Introduction and Background
In Mexico, teachers face high levels of occupational stress that have been documented since 2014. According to the report “Panorama de la Educación 2024” by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCDE), public school teachers average around 1,007 working hours per year. However, this does not account for non-teaching tasks that can negatively impact the attractiveness of the profession, along with lower salaries compared to other professional careers.
The Challenges Faced by Mexican Teachers
Teaching in Mexico extends beyond the school bell, as educators often work late into the evening preparing lessons, grading assignments, creating new exams, communicating with parents or guardians, handling administrative tasks, and completing collaborative work. These demanding conditions contribute to high levels of burnout among teachers, affecting their mental and physical health.
- Anxiety and depression
- Physical health issues, such as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal problems
The Mexican National Official Mexican Standard (NOM-035) aims to identify, analyze, and prevent psychosocial workplace risks. However, it only applies to private sector environments, leaving out teachers in public schools and universities.
Burnout Among University Teachers
María Luisa Ávalos Latorre, a professor, researcher, and head of the Population Health Department at the Tonalá Center of the Universidad de Guadalajara, explains that occupational stress affects the mental and physical health of up to 42% of Mexican teachers.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues
This issue has been prevalent since 2014 in Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. Factors such as emotional exhaustion, insufficient compensation, and excessive work demands have contributed to the rise of burnout among educators. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new risks related to the transition to remote work and virtual learning.
Strategies for Addressing Teacher Burnout
Catalina Arias Rodríguez, a master’s degree holder in Administration with a specialization in business and financial management, emphasizes the need for a healthier and more satisfying work environment where teachers can effectively carry out their duties without compromising personal well-being.
- Promote a multidimensional approach to burnout prevention and intervention, incorporating health psychology and early intervention programs
- Implement structural changes in work environments, such as reducing workloads and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes well-being
- Develop personal stress management and coping skills among teachers, including identifying stressful challenges, seeking practical solutions, regulating emotions, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits
At the organizational level, María Luisa Ávalos Latorre suggests implementing policies that encourage self-care breaks, provide stress reduction tools, and create spaces for teacher exchange and support.
“Teacher mental health is crucial for the educational community’s performance and well-being. Implementing appropriate strategies positively impacts the work environment,” concludes María Luisa Ávalos Latorre.
