Teacher attrition and burnout have been researched in school districts all over the country for several decades. Characterised by physical and psychological exhaustion, cynicism (as an interpersonal and emotional indication of built-up aggression), and a sense of helplessness and low self-efficacy, burnout can lead to anxiety, depression, diminished job performance, absenteeism, and attrition.

Drawn to the Flame investigates incidences of burnout and burnout avoidance among educators in both K-12 and higher education spheres during the COVID-19 pandemic – a period that saw an intensification and increased frequency of polarizing sociocultural and socio-political conditions, resulting in psychosocial and emotional strain among those invested in education. Through narrative inquiry, the chapters present the stories of teachers in a variety of settings (e.g. urban, suburban, rural) and sociological conditions (economic, racial, sex/gender), who experienced first-hand the impact of the pandemic and the chaotic transition to remote learning, the impact of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and racial strife, on students and curricular planning processes.

Erin A. Singer is the Lead Coordinator for Project MOOPIL (Massive Open Online Professional Individualized Learning) at the Education Leadership Research Center, Texas A&M University, USA.

Matthew J. Etchells is the Director of Education Outreach and International Partnerships, Education Leadership Research Center (ELRC) & Center for Research and Development in Dual Language and Literacy Acquisition (CRDLLA), Texas A&M University, USA.

Cheryl J. Craig is a Professor and the Houston Endowment Endowed Chair in Urban Education in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture in the College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University, USA.