news
Beyond exhaustion
New study links teachers ’ burnout to physical illness .
By Emilie Lauer
Teachers ’ burnout does not only impact educators ’ wellbeing but also their physical health , a new study has confirmed .
The University of York and York St John University in the UK discovered a link between physical health issues and
burnout while studying patterns seen in other professions .
The study is the first systematic review of papers examining teacher burnout and physical health consequences in secondary and tertiary education in multiple countries .
More than 5000 teachers participated in the studies , with a median age of 43 and 14 years of work experience .
Among those surveyed , 60 per cent were female .
Researchers found that burned-out educators complained more frequently of headaches , physical illnesses and voice disorders .
The study also found a link between burnout , altered heart function , and hormone responses .
University of York senior education lecturer Dr Lisa Kim said the study adds to growing evidence which links psychological experiences to a person ’ s physiology .
“ It is important , therefore , to recognise that addressing teacher burnout is not only beneficial for mental health but for physical wellbeing as well ,” Dr Kim said .
Research has shown teachers ’ burnout manifests in three dimensions : emotional exhaustion , depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishments .
Educators experiencing burnout are more likely to have difficulties managing their mental health , feel fatigued often and lose motivation and confidence in their abilities to do the job .
Burnout has also been linked to students ’ wellbeing , as educators can ’ t provide the whole level of support to students due to their difficulties in coping .
In Australia , a recent survey found nearly half of teachers in Australian schools are considering leaving the classroom within the next year due to heavy workloads and staff shortages .
More than 75 per cent of teachers reported feeling burned out , with 42 per cent stating being ‘ at the end of the rope ’.
Teachers burnout has also been linked to principals ’ wellbeing , with more than 98 per cent of school leaders worried about staff which has directly impacted their stress levels . ■
Clare announces ministerial reference group .
By Laura Mazzitelli
Major education union leaders and academics will form a ministerial reference group tasked with informing the federal government ’ s
Jason Clare . Picture : Nikki Davis-Jones / NewsCorp .
‘ Turn this around ’
overhaul of the nation ’ s school funding system .
Jason Clare established an expert panel led by former public service chief Dr Lisa O ’ Brien who will advise education ministers on reforms tied to the upcoming National School ’ s Funding Agreement .
He recently announced that a mix of teachers , principals , students , unions and parent organisations will make up a ministerial group who will act as a ‘ sounding board ’ for the panel .
“ This expert panel will provide us with the advice we need to put in place the specific reforms to help turn this around ,” Mr Clare said .
Members include CEO of the Australian Council of State School Organisations Dianne Gibin , President of the Australian Secondary Principals Council Andrew Pierpoint and Director of the QUT Centre for Inclusive Education Professor Linda Graham .
Other members also include Australian Education Union President Correna Haythorpe , who has spent 17 years teaching in public primary schools , and CEO of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Mark Grant , who has a background as a teacher , principal , and executive director .
The expert panel and the ministerial reference group will come together at the next education ministers ’ meeting .
The education minister said the teachers , principals , and students included in the group will be revealed closer to this meeting .
The expert panel will deliver its final report to education ministers by 31 October . ■
6 | educationreview . com . au