As school leaders plan for the upcoming year, many are thinking deeply about how to welcome back a workforce stretched thin. Educators want more than occasional treats—they need meaningful support and structural relief.
Here are six practical ways principals can lighten the load for teachers and boost morale in lasting ways:
- Audit and Eliminate Non-Essential Tasks
Schools often accumulate extra paperwork, meetings, and administrative tasks that don’t directly support teaching and learning. Consider:
- Which recurring meetings could be reduced or removed?
- Which administrative tasks don’t add instructional value?
- Where can data collection be streamlined?
Reducing unnecessary duties can significantly boost teacher well-being.
- Protect Teacher Planning Time
Too often, planning time is interrupted by meetings, supervisory duties, or unexpected tasks. Principals can reinforce the importance of this time by:
- Keeping standing meetings off the schedule during planning blocks
- Limiting pull-outs during prep periods
- Communicating clearly that planning time should be used for planning
Consistent, protected planning time helps teachers reduce stress and maintain instructional quality.
- Simplify Communication Channels
Teachers are often overwhelmed by emails, newsletters, learning platforms, and constant updates. Principals can help by:
- Consolidating school-wide communication into one weekly update
- Setting clear expectations for email use (e.g., no “reply-all” and response windows)
- Ensuring only essential messages reach teachers
Streamlining communication systems is a top-requested improvement from educators.
- Prioritize Visible, Meaningful Support
Teachers perform best when leaders are present, listening, and responsive. Principals can:
- Make informal classroom visits—not just formal observations
- Ask teachers what kinds of support are most helpful—and act on the feedback
- Be available for problem-solving and encouragement
Regular administrative presence onsite builds trust and reinforces school-wide support.
- Streamline Professional Development
Professional learning should feel purposeful—not like an added burden. Principals can ensure PD is effective by:
- Aligning training with school and instructional goals
- Spacing sessions meaningfully throughout the year
- Building in collaborative time for processing and follow-up
Reducing redundant or disconnected PD respects teachers’ time and enhances professional ownership.
- Focus on What Truly Builds Morale
New research shows teachers rate the most valuable morale boosters as:
- Respect and trust from school leadership
- Having sufficient time for their work
- A voice in school decisions
In short: structural and cultural supports far outpace temporary treats when it comes to boosting teacher satisfaction.
Final Thought
As you prepare for the year ahead, ask yourself:
- What duties can I remove from teachers’ plates?
- How can I ensure they have protected time to plan and rest?
- How can I build a culture of respect, voice, and meaningful support?
Principals who lead with these structural, teacher-centered approaches will not only improve morale—they’ll strengthen instruction, community, and ultimately student success.
Additional Reading
Survey: Teachers Work More Hours Per Week Than Other Working Adults
NEA Today, 2023
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/survey-teachers-work-more-hours-week-other-working-adults
Supporting Teachers With Anxiety and Depression
Edutopia, 2024
https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-mental-health-challenges/
Why Teachers Should Grade Less Frequently
Edutopia, 2023
https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-teachers-should-grade-less-frequently/
New Findings on Teacher Morale Highlight Ways to Make It Better
Education Week, 2024
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/new-findings-on-teacher-morale-highlight-ways-to-make-it-better/2024/10
Teachers Say These 5 Factors Could Boost Their Morale
Education Week, 2025
https://www.edweek.org/state-of-teaching/teaching-learning/teachers-say-these-5-factors-could-boost-their-morale/2025/03
Schools, Not Teachers, Must Reduce Stress and Burnout—Here’s How
Sarah Gonser, Edutopia, 2021
https://www.edutopia.org/article/schools-not-teachers-must-reduce-stress-and-burnout-heres-how/
5 Ways School Leaders Can Help Teachers Feel Supported
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), 2025
https://www.naesp.org/resource/5-ways-school-leaders-can-help-teachers-feel-supported/