Why Teacher & Administrator Support Groups Matter More Than Ever

By Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA – AB Education & Behavior Consulting LLC

With the new school year approaching, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with dozens of current and former educators—teachers, support staff, and administrators—spanning preschool through high school. A common and growing concern has emerged: educators are leaving the profession—or seriously considering it—at an alarming rate.

The reasons are layered and familiar:

• Lack of support

• Increasingly challenging  student behavior

• Diminishing classroom autonomy

• Inadequate resources

• Escalating stress and burnout

When you add in the nationwide shortage of substitutes and support staff, the load on educators becomes unsustainable. Many are overwhelmed with tasks that extend far beyond teaching, from lunchroom duty to behavioral crisis response, with little time left for planning, reflection, or restoration.

For those in dual-educator households, even sharing the day’s highs and lows can feel like venting into an echo chamber of shared exhaustion. And for educators with partners outside the profession, there’s often the well-meaning but ill-equipped  listener on the other end—someone who wants to help but doesn’t always understand the depths of what it means to educate today.

A practice I’ve found valuable at home—and one I recommend for educators—is starting these conversations with a simple question:“Do you want comfort or a solution for what we are going to discuss?”

That one question shifts the tone. It sets a purpose for the listener—either to respond with empathy or to collaborate on next steps. But what happens when neither feels like enough?

The Case for Educator Support Groups

Support groups for teachers and administrators can be life-changing. Whether in-person or virtual, these spaces allow for safe sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and a sense of solidarity in a time when many educators feel isolated.

• Veteran educators offer perspective and strategies.

• Newer educators bring energy, innovation, and fresh insight.

• All educators benefit from being reminded they are not alone.

By committing to a support group, you’re doing more than surviving the school year—you’re investing in your well-being, strengthening your skill set, and restoring the passion that brought you to this work in the first place.

So if you’re an educator on the edge of burnout, or an administrator who feels unseen, know this: You’re not alone, and support is out there.

Let’s build each other up. Let’s be the support we all need.

Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA, is originally from Dayton, Ohio. He is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a Bachelor's degree in English Education, a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision, and a National Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA).  

You can find Anthony on the following social media outlets:  https://abeducationbehaviorconsultingllc.com/