How to Help a Teacher Get Out of Their Rut

There are moments in a career when things slow down. Teachers (and leaders) who have performed well may suddenly feel flat. Whether caused by long tenure, structural change, or midcareer boredom, a plateau can affect morale, productivity, and wellbeing.

Here are five simple steps that can help a teacher stuck in a rut regain their spark.

1. Start with a Conversation About Goals

Begin by checking in. Ask what they want to achieve and where they see themselves heading.

• What excites them professionally?
• What areas of growth interest them?
• Are there roles or responsibilities they want to explore?

Understanding their ambitions is the first step towards reigniting momentum.

2. Help Them Reconnect with Their Passions

Losing drive often means losing sight of purpose. Invite them to reflect:

• What topics, causes, or teaching moments bring them joy?
• What energised them when they first began teaching?
• Are there passions outside of school that could be linked to their role?

When teachers reconnect with what they care about, motivation follows.

3. Offer New Challenges and Responsibilities

A fresh challenge can shift mindset and build confidence.

• Could they lead a new initiative or try a different year group?
• Would a short course or workshop give them a new focus?
• Could they present or mentor others in an area of strength?

Growth often begins with stepping into the unfamiliar.

4. Connect Them with Energising People

Professional energy is contagious. Find ways to create fresh collaboration:

• Pair them with a colleague on a shared project
• Join a community of practice, network, or subject group
• Shadow a leader or host visitors to their classroom

Meaningful connection can help shift perspective and reduce isolation.

5. Co-Create a Short-Term Plan

Once they’ve clarified their direction, help them build a plan.

• Identify one or two achievable goals
• Set a clear timeframe with regular check-ins
• Celebrate small wins to rebuild confidence

Even short-term plans give structure and a sense of forward motion.

Final Thought

Being stuck doesn’t mean being finished. Many teachers go through flat periods. With care, curiosity, and the right support, they can move forward.

Sometimes all it takes is someone to listen, ask the right questions, and walk beside them for a while.

Which colleague comes to mind as you read this? Reach out to them this week. It could be the start of something new.

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Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field.

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Author: Dr Jake Madden

I’m Jake Madden (Dip Teach; B.Ed; Grad Dip: Leadership; M. Ed: Leadership; EdD; FACEL; MACE), and I’ve had the privilege of working in education for over thirty years as a teacher and principal. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on supporting teachers to build their capacity, developing learning approaches that respond to the needs of today’s world, creating flexible learning spaces for 21st-century learners, and designing curriculum that encourages global mindedness. I’m particularly passionate about the concept of teacher-as-researcher, and I’ve been fortunate to contribute to this area by sharing my experiences through books and journal articles. My work reflects what I’ve learned from leading and navigating educational change, and I’m always eager to continue learning from others in the field. View all posts by Dr Jake Madden