World Comic Book Day: Let’s Stop Calling Teachers Superheroes—And Start Supporting Them for Real

The image of teachers as superheroes is everywhere. Capes. Masks. Superpowers. And while it may feel flattering on the surface, it’s actually an outdated—and harmful—narrative. As we celebrate World Comic Book Day, let’s take a step back and ask ourselves: do teachers really need to be superheroes? Or do they need something much more powerful—real support?

This "superhero" myth suggests that teachers can (and should) do it all: save the day, solve every problem, and push past their limits without a break. But here’s the hard truth—teachers aren’t superheroes. They’re human beings doing a critical job with limited resources and overwhelming demands. And by putting them on this pedestal, we’re ignoring the very real struggles they face every single day.

The Cost of the Superhero Myth

By painting teachers as superheroes, we unintentionally reinforce the idea that they should be able to handle anything—without complaint, without help, and without rest. Let’s be honest: how many of us have felt like we’re supposed to single-handedly fix every problem in our classrooms, balance impossible workloads, and meet the needs of every student, even when we’re barely keeping it together ourselves?

This expectation is crushing. Teachers are being asked to perform miracles every day, and when they can’t meet these impossible standards, they’re made to feel like they’ve failed. But the truth is, the system has failed them. It’s not that teachers aren’t doing enough—it’s that they’re being asked to do too much without the necessary support.

The Reality: Overwhelm and Lack of Resources

Ontario teachers, like so many across the world, are facing an enormous challenge. Between increased class sizes, a growing number of students with complex needs, and a lack of funding for crucial resources, teachers are being stretched thinner than ever. And the “just do more with less” mentality? It’s hurting not only us as educators but also our students.

The overwhelm is real. The exhaustion is real. And the feeling of constantly being pulled in too many directions? Also real.

As educators, we’re dedicated to our students—we show up for them every day, even when it feels impossible. But dedication alone isn’t enough. We need the proper tools, the right resources, and, most importantly, the recognition that we’re not invincible.

So, What’s the Solution?

It’s time to change the narrative. Teachers don’t need to be superheroes—they need to be supported. And there are real, tangible ways we can advocate for the change that’s desperately needed.

- Setting Boundaries: The first step is recognizing that we’re not responsible for everything. Boundaries aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for our well-being. My course “Year Start Mastery” dives into how teachers can reclaim their time and mental health by establishing clear limits on their responsibilities.

- Advocating for Resources: We need to collectively push for the funding and resources our schools and students deserve. Whether it’s more support staff, better access to technology, or mental health resources for both students and teachers, it’s time to stop pretending we can do it all without these essentials. And let’s be real, some low-prep STEM challenges and digital tools like those at amyebowker.com can help alleviate some of that strain.

- Building a Community: No one should have to do this alone. That’s why I created the Resilient Rebels Facebook group—a space where teachers can connect, share their experiences, and lean on each other. It’s a place where we can remind each other that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. We are stronger together.

Moving Forward

As we celebrate World Comic Book Day, it’s important to remember that we don’t need teachers to be superheroes. We need them to be supported, respected, and valued. The true heroes aren’t the ones doing it all alone—they’re the ones who know when to ask for help, when to set boundaries, and when to demand the resources they deserve.

Let’s leave the capes for the comic books and start advocating for the real changes that will make a difference.

Ready to join the movement? Head over to the Resilient Rebels Facebook group to connect with a community of educators just like you. Let’s take off the superhero masks and start making real, lasting change—together.