The epidemic of teacher stress is an ongoing problem sweeping the United States. Recent research reveals teachers are experiencing the same anxiety level found in other high-need professions like law enforcement and nursing.
However, the demand for teachers to consistently practice emotional resilience and demonstrate adequate emotional intelligence in the classroom is causing high levels of turnover and burnout, both financially and emotionally. The increased demand for new teachers, coupled with an increasingly ageing population, means the need to recruit, motivate, and retain a diverse pool of experienced teachers. A sense of urgency is also driving the increased focus and intervention on teacher retention, recruitment and development programs.
Teaching can be one of the most rewarding professions out there. As you help your students achieve their academic goals, you are also helping them set their sights on a successful future, and that’s a pretty good feeling.
Teaching is a noble profession made up of many dedicated people, including some of the most inspiring and well-educated professionals around. There’s only one problem: teaching is also a profession with some of the highest burnout and stress rates. Why is education so stressful? Read on to find out.
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Why is teaching so stressful?
What makes teaching one of the most stressful professions out there? While many people know that teaching can be stressful, few understand why. The following list of reasons is by no means comprehensive. Still, it does provide some excellent insight into why education can be one of the most stressful professions to embark upon.
According to many studies, teachers are one of the most stressed populations in society. There are many physical and psychological signs that teachers are experiencing high levels of stress and burnout, and there is a clear link between teachers, the school administrator and school districts seeking to reduce teacher stress and burnout. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found 65% of teachers surveyed reported they felt more pressure than the average person in their workplace.
Teachers experience high levels of chronic stress because they spend so much time managing social media, communications, and communication issues facing their classrooms daily. These interactions can cause adverse responses to students and teachers alike, creating high anxiety and burnout levels. To reduce chronic stress and burnout, some school districts require teachers to participate in online classroom discussions, distance learning or meetings through their workstations.
However, these efforts only exacerbate teacher stress, as the constant input causes teachers to become disconnected from the classroom. The difficulty participating online, coupled with the high level of physical and mental demands placed on teachers in traditional classroom settings, contributes to teacher burnout.
As the classroom demands begin to take their toll on teachers, they are often unable to maintain their motivation and force during the start of the school year. When teachers leave the classroom, they experience a significant drop in their performance and leave with a sense of hopelessness. This hopelessness is the final detriment to many teachers. Unresolved teacher stress, compounded by insufficient formal training and adequate support resources, can lead to a decline in student test scores and academic progress. In short, the absence of a reliable, supportive teacher leads to an erosion of education quality.
Teachers face unique challenges beyond the physical demands of teaching. The physical demands placed upon them can be devastating as well. For the past twenty years, the incidence of teacher burnout has risen dramatically, with many teachers reporting increased symptoms of burnout as well as a decline in their well-being. Insufficient support from within the school system and the community has led to insufficient confidence in the teaching profession and a pessimistic view of the school system. Many teachers are reluctant to voice their concerns for fear of retribution or retaliation by colleagues.
Stress is not limited to the classroom, however. Job pressures and other factors contribute to a lack of productivity in many workplaces. Burnout can become common as job pressures mount, staff turnover rates rise, and school policies become more complicated.
Stress can become so acute that even the simplest tasks become overwhelming and unreachable. Whether caused by job pressures or complex corporate policies, many teachers who experience burnout can no longer effectively provide for their families or provide quality education.
The increased presence of technology in schools has also contributed to teacher stress levels. Technology like smartphones, online learning and distance learning programs present unprecedented opportunities to help teachers teach, and students learn in the current school environment.
Unfortunately, these opportunities also present significant stress levels for many teachers, who must spend many extra hours each day dealing with the complex demands of these new technologies. A lack of effective school design, inadequate teacher rest, and ineffective school community involvement exacerbates the challenges presented by these conditions and may lead to a mental health issue.
One of the most critical factors contributing to teacher stress is an ineffective school design. The number of new classrooms being built today is increasing at an alarming rate. These new classrooms are often constructed with little regard for design considerations including student safety or students’ physical needs. Installing the latest technology without providing adequate space, air conditioning, and ventilation for teachers and other students can increase teacher stress levels and cause the breakdown of many classroom assignments. School community involvement, by school boards and school leaders, is imperative for effective school design.
Is teaching more stressful than it used to be?
The world might be changing, but teachers are still expected to mould young minds, and the standards for success and good student outcomes increase every year. The truth is teachers are just as hard on themselves as ever. Teachers are still the lifeblood of the educational system, and they know that they are responsible for hundreds of students’ successes and failures. But what has changed is teachers have to justify their jobs more often.
Recent figures show teachers are twice as likely to harm themselves or attempt suicide than the rest of the general population, and four times more likely to suffer from a severe mental illness. These statistics are merely the tip of the iceberg; many teachers deal with depression, anxiety, and other stress-induced disorders, and many more are dealing with higher levels of stress without official diagnoses.
Is teaching one of the most highly stressful jobs out there?
Yes! Just ask the teachers themselves. It doesn’t matter if they are an elementary school teacher or a middle school teacher. “If you’re not stressed out, you’re not doing it right” is a common saying among teachers. Indeed, teachers report feeling stressed about school-related issues in and out of classes daily.
When teachers are asked about their work, the responses are always positive. You hear it’s a beautiful job, that they love working with children, that it’s a profession rich with rewards. But it’s not all child’s play. Teachers often face unique challenges and pressures that can lead to frustration and teacher burnout. These problems can be emotional, physical, organizational, or psychological. Some are related to the job, while others may be unique to the individual.
Therefore, it’s no secret that being a teacher is one of the most stressful jobs around. Almost all teachers surveyed have suffered extreme stress at least once in their career. However, there are ways that teachers can cope with their stress and keep it from negatively impacting them and their students.
What are the sources of stress for teachers?
Being a teacher is a vocation that requires much hard work and long hours. Teachers may spend much time grading papers or preparing lessons and may spend significant time with students after school or at the school during lunch periods. Also, teachers may spend a lot of time away from their families and friends, and have many responsibilities outside of school
Even though most people want to help others, the job of a teacher is uniquely challenging. For instance, elementary school teachers are in the business of educating and nurturing children, but unfortunately, they often have to do it under difficult circumstances. (Think back to the last teacher you had who was just so proficient at their job. Now consider you likely had several not-so-skilled teachers, too.) Unfortunately, the job’s challenges can add up, causing even the best teachers to feel stressed and overwhelmed, resulting in stress-related health problems.
Whether in an elementary school, middle school or a secondary school, teachers deal with significant stress – teaching kids with disruptive behavior, arguing with parents, dealing with school administration and the mandate from the school districts and school leaders.
As a teacher, you are a role model for your students, but you might not always be the best one. When you are stressed and overwhelmed, it can undoubtedly affect the way you teach and the mood you project. Students who are regularly exposed to stress and negative emotions can develop their stress symptoms, causing problems in the classroom.
Nowadays, and with the current pandemic, teaching, like many other highly stressful jobs, is characterized by high demands and limited resources. Teachers are often expected to work long hours and complete a great deal of paperwork, yet they are not usually afforded extra compensation for the enormous add-on tasks.
What are the consequences of teacher stress?
The educational system is under a lot of stress. Teacher stress is on the rise for various reasons. A recent study found most teachers feel they have less and less control over their work environment, that they are under more pressure than ever before, and that they are unable to find the time and energy required to provide students with the type of education they desire. These kinds of stressors can have a negative impact on both teachers and students.
Teachers, like most professionals, tend to be hard on themselves. And while this is usually an acceptable notion, as it can lead to self-improvement, it can also lead to high stress, job dissatisfaction and even burnout.
So, what are the negative consequences of teacher stress? A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found teachers suffer from more anxiety than other professionals and even more than people in high-pressure jobs like doctors and lawyers. As professionals, teachers struggle to meet their students’ needs, the demands of the school system, school leaders, school districts and parents; stress levels can rise. This can lead to physical, emotional, and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
According to a study conducted by the University of South Carolina, teachers are subjected to so much stress they are more prone to high blood pressure than other professionals. Reading to a room of 20 first graders, planning lessons of 30 to 40 students, and supervising detention are just some daily job demands that take a toll on a teacher’s wellbeing. Studies show teachers are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses than other professionals. A new study conducted by the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto found that as many as 30 per cent of teachers suffer from anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses.
Teacher stress is a widely acknowledged but poorly understood problem. Some teachers find their work satisfying and fulfilling, while others are dissatisfied with pretty much everything about teaching. Some teachers find their work is so stressful that they leave the profession, while others find themselves dealing with stress-related health problems like heart attacks and ulcers, but remain fascinated about the job and their contribution to the future generation. Many teachers experience this approach-avoidance conflict. Are you one of those?
Furthermore, the educational system is under a lot of pressure. Teacher stress is on the rise for various reasons. A recent study found most teachers feel they have less and less control over their work environment, that they are under more pressure than ever before, and are unable to find the time and energy required to provide students with the type of education the teachers desire. These kinds of stressors can have a negative impact on both teachers and students.
How do teachers deal with their stress?
Many teachers are put in a challenging situation as they are responsible for students’ academic performance. This becomes even more challenging when the teacher isn’t able to do his or her job well. The teacher may be dealing with his or her problems that affect his or her ability to handle the teacher’s job.
Furthermore, there could be problems between the teacher and their co-workers, students or the management. The teacher may also be facing some personal matters like arguments or financial difficulties. The teacher is also responsible for his or her own stress. The teacher may be facing problems like a hectic work schedule, insufficient support from other people, and shortage of resources.
As an educator, a teacher must deal with many issues, including discipline, class preparation, poor attitudes, administration, student achievement, unruly student behavior and insufficient resources.
Teachers do not get the same level of training as doctors or psychologists when it comes to how to manage their stress. Many arrive at the profession without knowing how to handle the stress level that comes with working with children.
Have you ever wondered what activities teachers do to deal with stress? I have asked teachers and here is what they have told me: “I have been a teacher for five years. It is a tough job, and anyone who does it well must have a boatload of patience, understanding, creativity, kindness and love”. “I am sure all teachers, across the country, would agree. Teachers have less than two seconds to form a positive, lasting impression on a child. This is an important job”. “I have seen the best and the worst in teachers. I have seen the best and the worst in children. I have seen children change and grow. I have seen teachers change and grow”.
From the snippets above, you can see that teachers, like other professionals, handle stress differently. Some have difficulty coping with stress and instead choose to deal with it through workaholism, food, or substance abuse. Others find ways to handle stress constructively by getting exercise, taking breaks, finding hobbies, or practising mindfulness.
Teacher stress during the pandemic
It’s no secret that teachers have much stress to deal with during a typical school year. Teachers have a lot on their plate from grading papers to keeping up with the latest lesson plans to getting to school on time. But, when a severe illness, like COVID-19, is making its way around, not just your building but the world, it’s hard to focus on much else.
One teacher who was tasked with keeping her students safe from the deadly virus making its way around the world said she was forced to fill out paperwork and keep a log of her students’ whereabouts and health status while the kids were at home during school closure. And then she went home and did it all again, for her family.
The job is already stressful, but the stress levels rise to a whole new level during the pandemic when the schools are shut down, and students sent home. Since teachers are already stressed from the school year, they are more likely to succumb to the physical and mental strains that come with the pandemic.
The stress of having to worry about your family’s safety during the pandemic is a challenging load to carry. It is an emotional and mental burden you never expect to have to carry. The mental stress from the global pandemic alone is enough to cause physical harm, including death, and teachers are not exempt from this potential fatality; no-one is for that matter.
You’ve got a cold. The sniffles. Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! You’ve had it for a couple of weeks, and your head feels like it’s about to explode. It’s time to visit the doctor. But, wait…do you need to see the doctor? Or could your cold be managed by staying home and taking some over-the-counter meds? That’s the question that many doctors and teachers face during a pandemic. When one person in a classroom is sick, do all the students need to stay home? When it’s time for teachers to get back to work, is it safe for them to go to school?
Teacher burnout
All the stressors described above lead to one unfavourable outcome, teacher burnout. Stress is a common problem for many teachers. The World Health Organization estimates approximately 28% of teachers globally experience burnout – a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that leads to a loss of interest in work – and burnout is strongly related to the stressful situation at school.
Recognizing the Signs of Teacher Burnout
What is teacher burnout? According to education specialists, it is the emotional roller coaster that teachers undergo daily. The collective symptoms burnout include constant fatigue, emotional exhaustion, boredom, tension, irritation, depression, anxiety, frustration and apathy (among many other negative feelings) are known as teacher burnout. Many educators experience this after years of helping young children learn and grow. Overcoming the challenges associated with burnout can be difficult, if not impossible, for any teacher.
With the constant demands of maintaining an organized classroom, coping with peer conflict, the daily grind of ensuring a quality teaching experience and of course the unavoidable stress that comes from long hours of work, it is little wonder that many teachers can experience burnout in emotional exhaustion and diminished personal accomplishment.
When one considers that these same symptoms are often displayed by individuals who are stressed out, it becomes clear the effects of stress can extend beyond the classroom. The truth is teachers’ symptoms can affect their health and cause severe damage to their emotional, physical and mental well-being. While some people can physically take the pressure and manage to function properly, others cannot. It is essential to recognize the signs and remedies available to combat teacher burnout and take steps toward recovery. But before beginning the healing process, it is equally important for teachers to know this illness and the potential causes.
To fully understand the condition of teacher burnout, one must first gain an understanding of its definition. Teacher Burnout is a syndrome where a single person, usually a teacher, experiences significant emotional, physical and mental challenges that are overwhelming and debilitating. This results in a substantial deterioration of a person’s ability to focus or maintain concentration and in negative outcomes at work and home. It also makes it difficult for teachers to provide for themselves and their families. As mentioned earlier, the primary symptoms of this syndrome often can be attributed to stress.
However, there are some warning signs to watch for that may alert a teacher to this disorder’s possibility. One of the more common and perhaps most telling signs is the appearance of severe aches and pains to the teacher. Most often, these symptoms are experienced in the mornings after a long day at school, especially in public schools.
Other signs could signal the onset of burnout. Some more common signs of teacher burnout include having difficulty concentrating, feeling frazzled, and being easily irritable. These signs should be looked for because they are widespread among people entering the teaching profession and will eventually be noticed by the experienced teacher. Another sign of becoming burned out is when the teacher becomes demotivated.
If you notice any of the teacher burnout signs mentioned above, it would be a good idea for you to change your lifestyle. Ensure you get plenty of rest each night, eat healthy foods, cut back on your coffee intake, take time to relax, and get involved in meaningful activities outside of the classroom. If you are feeling overwhelmed or demotivated, then a lifestyle change may be necessary.
While it can be extremely demoralizing to witness a teacher’s emotional and physical breakdown, it is essential to note these symptoms are not the only indicators that something may be wrong. Elementary teachers are some of the hardest working individuals in the education profession. For this reason, teachers must take all available resources for recognizing and preventing teacher burnout seriously. Not only can this save the educator’s job, but also their family and the school as well.
Consequences of Teacher Burnout on the School and Education System
According to some studies, teachers can boost their productivity and help their students flourish if they embrace various instructional strategies and keep their cool under pressure. Chronic stress is one of the most significant factors that contribute to teacher burnout and makes it difficult for them to get through their daily teaching responsibilities. When teachers are pressured, their emotional response increases cortisol’s secretion, a stress hormone, which raises the heart rate and blood pressure. A rise in the heart rate and blood pressure makes it much more difficult for teachers to remain focused on their lessons.
Some school systems require teachers to leave their jobs within three years of starting as a substitute. In the profession, however, a new teacher can stay in their careers through retirement. Yet a veteran teacher of retirement age may experience burnout because they feel like they cannot contribute as much as when younger. The constant pressure in most professions these days leaves little time for relaxing.
According to some school systems, teacher burnout statistics show that only half of the teachers who quit or retire within three years do so due to job dissatisfaction. Another principal reason why teachers leave their jobs is the rising cost of living. The increasing cost of everything adds up, especially when a teacher must pay for health insurance, rent, car payments, and other necessities. Add to that the rising cost of textbooks and other school supplies. With the cost of living always on the rise, many teachers have no choice but to leave their chosen profession, resulting in poor teacher retention.
To prevent teacher burnout, teachers need to look at their situation and learn what symptoms to look for. It may be helpful if teachers write down the signs that they experience daily. These may include feeling exhausted, not wanting to go anywhere, having a sense of being overwhelmed, and having a hard time focusing. When these symptoms are present, it is time for the teacher to evaluate their situation and make some changes in their daily lives. These changes can include cutting back on the amount of coffee they have in the morning, making sure they eat healthy foods, getting more sleep, taking vacation days, and joining a support group for other teachers.
Teacher Burnout Prevention Tips
Although teacher burnout is now a problem faced by many educational institutions, the good news is it can easily be prevented. Teachers need to understand that when they feel tired and worn out, their students become exhausted and weary. Due to this, teachers need to ensure that they are getting adequate rest to recharge their batteries and give their students the best teaching experience possible. By following a few teacher burnout prevention tips, you can prevent this problem from happening to you or your students.
The first tip on teacher burnout prevention is to identify the symptoms early on. It is not enough for teachers to only spot signs of fatigue and exhaustion because these symptoms only indicate one problem, but there could be other issues at play. As such, teachers must monitor their body’s reactions to stressors like exams and various teacher tasks to ensure that they are not having any problems that could lead to fatigue.
If teachers begin to notice physical signs like muscle aches, exhaustion, headache, or dizziness, they should immediately report these symptoms to their school’s principal or doctor. Some of these symptoms can even signal other more serious problems that may require immediate medical attention.
Another important tip on teacher burnout prevention is for teachers to make use of their spare time wisely. Although teachers do have to get work done throughout the day, they should not leave everything to the last minute. Instead, teachers should set aside a specific time of the day for study, reflection, and personal relaxation. Teachers will identify the root cause of the symptoms that they are experiencing and learn how to deal with them appropriately before they completely drain their batteries.
When it comes to identifying the most common symptoms of teacher burnout, there are several apparent clues. Among these is the tendency for teachers to become apprehensive all the time. For example, if teachers spend most of the day dealing with one or two challenging subjects, they may encounter signs of burnout straight away. Teachers also experience sudden flashes of anger and frustration, which could lead to shouting and throwing away their materials in a fit. This could also indicate the onset of chronic teacher burnout.
There are several ways to prevent teacher burnout. One of these is by devoting at least one hour of your schedule each week to participating in self-care activities like writing, reading, listening to music, or just talking. This practice makes it easier for teachers to avoid feeling drained out from carrying out their daily responsibilities. The good news is this practice is not only beneficial in helping teachers feel better, but it also has tangible benefits.
For teachers to effectively implement a teacher burnout prevention plan, they need to observe their routines closely. If certain practices or activities are still being followed despite a fear of becoming too exhausted, this could be a sign of burnout. It is also essential to evaluate what these routines or activities are and ways to make them fun and exciting.
Another way of preventing teacher burnout is to regularly review the teacher’s performance during the entire school year. By doing this, teachers can identify areas where improvement is needed and make sure that they can do their best all the time. Engaging in continuing professional development, self-improvement activities, and mindfulness training can be beneficial.
As the profession continues to face challenges daily, teachers feel the need to seek out resources to understand their challenges better. In addition to seeking out information about the symptoms of burnout, teachers should also be aware of practical methods proven to reduce teacher attrition rates and improve teacher wellness.
One stress management method proven to be helpful is the implementation of a teacher burnout plan. A teacher burnout plan is designed around the concept of offering high quality, practical, and fun classes for all students. These classes are designed to build a strong connection between the teacher and the students to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses. This process has been shown to significantly increase the happiness of the student as well as the teacher.
