The Overwhelming Burden of Teacher Workloads and Its Impact on Wellbeing
Teachers today are facing unprecedented challenges, with workloads that have become increasingly heavy and unsustainable. In a recent national survey of over 3,400 teachers in England, conducted 10 weeks into school closures, the strain on teachers’ wellbeing was evident.
The average teacher now works 53 hours per week, with 78% feeling they don’t have enough planning time to properly address curriculum standards.
Almost half of teachers report stress levels high enough to interfere with their health, sleep, and work quality.
This is a significant problem not just for teachers themselves, but for the entire education system.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, with teachers being asked to redesign the learning experience overnight, while continuing to teach their current classes and support students remotely.
Many teachers are also juggling their own childcare responsibilities, fielding help requests from parents and students 24/7.This overwhelming workload is taking a toll on teachers’ wellbeing.
A 2019 survey found that more than half (57%) of all staff had considered leaving the sector in the past two years due to health pressures.
What was the main conclusion?
Stress was cited as a major factor by those who had considered leaving.
It’s ironic that teacher wellbeing is driving so many great educators from the profession, when research has shown that teacher wellbeing and student outcomes are intrinsically linked.
The number one reason many enter teaching is the belief that they can make a positive change in young people’s lives.
What options are there to improve their work-life balance?
So what can be done to address this crisis? School leaders have a critical role to play. They need to invest in their teachers, looking after their health and wellbeing as their most valuable asset.
Every new initiative should be filtered through a “reduce workload” lens. Bespoke support should be provided to teachers who need to improve.
Leaders also need to interact with teachers, creating an environment where views are spoken openly and honestly in both directions.
Teachers need to feel that leaders have their best interests at heart and truly care for them.
Ultimately, the success of a school depends on the health of its teachers. If we want to attract and retain great educators, we must prioritise their wellbeing and find sustainable solutions to the workload crisis.
The future of our education system depends on it.
If you are looking to become a private tutor, then do get in contact with us.