What\’s the hidden struggle of a teacher leader?

– Raazmi M A, Implementation Lead

Meeting new people in the school is one of the most exciting aspects in my role as Implementation Lead at Vidhya Vidhai. That’s how I met Sindhu (name changed). Sindhu is an 8th Grader and the daughter of a teacher at one of the schools where Vidhya Vidhai currently works. While I was finishing my tasks in the staff room, Sindhu was waiting for her mother, who has been a teacher for 15 years. I often observe her working from 9 AM to 5 PM, sometimes staying even after I’ve left the school.

During our conversation, Sindhu shared that her mother comes home from school, grabs a cup of coffee, spends a brief half-hour with the family, and then sits back down to work—whether it’s on lesson plans, TLM (Teaching Learning Materials), or updating the EMIS (Education Management Information System). According to Sindhu, this continues until 10 PM nearly every day. She can barely remember her mother helping with homework or chatting after dinner.

Sindhu’s mother’s routine reflects the experience of many teachers across the country. Rapid digitalisation in education is pushing teachers into new roles, requiring constant adaptation and skill development. While this progression has its benefits, it’s also changing the lives of teachers across India. Their evenings are consumed by work, leaving them with little to no “me time.” The physical and mental toll of always being engaged in work is staggering.

This isn’t just about busy schedules. Teachers\’ mental health is often overlooked, even though it is critical to the quality of education. Today’s teachers must manage diverse classrooms while handling increasing administrative duties and rising performance expectations. These pressures make teaching one of the most stressful professions.

A 2019 study by the Azim Premji Foundation found that over 80% of teachers in India experience significant stress due to heavy workloads and performance pressures. In addition to this, a study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences revealed that nearly 50% of Indian teachers struggle with anxiety or burnout. Despite these alarming statistics, mental health support for teachers remains scarce in schools.

This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal challenge. When teachers are emotionally exhausted, it directly affects their students, diminishing engagement and creating a tense classroom environment. A stressed teacher struggles to engage effectively, which in turn directly affects student learning and creates a strained classroom atmosphere.

Source: Kasia Bogdańska for Education Week

5 Action Steps Schools Can Take to Support Teachers’ Mental Health

1. Promote Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices – Schools should introduce mindfulness and self-care workshops for teachers, incorporating techniques like meditation, yoga, or journaling. These practices can help teachers manage stress, improve focus, and enhance their overall well-being.
2. Implement Mental Health Days – Schools should offer designated mental health days, giving teachers the opportunity to step back when feeling overwhelmed. Flexible leave policies that prioritize emotional well-being should become an important part of the school culture.
3. Introduce Time Management Training – Schools should offer time management workshops to help teachers prioritize tasks and manage their workloads more efficiently. Providing strategies for organizing time, setting realistic goals, and avoiding burnout may enable teachers to better handle their responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Create Peer Support Networks – Encouraging peer support groups where teachers can openly discuss their challenges may foster a stronger sense of community. Regular check-ins with colleagues could offer emotional support and help create a more connected work environment.
5. Set Clear Boundaries on Work Hours – Schools should establish clear policies that promote work-life balance. Limiting after-hours communication and respecting teachers\’ personal time may help them recharge and return to work feeling more refreshed.

Valuing education means valuing those who deliver it. By prioritizing teachers’ mental health, we not only improve classroom performance but also create stronger, more resilient schools. Supporting teachers is an investment in a healthier, brighter future for everyone.

– Raazmi M A, Implementation Lead