Called to Teach, Not Called to Be Tired

5 days ago

5 min read

Why loving what we do doesn't mean we don't need rest.

We've all heard the saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."

I've heard it for years, and as I reflect on more than 22 years in education, I find myself wondering just how true that statement really is.

For many of us, teaching is more than a job. It's a calling. An assignment. A labor of love.

For me, that assignment comes from God. I also recognize that educators find their purpose through different faiths, beliefs, and personal convictions. Regardless of where that sense of purpose originates, I believe many of us share something special: We genuinely love what we do.

But let me tell you something:

Just because I love what I do doesn't mean I don't get tired doing it!

And somewhere around October, that tiredness starts showing up. The excitement of the new school year has settled. The routines are established. The assessments are rolling in. The emails aren't slowing down.

And some of us have already started counting the days until Thanksgiving break!

Yes, even those of us teaching virtually. Trust me, the computer screen doesn't eliminate the workload—or the need for a break!

We Do So Much More Than Teach

As educators, we teach, mentor, encourage, counsel, redirect, advocate, and sometimes become a listening ear for an entire family.

We celebrate students' accomplishments while helping them navigate disappointments. We notice changes in behavior. We recognize when something isn't right. We sometimes become part of the support system that helps students and families work through trauma and begin healing.

And while we aren't therapists, we are often trusted adults helping families connect with the support they need.

That's meaningful work. But it's also emotionally demanding work.

Research recognizes something called secondary traumatic stress, which can affect professionals who regularly encounter the traumatic experiences of others. A systematic review published in the Journal of School Health examined 18 studies and found that secondary traumatic stress is a genuine concern among school personnel, although its prevalence varies across studies.

That means the emotional weight we sometimes carry deserves attention, not dismissal.

The Research Says We're Tired, Too!

This isn't just something we're imagining.

According to the RAND Corporation's 2025 State of the American Teacher research, 46% of teachers reported that their jobs left them too tired to participate in activities in their personal lives, compared with 13% of similar working adults.

Think about that.

We're pouring so much into our professional lives that sometimes there's very little left for ourselves or the people waiting for us at home.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that adults ages 18–60 generally need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep supports physical health, emotional well-being, memory, and attention.

In other words, rest isn't a reward for finishing everything on your to-do list. It's a necessity.

And let's be clear: self-care alone cannot fix unreasonable workloads, inadequate staffing, or unhealthy working conditions. School leaders and systems have responsibilities, too.

But while we advocate for better conditions, we must also be intentional about caring for ourselves.

Don't Cancel Yourself!

So here's my encouragement to every educator reading this:

Don't keep postponing your medical appointments.

Get those annual physicals, dental cleanings, screenings, and follow-ups. Your health matters just as much as the deadlines on your calendar.

Don't neglect your mental and emotional wellness.

If you need counseling, support, quiet time, or simply an opportunity to talk through what you're carrying, make room for it.

Don't cancel that spa appointment!

Get the massage, enjoy the facial, or spend an afternoon being pampered. Sometimes we need to allow somebody else to take care of us for a change!

Don't pass up that weekend fishing trip.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is put the laptop away, enjoy the outdoors, and leave those emails unanswered until Monday.

Don't skip that retail therapy experience with friends.

Now, I'm not telling anybody to go into debt! But a little shopping, laughter, and quality time with people who bring you joy can be a wonderful change of pace. And sometimes the best part isn't what you buy—it's the company you keep.

And please, GET SOME REST!

Not every evening needs to be productive. Not every weekend needs to be filled with lesson planning, grading, meetings, and commitments.

Sometimes the assignment is simply to rest.

Loving the Assignment Means Caring for the Person Assigned

One thing I continue to learn is that passion and exhaustion can exist at the same time.

I can love my students and still need a day to myself.

I can be committed to educational excellence and still need eight hours of sleep.

I can believe God has called me to serve and still recognize that I have physical, emotional, and mental limitations.

Being called to serve does not mean being called to sacrifice our health.

We cannot consistently pour into others while ignoring what we need to remain whole.

And perhaps that's the real lesson behind that familiar saying.

When you love what you do, the work may be deeply fulfilling. It may give your life meaning and purpose. It may even feel less like work on some days. But it's still work.

And even the most dedicated educators need time to rest, recover, reconnect, and recharge.

Because our students deserve educators who are supported, healthy, and able to bring their best selves to the classroom.

And we deserve those things for ourselves, too.

CC's Challenge

What is one thing you can do for yourself in the next seven days?

- Schedule the appointment you've been postponing.

- Take the walk.

- Call a friend.

- Plan the getaway.

- Enjoy your hobby.

- Go to bed earlier.

Whatever you choose, make it intentional.

And to my fellow educators, remember this:

You are more than what you do for others. Take care of the person who answers the call.

Now, before I go...

We have SIX WEEKS until Thanksgiving! 🦃

Not that I'm counting or anything... 😂

But whether you're teaching in a traditional classroom or virtually, I know some of you have already started your countdown! And, if not...

LET THE COUNTING BEGIN!

Consistently,

Research & Resources

RAND Corporation (2025). State of the American Teacher. Research on teacher well-being, workload, and work-life balance. Explore RAND's research

Journal of School Health (2025). A Systematic Review of Secondary Traumatic Stress in School Personnel. Research examining the emotional impact of exposure to others' traumatic experiences.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). About Sleep. Recommendations for healthy sleep duration and its relationship to physical and emotional health. Read the CDC guidance

Stay Connected!

Education Excellence with CC is part of my ongoing commitment to supporting educators, strengthening schools, and sharing practical strategies for educational excellence.

Through Spirit of Excellence Learning Systems (SOELS), we provide educational consulting, professional development, and learning opportunities for educators, families, and organizations.

Visit us at https://bit.ly/soels to learn more!

A Personal Note: I'm also seeking re-election to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, District 3, on November 3, 2026. If you'd like to learn more about my campaign or explore ways to support it, please visit:

https://bit.ly/supportccp

Thank you for reading, sharing, and continuing the conversation about educational excellence!

Carla Powell-Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Spirit of Excellence Learning Systems and a local, state, and nationally acclaimed Social Studies Teacher with over 20 years’ experience. She is the Immediate Past President of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and current District 3 School Board Representative. This post was originally published October 13, 2026 and is cross-posted here with permission. You can connect with Carla via email here.