# @edutopia on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CbVUrqtONeQ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20303388-edutopia-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/797a6797af.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-03-20T16:57:56.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Edutopia (@edutopia) — https://gondola.cc/edutopia

## Caption

Many teachers are tempted to take on too much at school, but setting healthy boundaries is essential for making the work sustainable, writes Alex Shevrin Venet (unconditionallearning), a community college teacher. "Boundaries are how we protect ourselves and others, and how we stay centered in our roles. They are one of the best ways to combat burnout," she writes.

Here’s how to say no to colleagues and students in respectful ways:
 
Just say it: Saying no can mean literally saying "no" to a task, Venet says, but try using the opportunity to clarify your role or add context.
 
With colleagues, you might say: "No, I can’t take that on right now," communicating that you've reached your workload limit. Saying "My current role focuses on …. I don’t have room on my plate for that," clarifies your role and provides context for the boundary.

With a student, a simple "No, I can't have kids in my room for lunch today," sets a clear limit students can understand.
 
Take a pause: Slowing down to give yourself space to assess a request can help you "recognize when things actually are doable," and may even help the other person "rethink their request," writes Venet.

Consider asking coworkers or administrators for more details, or try something like: “I’m potentially interested, but I’m not sure how that will fit into my workday. Can we discuss?,” Venet suggests.

With students, you might say: "Let me think about it, and I will follow up in class tomorrow," she says.
 
Suggest an alternative: Sometimes the best approach is to say, "No, I can’t do that, but I know who can." Seeing yourself as a "bridge-builder can help you say no, especially when you walk across those bridges alongside students," Venet adds.
 
With coworkers and administrators, try using this language: "That doesn’t fit within my current role. It sounds like a good fit for … to take on in their role, however," she suggests.

With students, you might say: "I’m so grateful that you trusted me to share this. I have to tell you that I can’t give you the support you need, but I will help connect you to …," Venet writes.
 
Link in bio.

#TeachersofInstagram
#TeacherBurnout
#TeacherWellbeing
#TeacherWellness

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## Tags

teacherwellbeing, teachersofinstagram, teacherwellness, teacherburnout

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