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Burned-Out Teacher Finds Balance in Virtual Role
11 May
Summary
- Teacher left due to burnout from long commute and pupil behavior.
- New virtual role allows for better work-life balance and family time.
- Many teachers contemplate leaving due to burnout and stress.
Charlotte Webborn, a 33-year-old former maths teacher from Swansea, has left the traditional classroom setting after eight years, citing burnout as the primary reason. The demanding commute and the increasing challenges of managing pupil behavior, particularly post-Covid, significantly impacted her work-life balance.
Webborn expressed that the job had shifted from teaching to constant behavior management and administrative tasks, leaving her feeling drained and unable to be present for her own two children. The lack of professional trust and the expectation to complete work at school added to her exhaustion.
Seeking a better quality of life, she transitioned to Minerva Virtual Academy, an online school. This new role, started in 2025, allows her to work remotely, re-engage with her passion for teaching maths, and be available for family activities like school runs.
Her experience reflects a broader trend, with a study commissioned by her new employer indicating that 74 percent of UK teachers have considered leaving the profession due to burnout. Additional data highlights significant mental health struggles within the teaching profession nationwide.
