Burnout among educators is nearly twice as high as other professionals, and it's no secret why. Many report having too much work and too few resources to manage it all. They’re often expected to cover extra duties, work long hours, and still deliver high-quality education, often without adequate compensation, recognition, or support.

When school leaders are soooo burned out, it creates a trickle-down effect that impacts teachers, support staff, and even student achievement. As responsibilities pile up and expectations continue to rise, the pressure can quickly become too much.

This imbalance—where many feel like they give more than they receive—contributes to staff burnout and can lead to your best talent leaving the profession altogether.

The Reality of Burnout in K-12 Education

Recent studies highlight just how widespread burnout in education is. For instance, 37% of senior school leaders show significant signs of burnout—higher than any other group in education. Among these leaders, 41% report feeling exhausted, compared to the 30% of teachers who feel the same way.

An effective school communications plan is one of the most powerful ways a district can help reduce teacher burnout and keep talented staff on board. It can also increase the likelihood that they’ll stay and continue doing the work they love.

Poor Communication is a Deal-Breaker

Poor communication is one of the most common reasons employees leave their jobs, and this is especially true in education. When communication breaks down, many teachers and staff feel disconnected, frustrated, and unsure about their roles or value in the broader mission of the district, which contributes to burnout during a time when staffing shortages are widespread and retaining skilled educators is more critical than ever.

It Tanks Staff Morale

When communication is poor, morale suffers, and staff feel invisible or left out of important conversations.

According to a recent report, 33% of employees don’t feel recognized or heard at their workplaces, and when educators already feel they don't receive enough recognition for their hard work, poor communication only continues to make things worse.

It Increases Turnover

Low morale is often a direct result of poor communication. Gallup research shows that better communication is highly valued among employees. In fact, 90% of employees believe that good communication is key to a positive working environment, and even when pay is lower than desired, 69% of employees say they would be less likely to quit if their workplace communicated more effectively.

It Creates a Toxic Work Environment

Schedule changes, new policies, and upcoming events—when this information isn’t shared properly, it can make jobs that much more challenging. In schools, where SO much depends on clear instructions and coordination, this whiplash can be particularly harmful.

How to Retain Teachers and Staff & Improve District Communication

Improving communication within a school district doesn’t happen overnight, but there are communication strategies that school leaders can use to start making a difference and work toward preventing burnout.

Set Clear Expectations | Timely & Personalized Communication

Start by setting clear expectations around communication. Make sure everyone knows how and when information will be shared. For instance, decide whether important updates will be sent through email, shared in a weekly newsletter, or posted on a staff portal. Let staff know the best ways to reach you and other administrators, and encourage them to use these channels consistently.

Clarify which tools will be used for different types of communication. For example, you might use texts for urgent updates, a staff portal for posting important documents, and detailed emails or newsletters for more complex topics.

Consistency is key. Once you set these expectations, stick to them! If you say there will be a weekly update, make sure it happens every week at the same time, and use the same tools for the same types of communication

Regular updates help ensure your staff members are always aware of important news, changes, and events within the district, which seem to happen daily, right? Whether it’s a new policy, a schedule change, or announcing an upcoming event, staff need to be informed about changes and updates as soon as possible.

Empower them early with this information—after all, staff and teachers are often on the line as the direct contact with parents. Direct Line, Robbinsdale Area Schools' staff newsletter, is a mobile-friendly collection of the latest news, celebrations, and important announcements for district staff.

Keep Reading: 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Next School District Newsletter

Make Communications Accessible | Staff Resource Portals

Accessibility is another crucial part of efficient staff communication in public schools. All staff members need organized and easy access to information.

A staff resource portal is a powerful way to centralize important documents, resources, and information at any time. Permission-based access ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to those who need it, and if you’re using Finalsite’s Post module, you can use categories, tags, or a keyword search bar to find specific information.

An employee resource page like Kyrene School District’s is a convenient place where information such as school policies, employee news, HR documents, professional development resources, and other essential materials is easily accessible.

Encourage Feedback and Act on It | Communication Surveys

Don’t assume that no news is good news. Regular check-ins with staff are essential for keeping communication lines open.

Consider setting up anonymous suggestion boxes or surveys through forms where staff can provide feedback and encourage staff to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions openly.

And when you do receive feedback, act on it! If staff ask for more frequent updates, find a way to provide them. If they suggest a new tool or process, consider giving it a try. Even small changes can make a difference in how staff feel about their work environment.

Regular communication surveys are an excellent way to gauge staff satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Surveys should include questions that cover a range of topics, such as:

• The effectiveness of current communication methods
• The clarity of information provided
• The timeliness of updates
• Their preferred communication channels

Harrison School District Two in Colorado surveyed the district staff's perceptions about the communications from and with the district, and it seems their process is appreciated.

Staff Recognition and Celebration

Recognizing and celebrating staff achievements is another important communication strategy. Whether highlighting a teacher’s clever lesson plan, celebrating a staff member’s milestone, or sharing success stories, these public recognitions can impact staff morale.

Keep Reading: 6 Fresh Ideas For School Staff Recognition

Recognition can take many forms, from a simple thank-you note to more formal acknowledgments like awards, mentions in the district newsletter, or a shout-out on social as part of an ongoing series. Consider creating more formal recognition programs, like “Teacher of the Month” awards or recognizing staff members who have gone above and beyond.

ValleyView 365U regularly shares its staff's achievements, including Instagram posts and recognition through a YouTube series.

Key Takeaway

You’ve found some of the best staff to inspire, lead, and support students, so don’t lose them!
Improving communication is an ongoing process that requires commitment and effort from school leaders. Set clear expectations, make communications accessible, encourage feedback, and recognize staff achievements so you can create a work environment where staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay with your district year after year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. As Finalsite’s Senior Content Marketing Manager, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.