Warning – Teaching is Hazardous to your Health

The teaching profession claims that it is experiencing heightened stress and lost staff in crisis proportions. The percentages of teacher resignations by area over the past two years are reviewed and future drop‐out rates in the 1990s are predicted. Reasons for drop out and for stress‐related illness in those who remain in post are examined. Workload is a frequently reported stressor by class teachers. The managers – head teachers and heads of departments – appear to have specific job related stressors. The Polytechnic of Wales study examines the current major stressors and those perceived as potential stress factors over the next five years. They are: meeting deadlines, workload, limited time, continuous change (current) and national curriculum, assessment, TVEI, LMS, records of achievement and organisational restructuring (potential). Females show highest stress levels but more effective coping mechanisms. Recommendations include establishment of formal and informal network support systems.