Some Occupational Stress Encountered by Teachers and their Coping Strategies in Dealing with Workloads

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to identify some occupational stress encountered by the teachers of San Felipe Elementary School and their coping strategies in dealing with workloads. Such compilation of stressor and coping strategies could help teachers and would-be teachers to brace up for factors that could cause stress in their workplace, and could give administrators ideas as to what to focus on so as to lessen stress of teachers in schools and on how to help teachers cope with stress.

METHODS

This study is descriptive in nature.

RESULTS

The findings from the teachers' assessment of the following stressors in terms of problems with students, problems with administration/school policy, work-related problems and professional problems, and work-related problem is their top source that cause them high stress particularly too much paperwork, time and work load pressures, urgent reports, work during weekends and holidays, and preparation of instructional material. Another top stressor from their assessment was the student misbehavior, which still fall under the high stress category.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers use different coping strategies to help them get with stress. Findings on this study showed that having adequate sleep, seeking support from colleagues and friends, practice relaxation techniques, meditate or pray , and work on time management are strategies that are found very helpful in coping with stress. Though some strategies were negative coping strategies and not helpful for them at all, participants felt that in certain situations, the only way to cope was to get their minds away from school.