Understanding the External Causes of Teacher Burnout

Written by:

Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4761-5235

Introduction

Teacher burnout has become an increasingly pressing issue within the educational sector. Understanding the external causes that contribute to this phenomenon is crucial for developing effective strategies to support educators. This article delves into the external factors influencing teacher burnout, exploring how these elements interact to create a challenging work environment for teachers. By examining these causes, we aim to shed light on practical ways to address and mitigate burnout in educational settings.

What is Teacher Burnout and Why Does It Matter?

Teacher burnout is a state of chronic stress and exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to demanding work conditions. It manifests through emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a diminished sense of personal achievement (Saloviita & Pakarinen, 2021). Understanding and addressing burnout is essential because it directly impacts teachers’ mental health, job satisfaction, and the quality of education provided to students (Nápoles, 2022).

External Causes of Teacher Burnout

1. Heavy Workloads and Administrative Burdens Teachers are often burdened with extensive workloads, including lesson planning, grading, and various administrative tasks. These responsibilities can extend well beyond school hours, contributing to high levels of stress and burnout (Jensen & Olsen, 2023). The cumulative effect of these demands often leaves teachers with insufficient time for personal life, exacerbating feelings of exhaustion (Saloviita & Pakarinen, 2021).
2. Lack of Support from Administration The level of support from school administrators is a critical factor influencing teacher burnout. Insufficient support, whether in terms of resources, professional development, or recognition, can lead to feelings of isolation and undervaluation (Gómez-Domínguez et al., 2022). Teachers who perceive a lack of support from their administration are more likely to experience burnout (Hogan & White, 2021).
3. Inadequate Resources and Facilities Access to teaching resources and facilities plays a significant role in teacher burnout. Limited resources and poor facilities can hinder teachers' ability to deliver effective instruction, increasing stress and frustration (Rankin, 2022). Teachers working in under-resourced environments often face additional challenges, contributing to burnout (Salahshour & Esmaeili, 2021).
4. High-Stakes Testing and Accountability Pressure The pressure associated with high-stakes testing and accountability measures can be a major source of stress for teachers. The focus on meeting testing standards can shift teachers' attention from effective teaching practices to test preparation, leading to increased stress and burnout (Bedir, 2023). This pressure is compounded by the need to demonstrate student success through standardized tests (Jensen & Olsen, 2023).
5. External Social and Economic Factors Broader social and economic factors, such as economic instability and social inequality, can impact teachers' work environments and contribute to burnout. Teachers often face additional challenges related to students' social issues, which can add to their stress levels (Omondi et al., 2023). These external pressures can exacerbate the challenges of teaching and contribute to burnout (Thomas & Reyes, 2024).
6. Inadequate Internal Communication Effective internal communication within schools is essential for a supportive work environment. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of cohesion among staff, all of which can contribute to burnout (Williams, 2024). When communication channels are ineffective, teachers may feel unsupported and stressed (Hercules, 2024).

Symptoms of Teacher Burnout

Recognising the symptoms of burnout is vital for addressing the issue effectively. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion and lack of energy (Saloviita & Pakarinen, 2021).
• Cynicism: Developing a negative or detached attitude towards work (Gómez-Domínguez et al., 2022).
• Reduced Performance: Diminished productivity and effectiveness in teaching (Hogan & White, 2021).
• Emotional Distress: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability (Nápoles, 2022).
• Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues (Rankin, 2022).

How to Recover from Teacher Burnout

Recovering from burnout involves a combination of personal and professional strategies:

• Seek Professional Support: Engage in counselling or therapy to address emotional and psychological aspects of burnout (Jensen & Olsen, 2023).
• Implement Self-Care Practices: Prioritise self-care routines, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep (Hercules, 2024).
• Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent overworking (Saloviita & Pakarinen, 2021).
• Seek Support Networks: Connect with colleagues or support groups to share experiences and receive encouragement (Omondi et al., 2023).

How to Prevent Teacher Burnout

Preventing burnout requires proactive measures:

• Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Create a positive and collaborative school culture that values and supports teachers (Gómez-Domínguez et al., 2022).
• Manage Workloads Effectively: Implement strategies to manage workloads and reduce unnecessary administrative tasks (Jensen & Olsen, 2023).
• Provide Adequate Resources: Ensure teachers have access to the necessary resources and facilities for effective teaching (Rankin, 2022).
• Promote Professional Development: Offer regular professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and stress management (Hercules, 2024).

Conclusion

Addressing teacher burnout requires a comprehensive understanding of the external causes contributing to this issue. By focusing on heavy workloads, lack of administrative support, inadequate resources, and broader social factors, we can develop effective strategies to support teachers and improve their work environment. Implementing preventive measures and recovery strategies can help reduce burnout, enhancing both teacher well-being and the overall quality of education.

References

Bedir, H. (2023). The burnout blues: Examining the causes and solutions for teacher burnout in education. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 10(3), 449.

Flenniken, W. (2024). Teacher burnout and mitigation.

Gómez-Domínguez, V., Navarro-Mateu, D., Prado-Gascó, V. J., & Gómez-Domínguez, T. (2022). How much do we care about teacher burnout during the pandemic: A bibliometric review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7134.

Hercules, A. (2024). Revealing teacher burnout: Causes and solutions in the educational system.

Hogan, J. P., & White, P. (2021). A self-study exploration of early career teacher burnout and the adaptive strategies of experienced teachers. Australian Journal of Teacher Education (Online), 46(5), 18-39.

Jensen, M. T., & Olsen, E. (2023). Academic burnout: Causes and consequences. In Practicing Responsibility in Business Schools (pp. 164-181). Edward Elgar Publishing.

Nápoles, J. (2022). Burnout: A review of the literature. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 40(2), 19-26.

Omondi, D., LUHOMBO, K. K., & ASWANI, D. R. (2023). Effective internal communication and teacher burnout: A review of relevant literature. Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation, 13(2), 38-47.

Rankin, J. G. (2022). First aid for teacher burnout: How you can find peace and success. Routledge.

Saloviita, T., & Pakarinen, E. (2021). Teacher burnout explained: Teacher-, student-, and organisation-level variables. Teaching and Teacher Education, 97, 103221.

Salahshour, F., & Esmaeili, F. (2021). The causes of burnout among Iranian EFL academics: A case study. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 9(1), 123-137.

Thomas, J., & Reyes, M. E. S. (2024). Understanding the new stress factors affecting teachers' burnout: A scoping review. Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 28(1), 2.

Williams, N. (2024). The causes of teacher burnout and its impact on the personal lives of teachers.