Portuguese Teachers Face High Stress, Despite Job Satisfaction
Portuguese teachers are facing significant challenges, with 79% citing excessive administrative work and responsibility for student performance as major stress factors. Despite this, 94% express satisfaction with their work, indicating a complex situation in the profession.
The Portuguese education system is grappling with a high level of teacher stress. A staggering 79% of teachers report that administrative tasks and accountability for student performance are their primary sources of stress. This is alarming, considering that only 26% of teachers in the OECD suffer greatly from stress, with the Portuguese figure standing at 27%.
Contrary to these challenges, Portuguese teachers exhibit a high level of job satisfaction, with 94% reporting satisfaction with their work. This is notable, given that only 13% agree with their salaries, significantly lower than the OECD average of 39%. Similarly, satisfaction with employment terms stands at 39%, compared to the OECD average of 68%. Despite these concerns, Portuguese teachers are among the most satisfied with their work within the OECD.
The situation is particularly concerning for younger teachers, who face more students with language comprehension difficulties. This is likely due to the aging teacher population in Portugal, with teachers here being among the oldest in the OECD. Moreover, 27% of young Portuguese teachers are considering leaving the profession in the next five years, suggesting a potential brain drain in the future.
The Portuguese government must address the high stress levels among teachers, particularly the excessive administrative workload and responsibility for student performance. Improving salaries and employment terms could also boost job satisfaction and retention, especially among younger teachers. By tackling these issues, Portugal can ensure a stable and motivated teaching workforce.
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