For School Leaders Nearing the End of the Year

As we approach the end of the academic year, many school leaders are pushing through an incredible amount of work—final evaluations, staffing decisions, graduation prep, next-year planning, and holding the emotional weight of their teams and communities.

It’s a season full of purpose, but let’s also understand—it can feel heavy.

My friend and former colleague, Dr. Lisa Ziebart, shared this list by @h.e.l.e.n.m.a.r.i.e and itstruck a chord for me.

“The causes of burnout we don’t talk about enough.”

Some are quiet. Others are familiar. A few hit too close to home.

- Believing we are not good enough

- Staying in places we’ve outgrown

- Pretending we’re okay when we’re not

- Always being the strong one

- Apologizing for our boundaries

- Never choosing ourselves

These aren’t time management issues. They’re heart issues. Human issues. And they affect even the most resilient leaders.

If you’re feeling tired, stretched thin, or even disconnected from your usual energy—you’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong.

Take a moment and reflect. Authentic leaders don’t deny these issues, they lean into them.

Which of these quiet causes might be contributing to your stress right now?

Let’s create space for honesty in leadership.

Let’s normalize being real—not just being “strong.”

Drop a comment or send a message if one of these resonates with you. Let’s support each other as we cross the finish line of this year—and prepare for a healthier one ahead.

Dr. Ziebart has also written a longer post about leadership burnout for Hive and the link is in the comments.