Unveiling causes of teacher work stress: analysis and discussion

Abstract

Occupational stress experienced by General Basic Education teachers can have a negative impact on the activities developed in two educational units in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. The objective of this study was to analyze seven occupational stressors in the aforementioned work environment. The questionnaire 'Sources of Stress in Teachers,' composed of 56 items organized on a Likert scale, was used. A quantitative approach was adopted with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design for descriptive research. The population consisted of 72 teachers, all surveyed, followed by descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS. The results reveal that the examined stressors generate significant concerns among teachers, with managerial supervision standing out as the main source of stress, followed by the personal appraisal of teaching work and collaboration in the work environment. In summary, these stressors affect more than half of the teachers, inevitably influencing the quality of education provided to the new generations. Educational leaders must take note and take action.

Keywords:

Teacher, education, work stress