ERIC Number: ED536515
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Burnout. Information Capsule. Volume 1003
Blazer, Christie
Research Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion resulting from chronic stress. It is characterized by feelings of alienation, indifference, and low self-regard, a loss of interest in work, and an inability to perform one's day-to-day job duties. Burnout within the teaching profession has been recognized as a serious problem. Studies indicate that teacher burnout has a negative effect on student motivation and learning. It has been estimated that between five and 30 percent of teachers show distinct symptoms of burnout at any given time. Teacher burnout costs school districts billions of dollars annually through absenteeism, disability claims, and high rates of turnover. Stressful environments can lead to teacher burnout and personal factors, such as levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem and the existence of strong social support networks, can influence the likelihood that teachers will develop burnout. Most researchers believe burnout is the result of an interaction between school conditions and teachers' personality characteristics, but studies have produced contradictory findings regarding which variables play the most important role in the development of burnout. Strong feelings of self-efficacy in particular appear to act as a buffer between stressful school environments and burnout. To the extent possible, district and school administrators have a responsibility to minimize stressors in the school environment. Activities schools can engage in to eliminate teacher burnout and reduce work-related stress include stress management workshops, peer support groups, and the provision of feedback, recognition, and supportive leadership. A list of strategies to help teachers manage chronic stress and avoid burnout is provided in this report. At the local level, results from administration of Miami-Dade County Public Schools' 2009-10 School Climate Survey indicated that staff morale and principal support were perceived as high by the majority of staff, but a large number of staff reported that they were frequently overloaded and overwhelmed in their jobs. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Work Environment, Self Efficacy, Stress Management, Feedback (Response), Personality Traits, Teaching (Occupation), Teacher Burnout, Psychological Patterns, Teaching Conditions, Mental Health, Teacher Effectiveness, Workshops, Social Support Groups, Positive Reinforcement, Recognition (Achievement), Leadership Responsibility, Student Behavior, Educational Environment, Intervention, Time Management, Professional Development
Research Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools. 1450 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33132. Tel: 305-995-1000; Fax: 305-995-7521; Web site: http://www.dadeschools.net
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Research Services
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A