Burnout and Workload in Teachers of Children with Severe Learning Difficulties

Abstract

This paper addresses the possibility that teachers of children with severe learning difficulties (SLD) may be especially vulnerable to heightened stress levels. A postal questionnaire posing investigative questions relating to workload and sources and quality of stress was sent to eight SLD schools in inner city, urban and rural areas in the south-east of England. Fifty-seven SLD teachers responded. Results indicated that SLD teachers were subject to high workload and long hours of work. High scores were obtained for the variable Emotional Exhaustion as measured by the education version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Qualitative data identified workload and challenging behaviour as the most frequently cited sources of intense stress. Results are discussed with reference to the need to develop effective job-related coping strategies for SLD teachers.

Teacher characteristics, social classroom relationships, and children's social, emotional, and behavioral classroom adjustment in special education

“…Although expected, no mediating mechanisms were found in predicting teacher outcomes. As not many facets of classroom social relationships and children's classroom adjustment predicted teacher wellbeing and competence, other factors, such as teacher's workload and administrative duties (Kokkinos, 2007;Male & May, 1997) and personality characteristics such as neuroticism (Cano-García, Padilla-Muñoz, & Carrasco-Ortiz, 2005;Kokkinos, 2007), should be taken into account when focusing on teacher outcomes in special education in future studies.…”

Supervisor Support as a Predictor of Burnout and Therapeutic Self-Efficacy in Therapists Working in ABA Schools

“…And teachers who work in schools for children with severe learning difficulties report having large workloads and long working hours (Male and May 1997). Therefore, we expect the work demands ABA therapists experience to influence workrelated well-being.…”

Negative Emotional Reactions to Challenging Behaviour and Staff Burnout: Two Replication Studies

“…1990; Hatton et al. 1995; Male & May 1997). There is also some more direct evidence suggesting that those staff exposed to more frequent, and more severe challenging behaviour are at increased risk of stress, burnout, and mental health problems (Freeman 1994; Cottle et al.…”