Home

Latest from the Blog

Back-to-School Middle School ELA Bundle

Back-to-school season is here, and middle school ELA teachers everywhere are looking for ways to start strong. The first weeks of school set the tone for the year—students are adjusting to new routines, expectations, and challenges, while teachers are working hard to build a classroom community and establish consistency. That’s where having the right resources…

Summer Won’t Fix Your Teacher Burnout! But this Might…

Let’s be honest—by the time the school year ends, many teachers are running on fumes. We dream of summer as our great escape. And while a few weeks of sleeping in, beach days, and not hearing a single bell ring can offer temporary relief… it’s often not enough. Because teacher burnout isn’t just about being…

End-of-Year Activities for Middle School Students

The end is in sight! We are nearly there! I think teachers and parents should start a movement to rename the month of May to “May-hem.” It’s such a busy few weeks as we wrap up testing, celebrate graduations and advancements, have awards ceremonies, spirit weeks, field trips, and more! To take some of the…

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

116. The Hidden Pressure Teachers Put on Summer (And why it might be making your burnout worse!) The Next Level Teacher Podcast

Do you feel like summer break is supposed to "fix" everything? If you've ever caught yourself thinking… I need to make this summer count.I should be happier by now.I only have a few weeks left.I need to get my life together before school starts….you're not alone. In this episode of The Next Level Teacher Podcast, Brenna Nelson explores the hidden pressure many teachers unknowingly place on summer break—and why those expectations may actually make it harder to recover from teacher burnout. Instead of allowing summer to be a season of rest, many educators turn it into another checklist filled with self-improvement, productivity, and unrealistic expectations. Brenna explains why burnout doesn't magically disappear when school ends, how our thoughts create unnecessary pressure, and what to focus on instead if you want lasting emotional well-being. If you're hoping to return to school feeling calmer, healthier, and more grounded—not because summer magically transformed you, but because you've learned how to care for yourself—this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why teachers often expect too much from summer break  The hidden thoughts creating unnecessary pressure and guilt  Why teacher burnout doesn't disappear just because school is out  How "should" thinking steals your peace  The difference between intentional rest and guilt-filled rest  Why summer isn't meant to fix you  A healthier way to prepare for the next school year If you're ready to stop trying to earn your rest and start enjoying the season you're actually in, press play.  Connect with Brenna: Ready to change your relationship with teaching? Find out how by signing up for a free discovery call with Brenna. Click HERE to schedule today–spots are limited; sign up now!If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another teacher who needs permission to let summer simply be summer. 
  1. 116. The Hidden Pressure Teachers Put on Summer (And why it might be making your burnout worse!)
  2. 115. Permission to Rest
  3. 114. ENCORE – Three Thoughts Quietly Driving Teachers to Burnout
  4. 113. How Teachers Can Feel More Joy – Raising the Emotional Baseline After Burnout
  5. 112. How to Stop Overthinking: 3 Ways Teachers Can Manage Anxiety and Worry

Meet
Our Hosts

Terrell George

Many podcast series provide an associated website with links and show notes, guest biographies, transcripts, additional resources, commentary, and even a community forum dedicated to discussing the show’s content.

Kay Buford

Many podcast series provide an associated website with links and show notes, guest biographies, transcripts, additional resources, commentary, and even a community forum dedicated to discussing the show’s content.