Teachers are the backbone of our education system, shaping the minds of future generations and playing a crucial role in society. However, a recent survey conducted by the NASUWT teaching union has shed light on the alarming levels of stress and mental health issues faced by teachers in the UK. According to the poll, more than four in five teachers have experienced increased work-related stress in the last year, with 86% believing that their job has negatively impacted their mental health.
The findings of the survey, which polled over 11,000 NASUWT members, have been released during the union’s annual conference in Harrogate. The data paints a grim picture of the state of teacher wellbeing, with nearly a quarter of teachers admitting to increasing their alcohol intake due to work pressures, and 12% reporting a reliance on antidepressants. Shockingly, 3% of teachers revealed that they had self-harmed in the past year as a result of their job.
The survey also highlights the physical toll that teaching can take on educators, with more than two in three teachers stating that their job has negatively affected their physical health in the last 12 months. One teacher described vomiting from stress before work and being unable to teach due to badly behaved students, while another expressed feelings of anxiety, low energy levels, and lack of confidence.
The impact of work-related stress on teachers‘ mental health is further underscored by the tragic case of headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life following an Ofsted report that downgraded her school. This incident has raised concerns about the pressures faced by educators and the need for better support systems within the education system.
In response to the survey findings, the NASUWT conference has debated motions calling for suicide prevention training for school leaders and mandatory mental health training in schools. The union is calling for action to address what they describe as a „mental health emergency“ within the teaching profession, with teachers‘ health reaching „a crisis point.“
Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing mental health issues among teachers. He has called for greater support systems in schools and colleges to help educators manage their mental health and cope with the demands of their job. Roach stresses the importance of collaboration with the government to create a profession where teachers can thrive, rather than struggle to survive.
In response to the survey findings, a Department for Education spokesperson has acknowledged the importance of teacher wellbeing and highlighted initiatives such as the Education Staff Wellbeing Charter and investment in professional supervision and counseling for school leaders. However, the survey results indicate that more needs to be done to support teachers and address the root causes of work-related stress and mental health issues.
The NASUWT survey serves as a wake-up call to the education system and policymakers, highlighting the urgent need for action to support the mental health and wellbeing of teachers. As educators continue to face mounting pressures and challenges in their profession, it is essential that steps are taken to create a supportive and sustainable environment for teachers to thrive and fulfill their vital role in shaping the future of our society.