Struggles in Teacher Preparation: "A Huge Mountain I Didn't Know How to Overcome" - The Depressed Teachers
- Author: Amelie Graen
- Reading Time: Approx. 6 Min
The instructor shared that they had previously received a two-day notice prior to the lesson evaluation. - Admitted Sprint Before Exam: Teachers Share Similar Experience
Meet Stefanie, a once-enthusiastic education graduate who now struggles with deep despair. As her teaching practice approached, she found herself bedridden, unable to muster the motivation she once felt. "It was like a mammoth standing before me, a colossal hurdle I couldn't surmount," she describes her emotional state during that time.
Stefanie's teacher training years were marked by the impossibility of extracting herself from her blankets, attending class, and standing before a classroom. What she was battling was depression. Her partner would try to encourage her, but to no avail at first. "We eventually got a cat because I needed to get up to feed her," Stefanie recalls.
- Teacher
- Depression
- Germany
The Predicament of Aspiring Teachers
While specific reports on German teacher trainees wrestling with depression are scarce, broader research suggests some typical challenges and potential resolution methods.
Challenges Faced by Student Teachers
- Academic Stress: The high academic pressure and the expectation to perform well in both theoretical and practical aspects of educator training can lead to increased anxiety and depression.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing the responsibilities of their training with personal commitments is often challenging, particularly for those working part-time or managing family obligations. This is a prominent concern in Germany, where work-life balance is highly valued[4].
- Professional Uncertainty: The transition from student to teacher can be intimidating, with questions about job security and the ability to make a positive impact lingering.
Coping Mechanisms
- Support Network: Building a strong support network with colleagues, mentors, and loved ones can provide emotional strength and assist in managing stress.
- Self-Care Practices: Regular exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
- Professional Resources: Accessing counseling services or mental health resources offered by educational institutions or healthcare providers can offer targeted support.
- Time Management: Structuring time efficiently can help balance academic and personal obligations, thereby minimizing burnout risk.
- Job Security and Inspiration: Focusing on the gratifying aspects of teaching, such as job security and the freedom to determine working hours, can help maintain a positive outlook[4].
Research indicates that structured programs and supportive systems can dramatically decrease depressive symptoms among vulnerable populations, such as the unemployed or those experiencing various stressors[1]. Although not specific to teacher trainees, these findings imply that similar interventions could prove beneficial in educational settings, possibly aiding Stefanie and others like her.
*The challenging academic stress and work-life balance faced by student teachers like Stefanie could be partially alleviated through vocational training programs that prioritize mental health, including elements of health-and-wellness and mental-health support.* A comprehensive community policy for teacher preparation that includes vocational training could help address the mounting pressures faced by aspiring teachers, fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce, such as the one Stefanie seeks.
