Changing workloads of primary school teachers: ‘I seem to live on the edge of chaos’

Abstract

The roles and workloads of teachers have been widely noted as changing considerably over recent decades. In this 2009 replication of a 1992 study, 379 New Zealand primary school educators are surveyed regarding their workloads, how these changed and their perceived sustainability. It investigates how respondents believe that educational reforms and initiatives impact on their work, their home life, their health, and their view of teaching as a career. Results from both cohorts signal warnings to school leaders as workloads increase in hours and complexity, leaving educators to grapple with the complicated balance of demands made of them.

Keywords:

• teachers’ workload
• primary teachers
• job satisfaction
• workload sustainability

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the constructive feedback of Dr Bridget Somekh (Adjunct Professor, University of Canterbury) and their anonymous School Leadership and Management reviewer. They would also like to acknowledge the heroic efforts of Christchurch primary teachers who, in recent months, have led by example as they supported children and their families through the traumatic experience of the two Christchurch earthquakes, and who are helping them to recover as we all discover what the ‘new normal’ means.

Notes

1. RTLB = Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour.

2. PD = Professional Development.