Teachers struggling to manage stress report lower job satisfaction: Research

As teacher shortages grow across the United States, new research from the University of Missouri sheds light on why so many stressed-out and burned-out teachers are quitting the field. The study discovered that teachers who struggle to cope with job stress report considerably lower job satisfaction than those who find solutions to handle the stress. The researchers explained that positive, healthy coping mechanisms can be quick, easy and free. One healthy coping mechanism Woods suggests for stressed teachers is writing and delivering a short letter of gratitude to a colleague they enjoy working with. Herman, who authored a book titled, "Stress Management for Teachers: A Proactive Guide," said simple things like increasing positive interactions with students and peers, improving classroom management skills, and avoiding gossip at work can also help.