One in four Flemish teachers faces serious burnout risk
One in four teachers in Flanders is at very high risk of burnout, and one in six is seriously considering leaving the profession. The findings come from the first Motivatiemonitor, an annual survey on teachers’ mental well-being, carried out by Ghent University among more than 3,500 teachers.
The results paint a worrying picture. Nearly one in three teachers reports severe mental exhaustion, and a similar share says the workload is so heavy that it affects their concentration and performance.
Researchers used the ABC model, which says teachers function best when they have three key needs met: autonomy, connection with colleagues and pupils, and a sense of competence. Among teachers at high risk of burnout, nearly 85 per cent score poorly on all three. The same pattern is seen among those thinking of leaving education.
The survey also shows that schools working with the Netwerk Warme Scholen approach - which focuses strongly on the ABC model - tend to fare better. Teachers in these schools are more than 50 per cent more likely to have their basic needs met.
According to the researchers, giving teachers more autonomy and stronger support could help turn the tide.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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