A new school year brings more than fresh supplies and lesson plans. It brings a quiet pressure that many people outside the classroom don’t always see.

There’s the excitement of a fresh start, yes, but also the weight of expectations, shifting routines, and the emotional energy it takes to show up for so many others, every single day.

Teachers carry a mental load that goes far beyond the job description. And as the first day of school gets closer, that load can feel heavier.