Mental load: the burden of planning in education and its impact on well-being

"Mental load is not in execution but in planning," says Belgian comedian Nawell Madani in a brilliant sketch that humorously unpacks the often-unseen cognitive labor of daily life. While her words originally reflect the domestic sphere, they resonate just as powerfully in the world of education. For teachers, the act of teaching—the joy of connecting with students, igniting curiosity, and fostering growth—has increasingly been overshadowed by the demands of planning, documentation, and administrative tasks.

This mounting mental load doesn’t just sap the energy and creativity of teachers—it also affects their well-being and, by extension, the well-being of their students. When teachers are overwhelmed and unhappy, the classroom environment suffers, leading to disengagement for both educators and learners. It’s time we address this crisis, recognize its far-reaching impact, and explore ways to support teachers in rediscovering their passion for teaching while promoting mental health for all.

The Mental load of modern teaching

For many teachers, the greatest reward of their profession is the joy of teaching itself: the connections with students, the "aha" moments of understanding, and the creativity involved in crafting engaging lessons. However, in today’s education systems, this joy is being eroded by a growing mental load.

1. Administrative Overload: Teachers are burdened with endless lesson plans, assessment designs, and documentation requirements. While accountability is important, these tasks often feel excessive and take away from time spent directly with students.
2. Standardization Over Individuality: The increasing push for standardized curricula and assessments leaves little room for teachers to innovate or tailor their teaching to their strengths and passions. This lack of creativity can lead to frustration and disengagement.
3. Blurring Work-Life Boundaries: Planning and administrative tasks often spill over into personal time, leaving teachers feeling as though they are always “on the clock.” This constant stress contributes to burnout, anxiety, and declining mental health.
4. Ripple Effect on Students: When teachers are stressed and unhappy, it shows. The classroom atmosphere becomes less vibrant, and students are less likely to feel inspired or supported. The emotional well-being of teachers is deeply tied to the overall learning environment.

Well-being in the classroom: why it matters

A teacher’s mental and emotional state has a direct impact on their students. A happy, energized teacher creates a positive, nurturing classroom environment, which fosters student engagement, curiosity, and academic success. Conversely, a teacher who feels overworked and underappreciated may struggle to bring their best self to the classroom, leading to disengagement and even stress among students.

When teachers are supported in their roles, the benefits ripple outward:

• For teachers: Reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and a renewed sense of purpose.
• For students: A more supportive, engaging, and joyful learning environment where they can thrive academically and emotionally.

Solutions to lighten the load and prioritize well-being

Addressing the mental load in teaching requires systemic change and a collective commitment to prioritizing well-being. Here are some ways we can support teachers and, in turn, improve the classroom experience for students:

1. Streamline administrative demands: Schools should simplify documentation requirements, focusing only on essential tasks. User-friendly digital tools can also help teachers save time and reduce frustration.
2. Collaborative planning and resource sharing: Encourage teachers to work together, sharing lesson plans, ideas, and strategies. Collaboration not only lightens the load but also builds a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
3. Autonomy and creativity: Give teachers the freedom to design lessons that align with their unique teaching styles. Empowering educators to tap into their creativity can reignite their passion for teaching and create more dynamic lessons.
4. Dedicated time for self-care: Schools should promote work-life balance by setting boundaries around after-hours work and encouraging teachers to prioritize their mental health. Offering wellness programs, counseling, or mindfulness workshops can also support their emotional well-being.
5. Hire more support staff: Additional teaching assistants and administrative staff can handle routine tasks, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best—connecting with and inspiring students.
6. Advocate for policy change: Governments and policymakers must address the root causes of teacher burnout, including class sizes, underfunding, and excessive administrative demands. Investing in teacher well-being is an investment in student success.

Rekindling the joy of teaching

Teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling. By addressing the mental load of planning and administrative work, we can help teachers rediscover the joy that first drew them to the profession. A happy teacher isn’t just more effective; they create a positive and nurturing environment where students can flourish academically and emotionally.

As Nawell Madani’s line reminds us, the mental load of planning can overshadow the joy of execution, whether in daily life or in the classroom. Let’s work to change this. By supporting teachers, valuing their well-being, and reducing their mental load, we can create happier classrooms, healthier educators, and more successful students.

Call to Action: Let’s lighten the mental load on our teachers—for their sake and the sake of their students. A joyful teacher leads to joyful learning, and that benefits us all.