Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Teachers
Angelica S. Buyao
The recent health crisis changed the way we live, affecting the mental health of countless people. It compounded the existing teacher wellbeing problems, leaving a legacy of anxiety, stress, depression, and even burnout.
A teacher wellbeing charity, Education Support, published a report indicating that more teachers report poor mental health, including depression and anxiety. The report also noted a rise in insomnia, tearfulness, and difficulty concentrating.
Similarly, the American Federation of Teachers report revealed that teacher mental health issues have doubled. Their poor mental health results in experiencing high levels of burnout, leaving the field. Their recent survey indicates that stress was the common reason for leaving the profession before retirement - twice as common as insufficient pay.
In the Philippines, Education Secretary Leonor Briones acknowledged that ensuring teachers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is a big challenge for the department. The department launched numerous webinars to help professionals manage their stress and anxiety to address this problem, but are still insufficient to support teachers.
Remote Teaching Uncertainties
The sudden shift to various distance learning modalities has stressed most teaching forces resulting in our teachers operating in crisis mode. Additionally, decreased student engagement has been noted to contribute to teachers' experience.
Collaboratory on School and Child Health published a report indicating that teachers estimated that, on average, only 60% of their students were engaged in remote learning regularly. This lack of engagement can be attributed to resource disparities.
Psychological Trauma
Teachers are experiencing trauma and are also vulnerable to PTSD with the current health situation. Trauma occurs when our ability to cope is overwhelmed by a threat to our safety.
With the nearing limited face-to-face classes, teachers live in a constant state of alert, heightening their anxiety, depression, and difficulty managing emotional responses. If these are left untreated, it can disrupt the teachers' ability to function in the long term. It can compromise their overall health, careers, and relationships. *****
The author is Senior High School Teacher at Children Of Fatima Inc.