Poor mental health is becoming a significant issue for teachers
A study carried out by DCU shows 86% of people in the profession are suffering moderate to high levels of work-related burnout.
42% say they expect to leave the classroom permanently because of it.
The survey had over 1000 responses from primary and secondary school teachers.
Teachers were asked to record their self-rated mental health over the past year. 28% rated their mental health as poor or very poor.
17% also feel this has negatively influenced their ability to engage in teaching and learning with pupils
When asked if they received any training on managing their personal wellbeing and mental health, 83% said they hadn't.
DCU CREATE Co-Director, Dr Sabrina Fitzsimons, said;
"The research demonstrates the need for a comprehensive policy response to teacher occupational wellbeing. We must take the poor wellbeing of teachers seriously and therefore there should be a coordinated approach to prioritise and address the structural factors contributing to teacher burnout. It is hoped that a shift in mentality from understanding burnout as an individual issue to a systemic issue will arise from the findings of this study.”
The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupation-related phenomenon caused by prolonged and unmanaged workplace stress.
It has three key features: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment.
