The role of teachers and school managers (SMT) in addressing teacher work-related stress : teachers' perspectives.
Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study sought to investigate teacher work-related stress. In my experience as a teacher for
28 years I found myself frequently enmeshed in the stranglehold of work stress and at times
contemplated quitting as a teacher. I now reflect on my experiences as a teacher and consider
the role I played as well as that of my school managers in addressing my work-related stress.
As the Head of a Department and a manager, I am serious about assisting teachers cope as
well as playing a role in reducing work-related stress of teachers.
In this study I chose a secondary school, with similar context to that of my school, as a site to
study the role of teachers and managers in addressing work-related stress of teachers. I have
chosen to give voice to Level One teachers who I found in my experience were denied
channels to communicate on how they experienced work related stress. The reason for my
choice of school was that it would allow me to make comparisons as well as provide me with
data from which I would be able to reflect on my own practices.
I chose to gather data by means of a questionnaire which I handed to all Level One teachers
and by two focus group interviews which I conducted at the school.
The data revealed that teachers experience a very high level of work related stress at the
school; that teachers believe that managers have an important role in addressing teacher-work
related stress; and identified professional demands, interpersonal relationships, role based
factors, career developments, school factors and home/work interface as the causes of workrelated
stress.
The analysis of the data gathered indicated the need for a regular appraisal on the level of
work-related stress by managers; creating a means of communication between managers and
teachers on factors which cause work-related stress, programmes of induction, mentoring and
working through teams in order to address work-related stress. The data revealed that level
one teacher’s place all blame of work-related stress on managers and conveniently absolve
themselves from the responsibility of addressing their stressors.
The onus of addressing teacher work-related stress is primarily that of the teacher. However,
the constitution lists education as a basic right of all citizens. One of the ways in which this
right can be effectively implemented is by emphasizing school effectiveness which invariably
requires optimum levels of commitment and performance from teachers. Therefore it is essential for school managers to ensure that teachers are performing at optimum levels.
Underpinning any notion of affecting and improving the performance capability of
individuals is the concept of stress free working conditions. It is with this in mind that the
study was conducted.
Description
M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.
Keywords
Job stress--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Teachers--Job stress--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., School management and organization--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Educational leadership., School management teams--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Education.