Burnout in higher education doesn't always show up as a crash. More often, it looks like reheated coffee, a growing to-do list, and the sense that the work never really ends. In this episode, we share 10 strategies from real educators who have figured out how to keep going without burning out, from setting boundaries and saying no, to redesigning assignments and letting go of perfection. These aren't abstract ideas or productivity hacks. They're practical, classroom-tested ways to protect your energy while still showing up for your students. If you've ever thought, "I can't keep doing it like this," this episode is for you. Brought to you by Macmillan Learning Episode Breakdown + Timestamps 00:00 Kickoff: When burnout starts to creep in 01:12 Stop before you crash 02:47 Remember there's a world outside academia. Learn to say no 06:08 Advocate for yourself 09:15 Done is better than perfect 11:45 Let tech do the heavy lifting 14:49 Do less, but make it matter 18:08 Balance your strengths, not just your tasks 19:54 Keep it fun 24:22 Let your students refuel you 26:27 Touch grass 29:58 What we learned today Featured Educators Jennifer Duncan is Associate Professor of English at Georgia State University's Perimeter College. Jennifer has been teaching English literature and composition for twenty-five years and specializing in online teaching for fifteen. Dr. Ryan Herzog is an Associate Professor of Economics, Program Coordinator, and Faculty Fellow at Gonzaga University, where he has been teaching for 16 years. He's co-authored "Principles of Economics" and his work focuses on macroeconomics, financial markets and public policy. Dr. Erika Martinez is a Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida, where she has taught economics for 14 years. She's passionate about making economics accessible and engaging for all students and also teaches at UNC-Kenan Flagler Business School's MBA@UNC online program and Santa Barbara City College. Dr. Sara Lahman is a Professor of Biology and STEM Outreach Coordinator at the University of Mount Olive. She has over a decade of experience in STEM education, curriculum design, and research, and is passionate about creating learning experiences that connect science to real-world applications. Betsy Langness is the Psychology Department Head at Jefferson Community and Technical College, where she has worked for more than 20 years. She teaches general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment. Adriana Bryant is an English and Developmental English Instructor at Lone Star College–Kingwood in Texas. She teaches courses of different modalities, and strives to create an engaging environment that helps foster her students' growth and desire to learn. Dr. Christin Monroe is an Educational Research Associate at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She previously taught Chemistry at Landmark College with a focus on supporting neurodivergent learners through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. Dr. Jennifer Ripley Stueckle has spent the past 17 years as a Teaching Professor and Non-Majors Biology Program Director at West Virginia University. She has taught introductory biology, immunology and human physiology. She also created biology courses offered through dual enrollment at West Virginia high schools. Dr. Kendra Thomas is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Hope College and co-author of The Developing Person Through the Life Span. She has been teaching human development courses for 12 years. She is a mother of two and researches adolescents' perceptions of justice and how hope changes over time. Dr. Star Sinclair is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. For 18 years, she has taught general psychology, lifespan development, behavioral statistics, and research methods in psychology to students of all backgrounds and preparation levels. One Last Thing If something in this episode made you think, laugh, or finally close a few of those tabs, follow the show, leave a quick rating, or share it with a colleague. It's the podcast equivalent of sliding a good idea down the hallway right when someone needs it. Have your own strategy for avoiding burnout? Email us at TheWhatAndWhoOfEDU@macmillan.com, we'd love to hear from you.
