By Gavin Mackintosh-
An annual survey has revealed that 50% of Uk teachers suffer or have suffered from mental health issues due to the challenges of the profession, and have considered quitting.
The need to earn and income and maintain their well being or sustain their families has been the chief reason they have stayed in the job, together with the task of finding another job.
The disturbing findings from a survey by the annual Teacher Well being Index revealed that about 75% s of school teachers claim to be stressed out, while more than half considered leaving the sector because of mental health and well being pressures.The survey found that over a third of education professionals (34 per cent) experienced a mental health issue in the last academic year, up from 31 per cent the year before.
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The survey reveals that 78 % experienced behavioural, psychological or physical symptoms due to their work, up from 76 % in 2018. Stress related claims were up from 64% to 73 % this year, up from 64 per cent last year after a 3 % drop from 67% in 2017. Among senior leaders who should be managing stress the most, the figures went up from 80% in 2018 to 84% this year, an increase of 9% and from its 75% rise in 2017.
One possible explanation for the notable rise in stress provided to this publication by observing analyst is the rise in academic standards and expectations in the last year. Primary school end of year Sats exams, G.C.S.E, and A levels exam standards have risen notably in the last year, a rise which should be welcomed, whilst all other factors manage the adaptation to the change in standards.
EXCESS WORKLOAD
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The causes of stress vary from excess workload to insufficient pay and high level of indiscipline and bad behaviour of pupils.
The Teacher Well being Index questioned over 3,000 education professionals across the institutional spectrum, including schools, early years and further education. It was carried out by the charity Education Support in partnership with YouGov. The survey concluded that 57 per cent of education professionals considered leaving the education sector in the last two years, with 71 % citing health or workload pressures as their main reason, and 65% stating that they did not feeling valued enough.
Not feeling valued includes treatment from pupils and parents, and salary rises or expression of appreciation from headteachers. In 2019, 44% of teachers claimed to have experienced tearfulness , a 15 % rise from last year, whilst 42 % expressed difficulty concentrating , showing a 15% increase from last year. 52 % experienced insomnia or difficulty sleeping , a 14 % rise from last year.
59 % of those surveyed said their workplace supported staff with mental health problems well, and 39 per cent said they would not talk to anyone at work about mental health issues
RECOMMENDATIONS
In response to the findings of the survey, reference was made by the Department Of Education to its recommendations provided in 2018 to combat stress. They include the efficient use of technology, and plan well. Other suggestions include using known techniques of enthusiasm to motivate themselves and pupils in the school, as well sharing positive visions with parents and carers.
CONSISTENT
Communicating highly consistent behaviour management practices effectively to all staff, pupils and parents is also advised. Teachers are also advised to consider whether a central point in the school could be responsible for out-of class behaviour management, or tracking and understanding behaviour data. The running of centralised detentions where possible to free up teachers’ time and allow data to be managed from a single point is also recommended.
BALANCE
School leaders and governance boards are also expected to consider the work life
balance of their staff., providing effective governance, strategic leadership, and accountability amongst other necessary approaches to managing workload.
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