Record number of public school teachers on leave due to mental illness.
A government survey revealed a record high number (6,539) of public school teachers took leave due to mental illness in fiscal year 2022. The survey cited increased workload due to the COVID-19 as a possible factor. The increase for the year ending last March was up 642 from the previous year, or one in 140 teachers. Education experts cited the increased workload caused by the pandemic, in addition to a rising trend in complaints from the parents of students.
In addition to the record number of teachers out on leave, the shortage has been due to young people avoiding entering the profession, which is seen as having a heavy workload. Experts also noted that more teachers are taking leave due to childbirth. (Not enough children is another problem in Japan.)
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Ministry recognized the situation as a serious challenge and says it will promote workstyle reform, including reducing paperwork and addressing long work hours.
Do you see this as an issue where you live? What is the solution to this problem?
1 comment:
I haven't heard that as a stat here, though I don't really follow it. But it doesn't surprise me a bit. It's a jungle out there! And mental illness is a broad swath of multiple issues. But wow.
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