Teachers Face Global Burnout Amid Overwork, Pay Issues, and Census Pressures

Teachers worldwide are experiencing significant mental health challenges due to heavy workloads, administrative burdens, and societal pressures. In Ireland, 86% of teachers suffer from burnout, with nearly a third rating their mental health as poor, contributing to a growing exodus from the profession. Similarly, a study in the Maldives found that 93% of teachers report job-related mental strain, negatively impacting their teaching quality and personal lives, with mental health issues now a critical concern in the education sector. In India’s Karnataka state, the government's rapid caste census initiative has triggered widespread stress and mental health crises among primary school teachers, who face physical exhaustion, depression, and social discrimination, especially Dalit teachers confronting caste-based exclusion. Teachers in Karnataka have reported cardiac issues, insomnia, and panic attacks due to the demanding census schedule during a major festival, highlighting the human cost of aggressive government mandates. These global findings underscore the urgent need for mental health support and systemic reforms to sustain teacher well-being and educational quality.