The effects of teacher burnout in a school curriculum : a case study of community Junior Secondary schools in the Southern region of Botswana

Abstract

The research was aimed at investigating the effects of teacher burnout in community junior secondary schools in the Southern Region of Botswana. The research question focused on investigating the effects of teacher burnout on teacher performance, physical wellbeing and social interaction with colleagues and community. To investigate these effects the researcher started by identifying the causes of teacher burnout and then obtained responses from school teachers on how teacher burnout is affecting them. Some possible remedies and preventative/control measures were also suggested. A sample of l 00 teachers and administrators was chosen at random from both rural and urban-based schools in the Southern District of Botswana. The findings revealed that the majority of teachers (96%) indicated that teacher burnout is caused by poor career opportunities in the teaching field. 92% cited work overload as another cause of teacher burnout. The same proportion blame poor work relations as another cause of teacher burnout. The findings also revealed how teacher burnout can be prevented/controlled. The majority of teachers agreed (92%) that teacher burnout can be prevented/controlled by discussing problems with professional colleagues whist 89% agreed that teacher burnout can be prevented by organizing time and setting priorities. All (100"/o) of respondents agreed that school administrators can assist teachers prevent/control burnout by providing more paraprofessionals/support staff/clerical assistants and 99% agreed that providing more educational opportunities to learn about students with behavioural disorders and program action. 64% of respondents agreed that if left unattended, teacher burnout can lead to low productivity of the teacher. 75% of respondents agreed that if teacher burnout is left unattended it can lead to poor performance in terms of school results. The majority of teachers agreed that parents have a role to play on the issue of teacher burnout.