Determining Stressors of Bungahan Elementary School Teachers: Basis for Crafting a Stress Management Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Lately news from the print media, broadcast media and social media had reported that teachers are committing suicide due to many workloads they need to perform. Stress had been affecting the performance of teachers in their day to day activities. In a small school with 7 teachers, wherein 6 are married and one still single, it is very evident that teachers' performance of duties and responsibilities are being put into risks due to the impact of stress to their personal, physical, psychological, and sociological aspect.

METHODS

Descriptive method was used in this study which focused on the 7 elementary public school teachers. The researchers asked them to give data and information which were used to support the observation and findings. After the proponents collected enough information, interview, documentary analysis and focus group discussion (FGD) were done to verify the data gathered.

RESULTS

After thorough examination of the data gathered, it was noted that the main causes of stress among the 7 teachers are: financial matters (debts and monthly dues), pupils discipline and performance, and other work related issues. Financial factor plays an important role in the lives of teachers wherein salary is only given once a month which lead teachers to get loans from different lending industries to augment the needs of the family. Pupils' discipline and performance is a gauge for teachers on how well they teach; if their pupils do not perform well in their classroom activities and failed, this reflects back them, same with the discipline. Other work related issues also affects or causes stress to teachers such as LIS, school forms, and other ancillary tasks which leads to having less time with family. With all these stressors, the performance of the teachers' duties in school are very much affected which is seen in lack of focus and most of the time emotionally disturbed.

DISCUSSIONS

Having a support group is a must for every institution especially for teachers. Stress is a major risk among the members of the teaching profession. Leaders must device ways on how to help teachers surpass or overcome such a silent killer in order for teachers to perform their tasks with attention and focus. If teachers are stress free, their lives as members of their own families and as second parents of learners in the schools will be very fruitful and meaningful.