Preventing Burnout in Teachers of the Gifted

Abstract

The position of a gifted education staff person is high-profile. Inherent in the role are pressures, demands, and criticisms which can lead to burnout. Teacher burnout is debilitating in its personal and professional effects; therefore, teachers of the gifted must capitalize on their strengths and learn strategies for coping with high-visibility roles and often inflated expectations of others. Furthermore, administrators must support and encourage these teachers as they endeavor to provide differentiated learning experiences for gifted students.