Teacher burnout is reaching critical levels due to chronic workplace stress, political interference and understaffing. However, this is not a personal failing, but rather a systemic issue that requires structural solutions. Teachers are often expected to sacrifice their well-being, with overwork being normalized as a sign of dedication. School leaders need to recognize these pressures and take active steps to minimize unnecessary stressors, support staff and foster a sustainable work environment.

Elementary school teacher Cynthia Michelini discusses the positive impact of incorporating Fred Rogers' seven fundamentals -- play, wonder, curiosity, solitude, looking and listening deeply, trust and self-worth -- into her classroom, noting improved academic outcomes and better behavior. These principles, developed in partnership with child development expert Margaret McFarland, guided Rogers' show and are still relevant and powerful tools for creating a nurturing and effective classroom environment. Specific strategies include unstructured playtime, wonder walls for student questions, independent projects and consistent morning meetings.

Valerie Bolling, an award-winning educator and author, emphasizes the importance of goal-setting in writing education. In this Q&A, Bolling offers practical advice for integrating goal setting into lesson plans, such as using calendars to track progress and collaborating with colleagues.

An Atlanta middle school has launched a learning lab with robotics stations, 3D printers, and virtual and augmented reality tools for hands-on, technology-driven education. The lab at Sylvan Hills Middle School is part of an effort to close the digital divide and prepare students for a rapidly evolving global market.

Erie Public Schools in Pennsylvania have introduced the Aspiring Educators program, a two-year career and technical education initiative aimed at preparing students to become teachers in elementary and secondary schools. The program is hosted at Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy but is open to all high-school students in the district, and covers topics such as classroom management, child development and special education.

The US Department of Education has allocated more than $150 million in grants to universities and organizations to enhance civic education for K-12 teachers. The bipartisan civic education roadmap emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational principles and promoting civil disagreement.