Catch and Release: Tools for Dealing with Teachers’ Stress

Abstract

An educator’s work is gratifying but highly stressful. Stress arises from external factors such as school, accrediting agencies, students, and parents, as well as internal factors like the teacher’s own skills, beliefs, and emotions. The phrase ‘to catch stress’ is used metaphorically in this chapter as it refers to an individual reaction to a situation that has a negative impact on the educator’s wellbeing, just like catching a disease has a negative impact on a person’s health. Working with people of different ages and personalities creates a variety of stressful situations that can negatively impact the ability of educators to do their job effectively. Stress might lead to job dissatisfaction and the desire to quit. Teachers’ stress also impacts students, since educators may become less concerned about students’ learning and put less effort into teaching when under stress. While the external causes of stress cannot be eliminated, educators can use techniques that reduce internal stress. This chapter offers a list of practical recommendations that might help educators manage their emotional reactions to stressful situations.

Citation

Bauman, A.(. (2023), "Catch and Release: Tools for Dealing with Teachers’ Stress", Kumar, P., Culham, T.E., Major, R.J. and Peregoy, R. (Ed.) Honing Self-Awareness of Faculty and Future Business Leaders: Emotions Connected with Teaching and Learning, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-349-920231007