In his early days as a school principal on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Dan Wold noticed something was wrong. The school was high-achieving, the teachers were seasoned professionals, and the students were thriving academically. But there was a missing spark—a sense of joy that Dan remembered from his own time in the classroom. His teachers were serious, stressed, and seemingly stuck in survival mode.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was at play. Then his school secretary, often the quiet observer, gave him the key insight: “Dan, it’s the stress. Teachers are just under so much pressure now.”
That single comment sent Dan down a path of discovery that would shape the next two decades of his work. He began studying stress—how it affects educators and what can be done to counter it. At first, it was a personal quest, but soon word spread. His presentations on teacher stress went from a staff meeting to neighboring schools, state conferences, and eventually national stages. What he learned continues to resonate with educators everywhere.
Why Stress Hits Teachers Harder Than Ever
For many educators today, the job has evolved far beyond teaching and learning. Stress has become a permanent part of the landscape. In his research, Dan discovered that education was once ranked the fourth most stressful profession in the country, behind air traffic controllers, surgeons, and emergency responders. Now, for four consecutive years, it’s been ranked the most stressful profession in the United States.
Teachers are caught in a whirlwind of high-stakes testing, shifting policies, increased scrutiny from parents and the media, and leadership turnover. Dan recounts a conversation with a teacher who described the difference in generational attitudes toward schools: “In 1955, if a student got an F, the parent would yell at the kid. By 2015, that same scene would have the parent yelling at the teacher.”
And then there’s the mounting pressure to push every child toward a singular path of success—college. One district even gave kindergartners shirts that read Kinder to College, building expectations early and then, years later, suggesting trade school might be a better fit for some. “Why do we lie to kids for 10 years, telling them college is the only path, only to switch the message later?” Dan asks. “We push a one-size-fits-all dream, and it adds unnecessary stress—for kids, parents, and teachers alike.”
Finding Solutions: Perception, Priorities, and Control
Stress, Dan explains, arises when you encounter something that feels like a threat or averse situation and ask two questions: Do I care about this? and Can I control it? If you care but feel powerless, that’s when the stress cycle kicks into overdrive. The key, he says, is shifting perspective and focusing on what you can control.
“We’re at our best as humans when we’re solving problems, especially when we do it together,” Dan says, referencing research by educational leader John Hattie. “But when we feel like we have no power to change a situation, that’s when stress takes over.”
He encourages educators to assess their perceptions. Is this situation really as bad as it seems? Often, we talk ourselves into believing things are worse than they are. Shifting that narrative can be the first step toward relief.
Dan also warns against the influence of external forces—particularly sensationalized media. During a wildfire incident in his region, he received a shocking phone call from a national news outlet, accusing the local school board of leading an armed militia. “The media can shake the jar,” he says, referencing an experiment where red and black ants placed in a jar coexist peacefully until the jar is shaken. “When there’s chaos, always ask: Who’s shaking the jar?”
Building Resilience: Small Steps with Big Impact
Dan believes the path to resilience starts with taking small, intentional actions.
“You can’t avoid stress—it’s part of the human condition,” he admits. “But you can control how you respond to it.”
He recommends physical activity—taking a walk, hiking, or doing yoga—to break the stress spiral. Deep breathing and visualization can help, too. Building a network of support is equally critical. Whether it’s a professional learning community at school or a close circle of family and friends, sharing your struggles is a powerful antidote to isolation and burnout.
And sometimes, the most effective solution is distraction. Dan grins when he shares his go-to remedy: “Eat something you love—but in small amounts. Don’t eat the whole bag of Doritos.”
The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, Dan’s approach to stress in education is not just about coping—it’s about empowering teachers to reclaim joy in their work. By reshaping perceptions, focusing on what can be controlled, and building strong support systems, educators can protect their well-being while staying connected to their purpose.
“Stress has helped us survive for generations,” Dan reminds us. “It’s not inherently bad. It’s how we manage it that makes all the difference.”
In the end, the goal is simple yet profound: Less burnout, more balance, and a return to what makes teaching such a powerful calling.
Listen to our entire conversation with Dan on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!