by Marius Linstead

Created on: July 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 21, 2009

Teacher Stress Introduction It is well known that stress is something that is very prominent within the life of a teacher. The most difficult area surrounding stress from day to day is recognizing the negative implications that stress is having on life. As a teacher, it is very important to acknowledge that stress is present within day to day activities, while being conscious of the effects that this stress may have on the students inside the classroom, and learning the best ways to deal with this stress. Negative and Positive Stress

Stress can sometimes help, or encourage one to perform better, but it is when the stress level gets too high that negative implications can begin to occur. Although some level of stress is desirable, each of us has a breaking point in terms of stress (Powers, 284). Unfortunately, there is often no way to control many of the stressors that are present within the lives of teachers. Teachers can, however, try to control the way they respond to the different stressors that arise within day to day activities. It is our perception of the stressor and the way we respond to it that will determine any resulting health effects (Powers). There are a number of physiological and psychological symptoms of being overstressed. Such symptoms include persistent neck, jaw, shoulder or back tension, nightmares or insomnia, headaches, fatigue, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite or excessive appetite and feelings of weakness and dizziness (Bozzone). Along with health problems, stress can have negative affects in other areas of a teacher's life and their classrooms.

Stress Implications in the Classroom

Stress can cause problems in the classroom for both the teacher and the student. In an interview with an Intermediate / Secondary teacher, she stated that early in her career, she noticed she was a better teacher, and had a better relationship with her students when her stress level was not too high. She also stated that dealing with certain students can often be very stressful, but learning better ways to deal with such students often reduced her stress levels. One method of reducing stress is to deal with students one at a time (Rominger, 11). Students are often easier to work with and tend to behave on a more rational level when they are not being influenced by others. Another way to deal with stress in the classroom is to stop wherever you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, and give yourself a minute

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