New survey show Tennessee teachers working more hours, suffering mental fatigue during pandemic

A confidential survey completed by teachers in Tennessee shows most of them are overworked with no additional pay, stressed emotionally and physically, and are ill-equipped in the classroom during the pandemic.

More than 7,000 teachers gave answers last month that were compiled by the Tennessee Education Association.

Some of those results included:

– The average Tennessee educator worked an additional 235 hours during the fall semester to overcome pandemic disruptions.
– 84 percent of instructors said they have been impacted mentally due to the fear of the virus and possibly getting infected while at work.
– 91 percent of educators teaching online said they have been given new assignments and responsibilities that differ from their training.

The TEA also reports that teachers are becoming infected with COVID-19 at a higher rate than the general population. Since July, more than 16,000 public school educators have contracted the virus.

(IMAGE: Tennessee Education Association)