a list of pressures teachers face
I’m not sure where to start on writing for this blog because the pressures that teacher’s face are many. ChatGPT comes up with this list of teacher pressures:
1. Administrative & Bureaucratic Pressures
High-stakes evaluations that may not account for challenges like unreliable resources (e.g., technology issues)
Frequent changes in curriculum and policies without adequate training or input from teachers
Standardized testing requirements and the pressure to "teach to the test"
Excessive paperwork and documentation requirements
Large class sizes with limited support
Mandates from district/state/national levels that may not align with classroom realities
Limited autonomy in lesson planning and instructional methods
Pressure to meet unrealistic student performance benchmarks
2. Student-Related Pressures
Managing diverse learning needs, including IEPs, 504 plans, and gifted students
Addressing students’ emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges
Balancing discipline while maintaining positive relationships with students
Handling student apathy, disengagement, or lack of motivation
Dealing with students facing trauma, poverty, homelessness, or family instability
Differentiating instruction for students at vastly different academic levels within the same classroom
Pressure to ensure all students succeed despite external factors beyond the teacher’s control
3. Parental & Community Expectations
Navigating difficult or uninvolved parents who may blame teachers for their child’s struggles
Managing unrealistic parental expectations (e.g., expecting constant communication, special treatment)
Pressure to be available beyond work hours to respond to emails, messages, and meetings
Facing criticism or scrutiny from the community and social media
Dealing with conflicts between parents, administrators, and school policies
4. Workload & Time Demands
Excessive grading and lesson planning outside of school hours
Required professional development, meetings, and additional duties that cut into planning time
Lack of sufficient time to complete tasks within contracted hours
Managing multiple preps (different subjects or grade levels)
The expectation to sponsor or lead extracurricular activities with little or no additional compensation
Balancing teaching with personal life, family, and self-care
5. Financial & Job Security Concerns
Low pay compared to other professions requiring similar education and responsibility
Out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies and materials
Uncertain job security due to budget cuts, enrollment changes, or shifting district priorities
Limited financial incentives for experienced teachers compared to other professions
Lack of adequate benefits or salary increases despite increasing demands
6. Emotional & Psychological Stress
Burnout from chronic stress, overwork, and emotional labor
Compassion fatigue from supporting students dealing with trauma and hardship
Lack of mental health support or resources for teachers themselves
Feeling undervalued or unappreciated by administration, parents, or society
Frustration over systemic issues that hinder student success but are out of the teacher’s control
Pressure to maintain a calm, composed demeanor despite personal or professional struggles
7. Societal & Political Pressures
Being expected to address societal issues (bullying, mental health, DEI, civic engagement) without proper training
Navigating political debates over curriculum content (history, sex education, banned books, etc.)
Increased scrutiny from politicians and media, often blaming teachers for systemic failures
The expectation to function as both an educator and a counselor, social worker, or disciplinarian
Fear of school violence, active shooter situations, and lack of safety measures
Being expected to implement policies that conflict with personal or professional ethics
And the list could go on and on.
I’m siting in the corner of a bar (the turkey BLT was amazing — thanks cinder!!) waiting for my daughter to get done with theater practice. And just reading the ChatGPT list makes me feel a bit panicky. My shoulders tense and I clench…shrinking further into the corner of the bar…aching to find a retreat from the daily weight of what I, as a teacher, face.
But I don’t think I want to start this blog by commenting on educational pressures in generalities.
I want to speak on behalf of mySELF — to explore and own my OWN story.
To identify the dynamics in my own personal life that contribute to the pressure that I feel as a teacher.
