Teacher Wellbeing Crisis


The Hidden Crisis: 

Why 77% of Teachers Are Struggling with Their Mental Health, and what we can do about it


The latest research from Education Support reveals something truly alarming: 77% of education staff are experiencing symptoms of poor mental health due to work.

Let that sink in. In a room of 10 teachers, nearly 8 are struggling with their wellbeing because of their job. This isn't just about feeling a bit tired after a long day – this is about a profession in crisis.


The Perfect Storm


The 2024 Teacher Wellbeing Index, surveying over 3,000 education staff, paints a stark picture of what our teachers face daily. 82% report that challenging pupil behaviour has increased and is negatively affecting their mental health. Meanwhile, 70% say the same about difficult interactions with parents.

As a former headteacher, these statistics don't surprise me – they validate what I witnessed every day. But here's what's particularly troubling: 84% of staff believe the increase in verbal and physical abuse is due to lack of provision for students' mental health needs. We're asking teachers to fill gaps that extend far beyond their training and remit.

One teacher, Charlotte, captured this perfectly: "Pressure from parents has negatively impacted my mental health. I frequently find myself overthinking interactions, feeling inadequate and exhausted by the demands of my role."


The Ripple Effect


When teachers struggle, everyone suffers. 46% of staff report insomnia or difficulty sleeping – imagine trying to inspire young minds when you're running on empty. 50% say their organisation's culture negatively affects their wellbeing. These aren't just statistics; they represent real people who entered teaching to make a difference but are instead drowning in pressure.

During my headship years, I lost count of talented educators who felt that they couldn't cope with everything else beyond the teaching. The irony? Most still loved working with children – it was everything else that broke them.


There Is Hope


But here's what gives me optimism: this crisis is not inevitable. In my experience supporting staff members, I've seen teachers transform their experience when given the right strategies.

The wellbeing crisis isn't about teachers being weak or unsuitable for the profession. It's about a system that hasn't equipped them with practical tools to manage the realities of modern education. We teach them to plan lessons, but not how to handle difficult parent meetings. We train them in curriculum delivery, but not in protecting their own mental health.


Small Changes, Big Impact


The solution isn't to accept these statistics as normal. It's to give teachers practical strategies that work in real school environments:


Moving Forward


Every teacher deserves to thrive in their career, not just survive it. The 77% struggling with their wellbeing aren't statistics – they're passionate educators who need support, not sympathy.

If you're one of them, know this: you're not alone, and change is possible. Your wellbeing matters, not just for you, but for every student whose life you touch.

The teaching profession needs you to stay. Let's make sure you can.




About the Author: Former headteacher with 25 years in education, now supporting teachers through practical guides and professional development. 

Author of The ECT Survival Guide - available on Amazon.