Latino educators often shoulder additional responsibilities, such as translation duties, managing “difficult” students, or providing emotional support, on top of their regular workload. Often rooted in racialized assumptions, these expectations contribute to emotional strain and professional inequity. 

Many educators of color also report feeling undervalued, overlooked for advancement, and subjected to microaggressions from colleagues and leaders.

Despite these challenges, Black and Latino educators play a critical role in student success. Their presence is linked to improved academic outcomes, increased identification for gifted programs, and stronger relationships for students of color. 

Supporting their well-being is essential to equity and to the health of our entire educational system.

Schools and districts can take meaningful steps to reduce burnout among educators of color, including: 

• Creating space for open conversations about race‑related stressors 
• Sharing responsibility for these conversations across school communities rather than relying primarily on educators from historically marginalized backgrounds
• Strengthening connection, reducing microaggressions, and implementing policies that protect staff time and capacity

Healthier Generation is committed to elevating the voices of educators from diverse backgrounds, integrating their perspectives into our resources, and fostering school environments where every staff member feels valued, supported, and connected. We invite you to join us in this work by listening deeply, acting intentionally, and championing equity in every school community.

Additional Resources

• MindShift Podcast: A Framework for Conversations About Race in Schools
  Guidance for navigating productive, supportive discussions about race in educational settings. 
• Anna Freud: Anti-Racism Policy Template
  A practical framework schools can adapt to support equity-focused policies and inclusive workplace culture.

-By Meredith McReynolds, Staff Well-Being National Advisor, Healthier Generation