Sassan Afshin, an engineering instructor at Desert Vista High School in Arizona, identified large class sizes as the primary factor contributing to his teaching burnout.
“Class sizes had the most burnout rate for me,” said Afshin, Teacher CTE Engineering Sciences. “Smaller class sizes and/or teacher’s assistance would have kept me at my current position.”
A 2023 report by the RAND Corporation found that teachers in the United States cite large class sizes, lack of support staff, and increasing demands as key contributors to job-related stress and burnout. The study indicates that burnout among K–12 teachers remains higher than in other professions. According to the report, districts facing funding shortages often increase class sizes, further burdening instructors.
The National Center for Education Statistics reported that about 44% of public schools had full- or part-time teaching vacancies in 2022, with over half attributing this issue to teacher resignations. Staff shortages result in larger classes and heavier workloads, which increase the risk of burnout. This data reflects a trend of overworked educators leaving the profession nationwide.
According to MyPayMySay, many teachers experience financial stress due to stagnant wages, rising living costs, and mandatory union dues. These factors can contribute to burnout and job dissatisfaction. The site emphasizes that educators often struggle to balance financial realities with demanding workloads and overcrowded classrooms. These combined pressures are significant factors in decisions to leave the profession.
Afshin transitioned from a career as a software engineer to become an engineering teacher at Desert Vista High School in Arizona. His goal was to inspire and mentor students by blending technical knowledge with hands-on learning. His journey was featured in a viral Instagram reel highlighting teacher career changes.
