Australian teachers are reporting record-high stress levels, raising concerns not only about their well-being but also about the sustainability of the education system. In August 2025, a UNSW research team shared findings from a survey of nearly 5,000 educators: 9 out of 10 experience moderate to extreme stress, and nearly 70% describe their workload as 'significantly or completely unmanageable' (UNSW Newsroom). A peer-reviewed study further confirms that workload overload significantly contributes to depressive symptoms and intentions to leave the profession (published July 29, 2025) (Social Psychology of Education).
Where the Overload Comes From
Administrative Tasks vs. Teaching Time
Teachers increasingly cite not the act of teaching itself but the avalanche of associated duties—paperwork, data collection, and compliance checks—as major stressors. An audit by the New South Wales Department of Education lists hundreds of school operational tasks, identifying around 100 as contributing significantly or very significantly to workload, many of which are administrative and unrelated to classroom instruction (NSW Department of Education, 2024). This reflects a broader trend: the less time teachers have for lesson planning and student interaction, the higher the risk of burnout and declining mental health.
Staffing Challenges: Retention Becomes a Struggle
National trends show a growing number of teachers considering early exit from the profession. According to the Australian Teacher Workforce Data initiative, intentions to leave before retirement peaked in 2022, with 'workload and coping' cited as a leading cause of attrition (AITSL/ATWD, updated 2024). Combined with new stress data, this paints a picture of systemic pressure: as workload accumulates, both teaching quality and teachers’ willingness to stay in schools suffer.
What Psychologists and Researchers Suggest
System and School-Level Strategies
- Reduce paperwork and streamline mandatory processes. Revising and simplifying regulations, along with centralized IT and documentation solutions, can free up teachers’ time for the core of their profession—teaching.
- Ensure predictable workloads. Clear planning, protected time for lesson preparation, and reasonable allocation of classroom and extracurricular tasks.
- Implement staff well-being monitoring. Short surveys, access to digital support programs, and supervision are recommended by recent studies.
Self-Help Skills—Without Glorifying 'Superheroism'
Individual strategies like breathing exercises, micro-breaks, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and mindful scheduling of breaks can help but are not a substitute for systemic change. If you notice persistent anxiety, sleep issues, feelings of emptiness, or thoughts of leaving the profession, consider consulting a mental health professional and discussing task redistribution with school leadership. Data shows that manageable workloads reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and intentions to leave teaching (peer-reviewed study).
Disclaimer: This material is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace professional consultation. If you are a teacher in Australia experiencing persistent stress, discuss support options with your school leadership and consult a qualified psychologist or doctor. If you are experiencing acute distress or suicidal thoughts, contact emergency services in your state.