Frustrated Teacher: Help for Knowing What to Tackle First

Feeling frustrated? Here’s Where to Start

When so many things feel like they’re going wrong, it can be utterly overwhelming. You might not even know where to start.

Today, I want to talk about the frustration teachers feel and how to get unstuck. Sometimes, it feels like everything is going wrong—classroom disruptions, student apathy, lack of administrative support, an overwhelming workload, upset parents—the list goes on. This can leave us feeling hopeless and helpless, unsure where to begin.

If you’re feeling that way, my goal today is to help you step back, gain clarity, and identify the key issues causing the most stress. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, focus on the most pressing problem first. Small, intentional steps can lead to meaningful progress.

Step 1: Identify Your Biggest Frustrations

First, grab a sheet of paper (or, if you're driving, make a mental note for later). Then write down the things that are frustrating you most. Your list might include:

• Student behavior issues – Disruptions make it hard to teach.
• Lack of engagement – Students seem disinterested or easily distracted.
• Low morale among teachers – Negativity in the school environment is bringing you down.
• Overwhelming workload – There’s too much to do, and expectations feel unrealistic.
• Difficult parents – Some are unkind or overly demanding.

Once your list is complete, then star or rank the top one, two, or three frustrations that impact you the most.

Step 2: Determine What’s in Your Control

For each of your top frustrations, ask yourself:

1. Do I have control over this?
2. Could more skills or strategies help?
3. Is this something I simply need to learn to respond to differently?

Examples of What You Can Control:

• Classroom Management – If disruptions are constant, ask yourself: Do I know how to handle them effectively? If not, learning better strategies could make a significant difference.
• Workload Management – When your to-do list is overwhelming, consider: Are there better ways to prioritize, streamline, or let go of certain tasks?

A helpful way to determine control is to observe others. Are there teachers in similar situations who are handling things more effectively? If so, there is extra hope—it means solutions exist that you can learn and apply.

Examples of What’s Out of Your Control:

• Administrative Support – If your admin isn't supporting you, that’s beyond your control. However, you can control how you respond and how you advocate for yourself.
• Unkind Parents – You can’t control their actions, but you can control your reactions and communication strategies.

Step 3: Identify What Would Help the Most

Now  look at your list and ask:

• Would better skills help me handle these situations better?
• Do I need encouragement and support to cope with it?

For example:

• If classroom disruptions are your biggest stressor, you may need to learn better behavior management strategies.
• Can time management techniques help with your overwhelming workload?
• When low morale and discouragement are the problem, you may need mindset shifts and spiritual encouragement.

Once you’ve identified what would help, seek out solutions.

Step 4: Take Action & Seek Support

1. Pray for Guidance – Bring your concerns to God. Ask Him to provide wisdom, strength, and direction. Prayer itself can bring peace and clarity.

2. Learn from Others – Find mentors, colleagues, or online resources to help you develop the skills you need.

3. Check Out These Resources – Are you looking for structured help? Here are three programs that can guide you:

•  Hope Renewed – For Encouragement & Mindset Shifts - If your biggest challenge is feeling discouraged, Hope Renewed helps you shift your perspective, trust God, and find joy despite difficulties.

•  Classroom Management 101 – For Handling Student Behavior - If classroom disruptions are overwhelming, Classroom Management 101 provides clear strategies to regain control.

•  Reclaim Your Time – For Workload & Time Management - If your workload feels unmanageable, Reclaim Your Time offers practical solutions to prioritize tasks and reduce stress.

💰 Use code PODCAST20 to save 20% on any of these resources.

Bonus: Teach for the Heart Plus

If you need long-term support, mentorship, and encouragement, Teach for the Heart Plus offers:

• Access to all our best courses 
• Mentor support
• Weekly biblical encouragement

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this is a lot of information, but I wanted to make sure you know about these practical solutions that can help. 

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us at hello@teachfortheheart.com—we’d love to help you!

👉 Finally, Subscribe to the podcast for more encouragement, and share this episode with a friend who might need it!

Remember, teacher: God is at work in you and through you. He is using you to make a difference. Keep your eyes on Him, and teach for the heart!