A Journey of Connection and Resilience
Alison Edwards wakes up every morning at 3:45 a.m. Her day starts with a four-mile run on the treadmill, a moment of clarity before she tackles the unpredictable, challenging, and rewarding life of a teacher.
But Alison’s journey to overcoming teacher burnout and building a thriving classroom culture didn’t happen overnight. Her story is one of resilience, a strong teacher community, and a commitment to building meaningful connections — with her students, her colleagues, and herself.
Overcoming First-Year teacher burnout
Alison’s first year of teaching was nothing short of overwhelming. She had bitten off more than she could chew, juggling multiple responsibilities in a school where resources were limited. With only one other teacher in her grade level —also new to the profession — Alison often felt isolated and unsure of her next steps.
To make matters worse, the school was rife with challenges: students bringing weapons to school, staff turnover, and a lack of clear guidance for first-year teachers.
“I thought I had to do it all,” Alison recalls. “I stayed late, was doing lesson plans and grading on the weekends, and tried to be everything to everyone. But I was running on empty.”
A Turning Point: Finding Support in Year Two
It wasn’t until an instructional coach pulled her aside during her second year and told her, “You’re doing okay,” that Alison began to believe she could make it. That moment of reassurance was pivotal. It gave her the confidence to take a step back, focus on what mattered most, and build a classroom environment rooted in relationships.
Making Learning Fun Through Creativity
When building the classroom environment, Alison really focuses on making learning fun. Whether it’s setting up her room for “Grinchmas” with letters from the Grinch and playing “Pin the Heart on the Grinch,” or dressing like an old lady for the 100th day of school with flour in her hair, Alison is constantly on the lookout for creative ways to make students laugh and enjoy school.
Determined to make the second year better, Alison tried every strategy she could think of to improve classroom behavior: a token economy, rewards, stickers, points. It worked for a while, but always faded and just “felt off”. Alison observed several veteran teachers’ classroom, where none of these systems were in place, and was amazed by how easily the classrooms seemed to flow; the students were engaged, and there was a sense of mutual respect.
Shifting from Compliance to Engagement
“So, I asked myself, ‘Do I really need all this?’” Alison recalls. “Observing other teachers gave me the opportunity to reflect on whether I was creating compliance or engagement.” She decided to let go of the extrinsic rewards and focus on building authentic connections instead.
Small Actions That Build Trust
As Alison leaned into connection, her teaching transformed. She focused on building relationships with her students, recognizing that trust and understanding were the foundation of learning. She started small: greeting each student by name, learning about their lives outside of school, and finding ways to celebrate their wins, big and small. Her efforts paid off. One student, who had been labeled “hard to handle”,” blossomed under Alison’s care. She discovered her love of feeling included and dancing. “It wasn’t about changing her to fit what I needed her to be,” Alison says. “It was about meeting her where she was and showing her the magic I saw in her.”
Transformative Power of Teacher Communities
Alison’s dedication extended to her colleagues as well. She began to form close bonds with her fellow teacher, Sarah, Meghan, and Molly, who became her sounding boards and sources of encouragement. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of teaching, proving that even in the most challenging environments, community makes all the difference.
Online Teacher Communities
While Alison was fortunate to find in-person support early in her career, she recognizes that not every teacher has access to that kind of network. That’s why she’s passionate about the power of online teacher communities like TeachersConnect. These communities provide a space for deep connection, emotional growth, and professional learning.
Alison believes that if she had access to a platform like TeachersConnect in her early years, she might have avoided some of the burnout she experienced. “It’s a place where to share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and learn from others who truly get it.”
Time and Energy Management Tips for Thriving Teachers
One of the biggest shifts in Alison’s journey from surviving to thriving came when she decided to set firm boundaries to protect her time and energy.
“At first, I felt guilty about disconnecting,” she admits. “But I realized that I couldn’t be the teacher my students needed if I was always burned out.” Alison made a conscious effort to unplug after school. She avoids checking her phone during evenings, attends local sports games with her husband and friends, and prioritizes her personal time over lesson planning in the evenings.
These simple practices allow her to recharge and show up as her best self for her students each day. But Alison knows she’s not an island. “Teaching is hard work,” she admits. “You can’t do it alone. Community is everything.” While she was fortunate to find in-person support early in her career, Alison recognizes that not every teacher has access to that kind of network. That’s why she’s passionate about the power of online teacher communities like TeachersConnect.
How Teachers Can Avoid Burnout
Alison encourages teachers to take small, intentional steps to guard their energy. Whether it’s creating non-negotiable personal time, practicing mindfulness, or leaning into supportive communities like TeachersConnect, these habits can help educators maintain balance and joy in their careers.
TeachersConnect provides an intimate space for deep connection, emotional growth, and professional learning. It’s a transformative community experience that meets the unique needs of teachers. For a low monthly price, founding members can join this network and connect with educators like Alison from across the country and around the world.
From Surviving to Thriving: Alison’s Legacy
Today, Alison teaches middle school Social Studies at Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, part of District 49. She brings 13 years of experience from her time teaching in Virginia, and her classroom is a vibrant, welcoming space where students feel safe to be themselves. Not only has she mastered the art of student engagement and classroom management through relationship building, but she has also developed effective strategies for time management and energy alignment, making her a role model for teachers striving to create a thriving classroom culture.
Alison’s story is a testament to the power of a teacher community and the resilience it fosters. From a vulnerable first-year teacher battling burnout to a veteran educator who inspires both students and colleagues, she has shown what’s possible when you focus on authentic relationships and lean into supportive communities.
For teachers feeling isolated or overwhelmed, Alison’s journey offers hope. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, you can overcome teacher burnout, build strong teacher-student relationships, create a thriving classroom culture, and find joy in the work you do. Alison proves that with emotional resilience and teacher support, you can achieve a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
Join the Movement
If you’re ready to experience the transformative power of a teacher community, visit TeachersConnect.com today. Connect with educators like Alison, share your story, and be part of a thriving network where teacher wellbeing drives everything we do—because thriving teachers create thriving classrooms.
Join TeachersConnect today to access powerful tools, collaborative wisdom, and personalized guidance to transform your teaching journey. Click here to start now!