SURVEY STRESS DATA

 

Here's how the survey was worded:

 

(One word answer, please)

My major cause of stress is:___________________________

 

462 teachers responded to this question with single or multiple answers.

 

 

Workload/Overload

 

332 teacher responses could be grouped in the workload/overload category as a major cause of stress. Some teachers made general comments. Other teachers stated more specifics such as lack of time to prep and assess, high expectations and curriculum.

 

Samples of Teacher Comments

 

My major cause of stress is:

Workload

Overload

Too many demands that directly get in the way of teaching

Additions to our workload - too many new programs added and none deleted

Overworked - after 15 years, I still work weeknights and most weekends

Overload; too much to do, nothing taken away. Frustration of having to do things that don't work for student success.

Fear of increased caseloads (speech therapist)

Constantly being asked to do more while dropping nothing

Too much paperwork, meetings and other chores

 

 

 

Some teacher comments were more specific relating to lack of time to prep and assess:

 

My major cause of stress is:

Grading, material prep, not enough time to complete all that the district demands

Not enough time to assess, evaluate and create lessons

Workload and meetings, all the deadlines and very little prep time

Trying to juggle all the additional responsibilities and timeline requirements while trying to teach

Work overload - assessment requirements

Prepping for student learning while trying to take care of all of the extra stuff

Extra time spent after hours

Too many demands on my time and focus

Not enough paid planning time

No control over time and duties

 

Some teacher comments addressed high expectations:

 

My major cause of stress is:

Expectations are greater than I can fulfill

Too much pressure

Answering to the district administration and the parent community and trying to teach my students

High expectations

Doing my job up to my standards

Doing my best to meet all students' needs

Too many programs at one time to master

How do we bring up the lowest while teaching the others? 8 months wait for testing. No help with at risk, no help with RS kids, no help with SDC kids

 

 

Some teacher comments dealt with curriculum:

 

My major cause of stress is:

Too many standards to teach well and thoroughly during a school year

Too much curriculum - not enough time

Lack of time to develop new curriculum

Impossible to fit state standards curriculum in all content areas in half-day kindergarten program

Too much to teach, not enough time to plan

 

 

Lack of support/leadership by the District Office and/or Superintendent

 

61 teachers stated that lack of support/leadership by the District Office and/or Superintendent was a major cause of stress.

 

Samples of Teacher Comments

 

My major cause of stress is:

lack of support from district when conflicts arise

Lack of district support in understanding policies, etc.

Ineffectiveness of the Superintendent and Board

Too much to do or expected to do that never gets followed-through on

Human Resources

Feel a general lack of direction and leadership in DO

Feeling principal and district don't get what's best for kids

They continue to change assessments and requirements but fail to provide new tools for measurement.

No standards from leadership

Intensity of job without recognition or support from district

Inconsistency

Disrespect

Unappreciated

 

Financial Concerns

 

54 teachers stated financial concerns including compensation for workload and effect of financial status on their families

 

Samples of Teacher Comments

 

My major cause of stress is:

Lack of salary for increasing workload

I don't make enough money to live in the Bay Area and am asked to do more and more!

Low salary per Bay Area prices

How to support my family with poor salary, medical coverage, daycare costs, housing costs, etc.

Too many deadlines, too little pay!

Financial juggling and looking for part-time work to make up for the gaps

Lack of money for my room, materials, etc.

 

Class Size

 

23 teacher responses fell under the general category of class size/too many children.

 

Samples of Teacher Comments

 

My major cause of stress is:

Too many kids

Too many children who are ELD (Kindergarten)

large classes

Behavioral issues, no aides, too many students

Teaching Combo Class

 

Negotiations/Contract

 

12 teachers stated that the negotiations or contract caused major stress

 

Other Stresses

 

A small number of teacher responses listed other stresses. The breakdown of responses is available.