College Teacher Burn-out and Strategies for Alleviation

Questions
Required: This PowerPoint must include the meaning of College Teacher burn-out and the causes? What are some fun things College teachers can do to alleviate teacher burn out?  
Submission: 5 PowerPoint slides, APA format, must include colorful pictures, laughter, and 1-2 fun activities for teachers. 
Answer
1. Introduction
At a time when American higher education is under increased scrutiny from the general public, governing boards, and government officials, there is a documented increase in job-related stress for faculty and administrators. This stress, if not managed effectively, can lead to burnout and a variety of negative consequences for individuals and their institutions. It affects the quality of teaching, student-teacher interaction, and the climate of learning and leadership in postsecondary institutions. Although faculty at all types of institutions are experiencing increased levels of stress, research suggests that those at two-year colleges and regional comprehensive universities are especially prone to burnout (Bryson, 2013). This may be related to the fact that postsecondary professionals at institutions that serve as the primary entry point to higher education for underprepared and disadvantaged students face an environment that is inherently stressful. The same can be said for teaching and student affairs faculty at institutions that serve minority and underrepresented groups.
This essay is designed to explore and clarify the new phenomenon of faculty syndrome and its effects; identify the factors that contribute to college teacher burnout; heighten awareness about the importance of addressing this problem and suggest strategies for individuals and institutions to cope with and alleviate burnout. This section provides an overview of the nature and extent of faculty burnout and the consequences for the individuals affected, students and institutions. Subsequent sections identify the causes of burnout; discuss the various ways in which individuals respond to and cope with stressful work situations, and suggest strategies for individuals and colleges to reduce job-related stress and prevent burnout. Later sections will address the role of academic leaders and administrators in dealing with faculty burnout. The essay closes with an annotated bibliography of books and articles that will provide readers with additional resources to help them understand, recognize and cope with faculty burnout.
1.1 Definition of College Teacher Burn-out
In order to consider college teachers’ burnout and strategies for alleviation, it is firstly necessary to understand the phenomena being addressed. ‘Burnout’ is a state of chronic physical and emotional depletion comprising lowered vitality, depression, and a cynical, negative attitude towards oneself and others. There are three key words here – ‘state’, ‘chronic’ and ‘depletion’. It is a psychological concept referring to a person’s reaction to chronic interpersonal stress, and this reaction is defined by the three descriptors above. It is a gradual process, building up over time, with the person not realizing what is happening until they reach complete exhaustion. It is this chronic and gradual process of depletion which marks it different from other stress conditions. The depletion represents a state of having lost all resources, and the person can see no end to their feelings and has nothing left to give. The consequences of this are negative changes in the person’s attitude and behavior, and this may be noticed by others around them. Burnout is not a mental illness, as the symptoms can be seen as the body’s adaptive response to a stressful work situation. However, it can have serious effects on a person’s mental and physical health, and it is not something that will go away of its own accord.
1.2 Importance of Addressing Teacher Burn-out
From a teacher’s perspective, prevention and early intervention are the key to promoting teacher well-being and effective practice. The nine symptoms of burnout are fairly predictable and have been shown to unfold in a consistent sequence. The sequence begins with the teacher’s characteristic enthusiasm for the job. When this enthusiasm is channeled into an impossibly high set of expectations for self and students, the teacher may become frustrated that students do not appreciate all the effort put into class preparations. This frustration leads to disillusionment regarding teaching and a very strong desire to be doing anything other than teaching. As the teacher begins to distance him/herself from the students emotionally, a sense of impending failure can lead to guilt and anxiety. This negative self-perception and sense of failure is inevitably confided to close others who may try to reduce the teacher’s feeling of failure by giving advice on how to teach better. This advice is usually interpreted by the teacher as one more indication that others are not satisfied with his/her performance. This can lead to alienation from colleagues and further withdrawal from the job. Any intervention in this downward spiral must be multifaceted and aimed at increasing teacher skills and self-efficacy while decreasing the classroom demands that incited the initial enthusiasm to unrealistic levels.
Addressing college teacher burnout is important in making all the stakeholders aware of the disease that has been eating up the teachers from inside and reflects on all their actions. This disease has a severe impact on the life of the teacher, students, and the college management. It has been said that teaching is the noblest of all professions, but the disease has made it one of the most abusive and tiring work. The disease starts eating into the teacher very slowly and affects all areas of his/her life, be it personal or professional. It is also said that the teacher is vital for students’ learning. It is not only the method, material, and students’ interest that matter, but the motivation from the teacher plays a large role in student learning.
2. Causes of College Teacher Burn-out
2.1 Workload and Time Management
2.2 Lack of Support and Resources
2.3 Emotional and Mental Exhaustion
3. Strategies for Alleviating Teacher Burn-out
3.1 Prioritizing Self-Care
3.2 Establishing Work-Life Balance
3.3 Seeking Professional Development Opportunities
3.4 Building Supportive Relationships
3.5 Incorporating Mindfulness and Stress-Relief Techniques
4. Fun Activities for College Teachers
4.1 Engaging in Hobbies and Interests
4.2 Participating in Social Events and Gatherings
4.3 Exploring Nature and Outdoor Recreation
4.4 Traveling and Exploring New Places
4.5 Trying New Sports or Fitness Activities
5. Conclusion