Fueling Passion, Preventing Burnout: Cultivating Compassion in Education
A resource hub for educators dedicated to sustaining joy, purpose, and well-being in their work.
Practice Self-Compassion
Why it matters: Educators extend compassion to everyone around them — but often forget themselves. Practicing self-compassion helps reduce self-criticism, increase resilience, and prevent burnout.
Try this:
When things feel hard, pause and say to yourself:
“This is hard.”
“I’m human.”
“I deserve the same compassion I give others.”
Explore more:
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Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself — Kristin Neff, PhD
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Center for Mindful Self-Compassion — Guided Practices
Engage in Intentional Self-Care (Social Prescribing)
Why it matters: Self-care isn’t indulgence — it’s maintenance. The right activities and connections replenish your energy and compassion.
Try this:
What activities or relationships outside of work help you feel recharged, grounded, or more like yourself?
If you could “prescribe” one to yourself this week, what would it be?
Explore more:
Set Healthy Boundaries
Why it matters: Boundaries protect your energy and allow you to show up as your best self at school and at home.
Try this:
Practice saying “no” with kindness. For example:
“I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now.”
“I’ll respond to messages during my planning period.”
Explore more:
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How to Set Boundaries As An Overworked Educator- Lisa Baylis
Foster Collective Care
Why it matters: Burnout isn’t just an individual issue — it’s a community one. True well-being grows in environments of trust, empathy, and belonging.
Try this:
Talk with your colleagues:
“What does collective care look like in our school?”
“What’s one small action we can take to support one another this week?”
Explore more:
Reconnect with Your Passion
Why it matters: Remembering why you became an educator reignites purpose and joy — both powerful antidotes to burnout.
Try this:
Think about a moment this school year that reminded you why you do this work. What made it meaningful?
Explore more:
Continue the Journey: Reflection Homework
Reflect on what you’ve learned about compassion, boundaries, purpose, self-care, and community.
🖊️ Imagine yourself 20 years from now — what would you tell your younger self to do more of, to let go of, and to never forget?
Bring This Work to Your School
Ready to take the next step? The Mental Health and Resilience Group partners with schools and organizations to build compassionate, sustainable cultures of well-being
Here’s how we can support you:
Professional Development for Staff: Custom Workshops on Self-Care, Compassion Fatigue, and Educator Well-being.
Mental Health Literacy Training Youth & Teen Mental Health First Aid certification for educators, parents, or students. Peer-to-peer wellness and leadership training for high school students.
Are you interested in bringing this training to your school?
Set up a meeting with Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum
🔗 Share This Page If this session inspired you, share it with your colleagues or team. Together, we can normalize conversations about well-being in education and make compassion sustainable.
Contact
Like what you see? Get in touch to learn more.
