Directions in Teacher Training for Low-Burnout Teaching

Abstract

Burnout is a psychological syndrome comprising senses of exhaustion, unaccomplishment, and depersonalization that manifests itself in professionals working with people in need of help, of treatment, or of instruction. Different sources of stress leading to burnout have been identified in the literature. This chapter uses Friedman’s Shattered Dreams model of teacher stress and burnout to establish directions in training teachers for a more successful, low-burnout teaching career. These directions involve the acquisition of four basic professional abilities: (a) leadership skills (classic and postmodern), (b) self-regulation skills, (c) organizational efficacy skills, and (d) skills for evading the burnout trap. The chapter argues that these skills can be learned and applied by trainee teachers, and be used effectively.