Ongoing Teaching Challenges: Experts Warn About Mental Health Issues

Two-thirds of teachers surveyed told researchers at the University of New South Wales they experienced severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is double the national average.

With 30 per cent of teachers considering leaving before retirement age and 70 per cent finding their workload unmanageable, immediate action is required according to researchers.

“It provides a clear and urgent message: our teachers are struggling, and they need support,” Dr Helena Graziera from UNSW said.

“Teachers are experiencing mental health symptoms at rates far above the general population, and that these symptoms are closely linked to their workload and intentions to leave the profession.”

Graziera said teachers are becoming overwhelmed with the amount of work away from the classroom, including administrative duties, compliance requirements and data collection, taking time away from lesson planning and student engagement, and leading to a higher rate of disillusionment.

The impact on Australian children could be stark, especially in regional or remote areas.

Teachers in these areas reported higher rates of depression, whilst female teachers were more likely to express a desire to leave the profession.

A high turnover rate of teachers impacts the education students receive in classrooms at all ages.

“Teachers’ mental health is intricately related to students’ outcomes, both in terms of students’ mental health themselves, but also students’ academic achievement,” Granziera said.

The study recommended measures to reduce non-essential workload on teachers, as well as better monitoring systems of teacher wellbeing to support teacher retention.

“This research provides clear evidence that improving teachers’ working conditions is not just beneficial, it’s essential,” Graziera said.

“If we want to retain skilled educators and ensure quality education for all students, we must address the root causes of teacher stress and mental health decline.”