78% of teachers feel an increase in negative emotions with the beginning of the great war: survey

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The psychological condition of teachers worsened after the start of the full-scale war, say sociologists. In particular 78% interviewed teachers noticed an increase in negative emotions, such as anxiety, fear, sadness and anger.

This is evidenced survey results, held by the NGO “Smart Education” in partnership with the “Democratic Initiatives” Foundation named after Ilko Kucheriv. 600 teachers took part in it.

In addition to the above-mentioned emotions, educators also noted that they feel:

• irritability – 40%;
• low motivation to work – 31%;
• low level of concentration – 28%;
• vulnerability to criticism – 23%.

The research found that most teachers need help. In particular 70% said they wanted to improve their skills in providing psychological support, both to themselves and to students.

Schools also need school psychologists (52%). This need is especially acute in the eastern regions of Ukraine. On the other hand, in other regions it is smaller – 21%.

In villages and towns 22% surveyed teachers do not have access to high-quality help from school psychologists, compared to 21% in cities

“The most popular answer to the question of how to improve the provision of psychological assistance is to develop a clear algorithm for teachers’ work with complex cases.

We assume that it also signals the need for ready-made solutions.” – said sociologists.

To solve this problem, the researchers note that there is a need to increase the work with practical psychologists when teachers undergo professional development. In addition, compensate for the need for school psychologists.

Importantly, the depressed state of teachers affects their ability to conduct lessons and create content for them. To solve this problem, it is proposed to create adapted programs for distance learning and a database with ready-made educational materials (presentations, illustrations, tasks, etc.).

As Ukrainian schools have switched to distance education since the start of the full-scale invasion, educators say they feel more tired and exhausted.

“It’s just terrible, to be honest. Because the preparation for the lesson itself takes a lot of time, and the preparation for the remote one takes much more time.

Selection of tasks, videos, presentations, pictures, tasks – put everything together. In order for the children to like this lesson, you need to prepare for it, you just don’t turn on Zoom in front of the children and talk to them.” – said the teacher of Ukrainian language and literature during the interview.

We used to toldhow the war affected the psychological state of children.