Thrive or Deprive: Dilemmas of Public School Teachers

Teaching is an incredibly important profession that has the power to shape the future of society. However, the profession of teaching can also be incredibly stressful. Public school teachers are under a great deal of pressure to meet the needs of their students while also dealing with the demands of their job. This stress can…


Teaching is an incredibly important profession that has the power to shape the future of society. However, the profession of teaching can also be incredibly stressful. Public school teachers are under a great deal of pressure to meet the needs of their students while also dealing with the demands of their job. This stress can lead to a variety of stress-related problems among public teachers.

One of the most common stress-related problems among public teachers is burnout. Burnout occurs when a person becomes emotionally and physically exhausted from their job. Public teachers are often required to work long hours, deal with difficult students, and handle a variety of other challenges. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion and burnout, which can impact their ability to teach effectively.

Another stress-related problem among public teachers is anxiety. Teachers may feel anxious about meeting the needs of their students, managing their classroom, and dealing with parents. They may also feel anxious about their job security, particularly in times of budget cuts and layoffs. This anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension, which can further impact their ability to teach effectively.

Depression is also a common stress-related problem among public teachers. The demands of the job can lead to feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair. Teachers may feel like they are not making a difference or that they are not appreciated for their hard work. This can lead to depression, which can impact their ability to teach effectively and lead to absenteeism and even leave of absence.

Finally, stress-related problems among public teachers can also manifest in the form of physical health problems. Teachers who are under a great deal of stress may experience high blood pressure, heart disease, and other physical health problems. These health problems can impact their ability to teach effectively and can even lead to early retirement.

In conclusion, stress-related problems among public teachers are a serious concern. Burnout, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems can all impact the ability of public teachers to do their job effectively. It is important for schools and administrators to recognize the stressors that teachers face and to provide support and resources to help them manage their stress. By doing so, we can help ensure that our public schools are staffed by healthy and happy teachers who are able to provide the best possible education for our children.

By: Madelene Joy M. Ricio | Teacher I | Bataan National High School SHS