We've talked money and we've talked stress, but what about the day-in, day-out grind of teaching? The loneliness in rural schools, the frustration of difficulties moving upward, and the difficulties of politics that put the best interest of students in the middle?

The first part of our two-part episode on leadership and school culture is out now. Featuring interviews from two former teachers, "Extra Duties as Assigned" examines some of the smaller things that build up over time, and which may drive teachers out of the classroom.

In the second half of our two-part episode on teacher stress and burnout, Green Apple Pod examines serious examples of stress and trauma that, unfortunately, are becoming less uncommon for teachers across the country. The episode ends with an interview from UCONN researcher Dr. Lisa Sanetti with a discussion around the impact of teacher stress, secondary trauma, and what we can do to alleviate it so that we lose fewer teachers to burnout.

Trigger warning for sexual assault, sexual harassment and cyberbullying beginning at the 19:15 mark.

Resources:

The American Psychological Association's survey on teacher assault.

EdWeek's preliminary investigation into sexual assault and harassment of teachers.

The Journal of School Violence's 2020 article on teacher assault.

Teaching is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful jobs in America, but how much is stress related to burnout and teacher attrition? On this episode of Green Apple Pod, we dive into how stress and emotional burnout contribute to teachers exiting the classroom. From a lack of support to complete compassion fatigue, the teachers in this week's episode get vulnerable about their time in the classroom, what made them leave, and what they hope will change in the future.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations around anxiety, abuse, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.