Teacher well-being

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Monika Pedersen

Well-being is complex and influenced by several aspects. It is not merely a relationship between one and their mental and physical being but also broader social aspects, such as the workplace, society in general, and the surrounding environment, as all of these impact one’s emotions. As life is becoming more fast-paced and interconnected, it is even more pertinent that the spotlight falls on these elements and a severe shift in attitude kicks in.

The workplace and workload

In a school workplace, the crux of the matter lies with the workload, the working conditions, relationships with others, as well as the support and commitment of the leadership. A teacher’s workload is a big consideration. It is not just the actual class size and teaching load that needs to be addressed, but the ‘add ons’, such as prep and marking time, teacher meetings, parent meetings, dealings with outside agencies owing to student welfare, school initiatives, extra curricular activities, paperwork, timelines, and the lack of time within the day or week to fulfil the demands. This leads to an overspill into private time to fulfil the requirements, thereby pressing on a teacher’s well-being and work-life balance. Much of the additional work is expected and must be fulfilled, and there is little or no compensation in monetary terms or additional time. The consequence of this is that many teachers feel demotivated, stressed, burnt out, and often want to leave, as it is too overwhelming. School administrators need to place far more attention on ensuring that they prioritise the needs of teachers, who are their best asset. With tight budgets, this is not always the case, but a failure to address this issue will lead to failing academic standards, poor exam results, and a decline in an institution’s standing.

Solutions

The solution is looking at the problem in its entirety and creating a nontoxic, relaxed but effective workplace with possibilities for educators to grow, to have release time, earn a decent wage, and more. The focus on change needs to start with a shift in philosophy and a true commitment to delivery. There needs to be a vision and a robust policy which is a reality and not merely a well-worded statement with no ‘back bone’. Resources need to be found, and these should not come from cutting student opportunities or from reduced building budget projects, etc. As it stands, there is little wonder why teacher union membership is on the up and teacher turnover is so high. It is not only the school system where the ‘blame’ lies but also within society itself and governing institutions. There does not seem to be a specific reason or answer. All the more reason for some serious rethinking to take place, yet, for decades this has not been the case in many countries.

"It needs to be pointed out that well-being is not just an issue troubling teachers but one that pertains to students."

Questions needing answers

Why is it that teachers who are highly educated and trained are paid considerably less than those in other professions? Moreover, why is this acceptable? If teachers are tasked with bringing along the next generation, why is the work deemed to deserve such a poor income? Without teachers, there will be a shortfall in the workplace of educated people, which, in turn, affects a country’s economic growth and security. Ultimately, if the issue is left unaddressed, there will be fewer and fewer graduates entering the profession, leading to a crisis in the education sector, which may be the only way to bring this vital issue to the political table

Ripple effect

Low teacher incomes lead to financial worries and often an inability to secure decent housing, to deal with the upsurge of the cost of living, and to retire at an appropriate age without health issues. Once again, all these factors have a damaging effect on a human being’s mental and physical state of being. With more teachers on sick leave or early retirement on health grounds, it, once again, places financial strain on health care health insurance companies and, consequently, leads to a drop in economic growth. It is a cyclical problem that must be resolved for the betterment of all.

As an educator in the final decade of my working life, I am saddened to observe the lack of change and, more frustratingly, the decline of interest in young people wishing to enter the profession. It can be one of the most rewarding jobs, yet those who undervalue it strangle it. I hope that ‘an awakening’ will come before it is too late.

It needs to be pointed out that well-being is not just an issue troubling teachers but one that pertains to students. However, this is the theme for another article.