Survey of teacher stress in secondary schools in the local authority

Abstract

The research involved a questionnaire survey of teacher stress amongst 122 experienced teachers in 11 - 16 coeducational comprehensive schools in a local education authority. Employing a specially constructed stress scale it was concluded that overall 10% of the sample were experiencing stress and that 4% were experiencing severe stress. Significant relationships were found between teacher stress and ‘position held in school', 'discipline', "the supportiveness of the Headteacher', and 'the supportiveness of the teachers'. The four main causes of teacher stress were identified as 'Insufficient time', 'Too much expected of teachers',‘Large schools', and ‘Physical conditions, facilities, etc'. The four main types of assistance which teachers requested were ‘Training for further responsibilities’, 'Intellectual stimulation and refreshment', 'Class management', and ‘Motivating pupils'. The practical and theoretical implications of these conclusions are discussed.