When You’re an Overwhelmed Teacher
Because some days are heavier than others.
Assalamu Alaikum friends,
Today’s post is a little more personal.
If you’re reading this while grading papers late at night, prepping lunch for your own kids, or staring at the mountain of tasks you didn’t get to today—you’re not alone. Being a teacher is an incredible blessing, but it’s also incredibly demanding. And being a Muslim teacher comes with its own beautiful set of responsibilities and pressures that can feel… heavy.
I know what it’s like to give your all to your students and still feel like it’s not enough. To plan lessons with care, only to have the day spiral into chaos by 10:00 a.m. To want to be gentle and patient, but feel like you’re running on an empty tank. I’ve been there—I still find myself there, sometimes more often than I’d like to admit.
Teaching Is Sacred… and Exhausting
As Muslim educators, many of us approach our role as an amanah—a trust. And that’s not wrong. Teaching truly is a sacred responsibility. But here’s the part we often forget:
You are human.
Being a teacher doesn’t mean being perfect. You’re allowed to have hard days. You’re allowed to feel overwhelmed. And you’re allowed to pause.
Our faith doesn’t ask us to burn ourselves out in the name of service. It reminds us to seek balance, take care of our bodies, renew our intentions, and rest—even the Prophet ﷺ rested.
What Helps Me When I’m Overwhelmed
Here are a few gentle reminders that I turn to when the to-do list feels never-ending:
🕊️ Return to your niyyah (intention).
Sometimes I pause in the middle of the day and whisper a quick du’a: “Ya Allah, make this effort for Your sake.”Reconnecting with my intention doesn’t solve everything—but it re-centers my heart.
🧘🏽♀️ Lower the bar when needed.
Not every day needs to be your best day. Some days, the goal is just to show up, be present, and do what you can. And that’s enough.
📿 Dhikr between transitions.
Even a quiet “SubhanAllah” between lessons can bring barakah into the day. You’d be surprised what 30 seconds of remembrance can do for your mood.
📚 Simplify your systems.
If your routines are making life harder, it’s okay to adjust. Sometimes, simplifying your lesson plans or letting go of the Pinterest-perfect classroom is what your soul needs.
🤍 Lean on your people.
Whether it’s a co-teacher, your spouse, a friend, or your own du’a to Allah—don’t carry the weight alone. We were never meant to.
A Final Reminder to You (and Me)
You don’t need to be the perfect Muslim teacher. You just need to be a sincere one. Your students benefit from your knowledge, yes—but they also benefit from your gentleness, your pauses, your smiles, your honesty when you say, “I’m feeling tired today, but I’m still here because I care.”
That in itself is a powerful lesson.
So if you’re overwhelmed today, I see you. I honor your efforts. And I pray Allah fills your heart with peace and your classroom with ease.
With warmth and understanding,
Miss Yasmeen