Stress in Elementary School Teaching

Through a literature review and two interviews with teachers, I look at the cause and effects of stress in elementary school teaching. Specifically the literature review discusses the negative side effects of extreme stress not just on teachers, but on administration and students including burnout, high turnover rates and lower academic achievement. Interviews revealed insight into the importance of supportive colleagues and administration as well as attitude and perception for minimizing and mitigating teacher stress. Further discussion touches on what teachers, school level administration, school boards and teacher education programs can do to help lessen the stress experienced by teachers. These recommendations include de-normalizing extreme stress and creating positive work environments