Survey finds most schoolteachers are stressed out

Some 71 percent of middle and elementary school teachers have a high stress index, while 52 percent have a high depression index, according to the results of a survey by the private King Car Education Foundation.

According to the survey carried out from Sept. 1 to Sept. 25 among 1,600 teachers at 26 middle and elementary schools around the nation, the main reasons teachers gave for their unhappiness were being bound by an uncertain education policy, carrying a heavy administrative burden and having too little time to prepare for classes.

However, despite the gloominess, 76 percent of respondents said they would like to have a permanent career in education.

The survey also found that 62 percent of the respondents are worried about being transferred to other positions or schools as student numbers drop because of low birth rates.

The poll showed that 96 percent of respondents don't feel the existing education policy can free students from heavy academic burdens, and 69 percent believe the existing policy fails to adequately equip students with the skills necessary to enter society in the future.

Meanwhile, 81 percent said they believe the education reforms underway nationwide will result in a widening gap between rich and poor, while 76 percent complained that the views of basic-level teachers were not sufficiently taken into account in developing the reform policies.

In terms of education content, 98 percent said students most need instruction in morality and ethics, while 75 percent mentioned the need for life education and 45 percent pointed to the need for more instruction in environmental protection. Teachers also suggested the promotion of holistic education and encouraged parents to learn along with their children.