The April Burnout: Why I’m Not Pushing the "Coast Button" | Episode 70
Why the last 10% of the year defines the version of you your students will remember.
If you were to look at me right now, you’d see one tired teacher. You’d see the mid-April exhaustion. And if you’re a teacher, I know you’re feeling it too.
We are currently in the “Long Sprint.” The finish line is in sight, and there is a massive temptation to push what I call The Coast Button. It’s that internal switch that tells us to just “mail it in,” put on a movie, and cruise until June.
But here is the hard truth: How you finish the last 10% of the year defines the version of you that your students will remember ten years from now.
In this episode, I’m sharing why I’m fighting the urge to check out and providing a tactical playbook for staying in the arena with your students—even when you’re running on fumes.
Inside the Episode: A Guide for the Tired Teacher
[0:00] – The Temptation to Coast I’m being vulnerable: I want to push the button. I describe the specific mid-April fatigue that makes “letting it ride” feel like the only option, and why our students are often rooting for us to check out right along with them.
[1:45] – The 10% Rule: Why the work we do in the final weeks matters more than the first few months. I discuss the danger of “ruining” a year of built bridges by becoming a ghost in your own classroom during the final stretch.
[3:10] – Shifting to Discovery Mode: When the “Industrial Model” of teaching feels too heavy, it’s time to pivot. I share how my Physics students are building motors and my Geology students are creating their own instructional videos. This isn’t just “busy work”—it’s high-level engagement that re-energizes the room.
[4:31] – “But I Don’t Teach Physics...” I address the English, History, and Elementary teachers. The “Stay in the Arena” playbook isn’t subject-specific. It’s about human presence.
[5:40] – Tip 1: The Vulnerability Pivot: How to model grit by simply being honest. I share the exact script I use to tell my students: “I’m tired too, but I’m choosing to be here for you.”
[6:45] – Tip 2: The 3-Minute Desk Sit A simple tactical move to reclaim your presence. Get out from behind the computer and spend three minutes just sitting with a student. It’s the ultimate “Human Check.”
[7:35] – Tip 3: Micro-Visioning If you’re too tired for big projects, try this. I explain how 60-second handwritten notes can act as a “Relational Cachet” deposit that students keep for years.
[8:15] – Tip 4: Finding Your Passion Pivot: How to fight boredom by finding one thing in your subject that still makes you curious, and leaning into that for a day to break the monotony.
[9:05] – The Final Word: Stay in the Arena: My closing charge to the Village. We are building bridges, and we aren’t going to stop until the final bell rings.
The Takeaway
You don’t have to be perfect in April, but you do have to be present. Don’t let the Coast Button win. Your students are worth the last 10%.
Let’s finish strong.
Jon's created several courses that will help you in the age of AI. Each short course will help you become a better teacher.
