Teacher Eric Ryan found Melbourne’s rolling COVID-19 lockdowns “refreshing” after burnout nearly drove him from the career he loves.
Mr Ryan, 47, had never taught a class online before COVID-19 hit. But for him, going virtual was far from the most stressful part of the job. The study found the remainder planned or wanted to leave, though not all of them immediately. Nearly two-thirds of those who did not intend to keep teaching blamed the workload which they described as “excessive”, “unrealistic” and “unsustainable”.
Post-lockdowns, teaching remained “really tough” due staff shortages and absenteeism, Dr Longmuir added.“What’s happened this year is that it’s ‘go back to normal’ messaging, but it’s really not.”By the time COVID-19 struck in 2020, Mr Ryan was working for MLC. He said the school worked hard to check in with teachers and keep them connected during the pandemic.