In Japan, a school teacher’s day begins at around 8am but often ends only after 8pm. Much of this time is occupied not by actual teaching, but a laundry list of tasks like administrative work, dealing with parents’ complaints and supervising club activities. The pressure that educators face is causing record numbers to suffer from mental illness. Many are leaving the industry, as their evergrowing workload cuts into their personal time. Some also report “power harassment” – a side effect of an unhealthy work environment.
As schools become increasingly shortstaffed, those who are left are forced to take on heavier burdens. Meanwhile, application rates have dropped drastically as the younger generation shuns the profession. Schools are trying to woo and retain teachers, such as by reducing official work hours and offering sabbaticals. Authorities too acknowledge the need to address the problem and are taking steps to resolve the teacher shortage. But is it too little, too late?
00:00 Introduction & Opening Title
00:35 Falling teacher enrolment in a Japanese public school
02:46 Teachers work overtime after school ends
08:16 Teachers organise forums to support each other
10:50 Why teachers quit: staff shortage, harassment, lack of reward
15:54 Do private school educators face the same pressures?
19:44 Do young Japanese want to be a school teacher?
20:47 Schools, authorities take steps to attract and retain educators
=================
About CNA Correspondent: They're your eyes and ears around the globe. CNA's network of correspondents shines a light on stories from their corners of the world, from groundbreaking events to upandcoming trends.
=================
#CNAInsider #CNACorrespondent #Japan #Teacher #Teaching #Work #Burnout
For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER
https://cna.asia/insideryoutubesub
Follow CNA INSIDER on:
Instagram: / cnainsider
Facebook: / cnainsider
Website: https://cna.asia/cnainsider