Job-related stress threatens teacher supply: US study

ANKARA

Job-related stress threatens the supply of teachers in the US, according to a new study by Rand Corporation, an American think-tank.

While teaching was a stressful profession even before COVID-19, it has become more stressful during the pandemic, said the 2021 State of the US Teacher Survey conducted in January and February 2021.

"Teachers are navigating unfamiliar technology, are balancing multiple modes of teaching, and have concerns about returning to in-person instruction. In addition, many teachers are caring for their own children while teaching," said the survey released earlier this week.

One in four teachers were considering leaving their job by the end of 2020-21 academic year, more than in a typical pre-pandemic year and a higher rate than employed adults nationally, it said.

"Teachers were more likely to report experiencing frequent job-related stress and symptoms of depression than the general population," it said, noting Black teachers are "particularly likely" to plan to leave.

While mode of instruction and health are the highest-ranked stress factors for teachers, other common reasons to quit teaching include stressful working conditions and increased personal responsibilities.

Technical problems while teaching remotely were also linked to job-related stress, depressive symptoms, and burnout.

The study recommended schools to implement COVID-19 mitigation measures to allow teachers focus on instruction, collection of data on teacher working conditions and well-being on a state and district level, and providing them mental health and wellness support.