Over the years, teaching profession has been considered relatively a prestigious profession in different societies. A high respect to teachers came with obligations, expectations, and challenges, which directly affected the contribution of each teacher in his/her job. Being professionals they are seen to be able to perform their duties notwithstanding the challenges they are facing. It is also necessary to set realistic goals and set an appropriate environment for performance at the workplace to avoid stressful situations. There are a number of forms a teacher may encounter stress besides the one outlined in the article (Liza, & Sheri, 2003).
The inability to teach due to inadequate training injures the teacher’s ego and pressurizes him/her, which also leads to stress. They need continuous training to be able to keep with changes and technological progress. The lack of occupational confidence because of difficulties that teachers experience to keep up to date to their areas of expertise is a contributor of stress (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
Poor salaries area sign of improper consideration, which is an indicator of being unappreciated, also stresses teachers. Receiving small salaries, a teacher is not able to attend to his/her personal needs and cannot meet the standards of the society as set for him/her. Health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, alcoholism, as well as HIV and Aids are current high stressors to teachers (Liza, & Sheri, 2003).
Parents’ interference into the work of a teacher may be extremely stressful as well. It damages the teacher emotionally and physically making them to doubt themselves, feeling angry and guilty. Dissatisfaction and negligence showed by the parents could stress the teacher and make him/her have some negative attitude towards the parents and his/her job (Liza, & Sheri, 2003). In such a case scenario, I will generate a variety of possible solutions to the problem. This will include suspending the student, withdrawing from him/her, subjecting the issue to the Parents and Teachers Association, or addressing the issue to the school administration for the parent to be summoned (Liza, & Sheri, 2003).
The option which best suits this case is to address it with the administration for the parent to be summoned. An explanation for both the students and parents on how the institution operates will be made for better understanding. It is crucial for the teacher to be able to handle stress appropriately (Brown & Ralph, 1998), and he/she may even be guided by the Biblical teachings.
Referring to the creation of the humankind, the Creator knew that man will face a stressful situation, and he will not be overcome by such situations. He gave an assurance to those who trust in Him that they will never be overcome with stress: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
References
Brown, M., & Ralph, S. (1998). The identification of stress in teachers: Stress in Teachers. London: Wurr Publishers.
Lazarus, R. & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal and Coping. New York, NY: Springer Pub. Co.
Liza, N., and Sheri, B, (2003). The ABCs of managing teacher stress. The Clearing House, 76(5) p. 255-258.