The Propaganda Teachers Are Tired Of Believing (And What We Can Do About It)

Hi, I'm Shana

I'm a University Lecturer in Teacher Education, former Secondary School Teacher and Teacher Mentor and Coach for new teachers.

I have a passion for developing leadership and confidence skills and my favorite things include my camera, the gym, and chocolate.

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If you’re a teacher reading this, I want you to know: you’re not imagining it. The unrealistic expectations, the pressure to be everything to everyone, the guilt when you even think about setting a boundary, it’s not in your head. It’s a system that’s been quietly feeding us propaganda for years, and many of us are just beginning to see it.

Let’s talk about the myths, the manipulations, and the quiet harm they do. But more importantly, let’s talk about how to break free and build something better.

The Propaganda We’re Tired Of Hearing

Here are a few lines you might recognise. They sound motivational on the surface, but underneath? They're loaded with pressure, guilt, and unrealistic ideals.

"Real teachers don’t complain." This one hits hard. It tells you that you're not committed enough if you speak up about workload, behaviour, and broken systems. But in truth? Complaining isn’t weakness; it's the start of advocating for change. Healthy schools encourage reflection and feedback, not silent suffering.
"You’re just tired, not burnt out." This dismisses the very real signs of chronic stress and emotional exhaustion that so many teachers face. You're not just tired. You're overwhelmed, overworked, and under-supported. And pretending otherwise only makes it worse.
"If you want to be a leader, you must be the first in and last out." Leadership doesn’t mean self-sacrifice. It means modelling sustainability, not martyrdom. The best leaders lift others; they don’t burn themselves out to be respected.
"Leadership means putting the school before yourself." This is often considered selflessness, leading to resentment, exhaustion, and talented teachers walking away. You can care deeply and still have boundaries. You can lead well and still go home on time.
"Good teachers figure it out on their own." No one thrives in isolation. Collaboration, coaching, and mentorship aren’t signs of weakness – they’re the way forward. Teaching is too complex and too important to go it alone.

Why We Fall For It

So why do these messages stick?

Because they’re wrapped in emotional manipulation.

They appeal to our care, our drive, our sense of duty. They tell us that if we loved the kids, we’d stay. That if we wanted to make a difference, we wouldn’t complain. That if we were meant for this, it wouldn’t feel this hard.

But that’s not fair. And it’s not true.

These messages keep teachers stuck in survival mode. They prevent us from setting boundaries, asking for support, and seeking change. Over time, they push brilliant, passionate teachers to the edge.

So What Can We Do About It?

Name the Narrative: Awareness is the first step. Call them out when these old scripts pop up – in staffrooms, on social media, or in your own self-talk. Notice the pressure. Name the lie. Say, “Actually, no. I deserve to feel supported and balanced in this work."
Find a Different Voice: Surround yourself with people and spaces that speak truth to you, not guilt. Find mentors, coaches, and communities who remind you that you are a human first, and a teacher second. You don’t have to do this alone.
Model a Better Way: You have power, whether a new teacher or stepping into leadership. Whenever you speak up, set a boundary, or challenge the status quo, you give others permission to do the same. You’re not being “difficult” – you’re being honest. You’re leading.
Invest in Yourself: To stay in this profession without losing yourself, you need tools, strategies, and support that go deeper than one-off CPD. You need to learn how to thrive without burning out. And that’s where coaching and mentorship come in.

You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself Through Pain

This is the message I want to leave you with.

You don’t have to stay late to prove you care. You don’t have to break down to earn a break. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

You are allowed to love teaching and still want change. You are allowed to be ambitious without self-sacrifice. You are allowed to enjoy a life outside of school.

And if no one’s told you today, you are doing more than enough.

Want support that helps?

If this post resonated with you and you’re tired of navigating this alone, my 1:1 mentorship and coaching programme might be what you need next.

Whether you’re a new teacher trying to find your feet or a future leader feeling overwhelmed by the pressure, I can help you:

Build clarity and confidence
Set boundaries without guilt
Navigate your career with purpose
Stay in teaching without burning out

You don’t have to hustle your way through this. There is a better way, and I’d love to help you find it.

[Learn more about coaching here.]

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep falling for the lies.

Let’s write a new story together.

Nice to meet you!

I’m Shana and I ♡ Education. I used to be a teacher, and now supporting new teachs online and in University is my full-time job. I love talking with people about teaching, and I'm so glad you're here.

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