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.