What causes the most stress for teachers?

It has been well documented that teaching causes a lot of stress. What causes the most stress for teachers is up for debate and will be down to each teacher’s own experience. 

However, I've decided to speak here about my own opinion as to the top 3 of what causes the most stress for teachers.  

Here are some articles to emphasis the issue

The Guardian Record levels of stress ‘put teachers at breaking point’

The Independent Teachers suffer more stress than other workers, study finds

Schools Week Three-quarters of teachers stressed out, Study finds

My Top 3 causes of the most stress for teachers

Pupil Behaviour

If a school has extremely poor behaviour, many teachers may feel it’s not the best place to work. I do look up to those who enjoy working in challenging schools but I can imagine for some, it causes stress and anxiety.

Having to constantly battle over unruly students, to make them believe in themselves and to try and get them to at least pass their exams can put a lot of pressure on teachers. The stress can build up because every lesson of every day can be challenging. In some schools, the staff room is the only place to take time out.

Put on the stress of observations, performance management and OFSTED, it’s a recipe for burnout.

Workload

Have you ever had it when someone asks you how many lessons you teach and you respond with 22. They then say “I never knew you were part time”. Or what about the reference to 13 weeks of holiday per year?

Workload for teachers is phenomenal! Marking books, homework, essays, coursework, mock exams etc. The list goes on! How long do people think this takes? I haven’t even mentioned planning yet. The amount of work teachers go through each week can easily add up to 60, 70 or 80 hour weeks. Some don’t turn off and work well into the night. I remember the days when I used to wake up at 4.30am to get school work done. 

Lack of support

I remember teaching at a school many years ago and there was a school issued yearly calendar. It was one which you stood up on your desk. Each month had a different image. I remember one student asking me “Who is she?” pointing to the lady in the photograph. “That’s the headteacher”. And this is one of the problems many people face within education. There is no support from SLT. 

I also visited a school which was recently taken over by a MAT. They were telling me what the school was like before they took it over. The school’s SLT offices were located down a corridor which was inaccessible to students (and probably staff). The corridor used to be locked so the SLT weren't disturbed and could work in their offices all day. At this school I think SLT stood for Seriously Lousy Teachers. Sad thing is that they were using government money to pay themselves a high salary. Glad to say the MAT takeover has made a very positive impact on the school. 

Some solutions to help stressed out teachers

I work with teachers offering Life and Performance Coaching. Yes I help them by improving their practice, but I also help them with many aspects of their lives. Stress is also one of them. 

Here I am going to lay out some possible activities that you could do to help relieve the stress of teaching. This will never come close to the impact that 1 to 1 coaching can have but I do believe that even by following these next few steps, you can feel a whole lot better. 

Set time for yourself

Give yourself 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. This is your time! Some call it meditation, others may go into prayer, some may stop and think. Take time to think positively and fill your mind with positive affirmations. Once you are used to doing this, increase the time you give yourself. 

Give yourself some respect

Know that you are fantastic. Know that you do a good job! Working in stressful environments can make us feel that we are the problem. It’s not like that! If someone pays you a compliment, remember that it is because you are a great person. 

Learn to say “No”

Sometimes we feel guilty if we don’t agree to do something with or for someone. Don’t put this pressure on yourself. It only adds to the stress. 

You are not perfect

No one is and no one can ever become perfect. Everyone has their issues and don’t think the world hates you. You will be surprised how many of your colleagues love you. If you have a bad day, remember that there will be better days on their way. 

Change your lifestyle

The most stressed teachers will most probably have poor lifestyles. Focus on what improvements you could make to your diet and exercise. Don’t focus on what you must stop doing, focus on what you will do. For example, don’t say to yourself, I’m going to stop eating sweets. Tell yourself that when you are watching TV or feel peckish you are going to reach for some fruit instead. 

Find out more

CLICK HERE to read our article about coaching. This is especially useful if you are wondering how to find the right coach for you. 

CLICK HERE to read more about what we do at Coaching for Leverage.