Heavy Hours: Secondary ELA teachers experiences and perceptions of time and work intensification.

• In Event: Battling Burnout: Time, Tech, and Teacher Wellbeing

Abstract

Today’s teachers face complex challenges and deteriorating working conditions as they struggle with time pressure, work intensity, and poor work-life balance. In particular, English Language Arts (ELA) teachers encounter time and workload challenges with grading of lengthy assignments, curriculum demands, and standardization for accountability. This study utilizes a mixed-methods, explanatory sequential design to investigate the time, workload, and well-being of ELA teachers in a large, high-performing suburban school district in Texas. The results showed that the ELA teachers worked beyond contracted hours, cutting into their personal lives with unpaid work time. Teachers experienced chronic time pressure and emotional exhaustion. Systemic and structural barriers emerged demonstrating how the “heavy hours” challenge the sustainability of their commitment to the profession.

Authors

• Kristal Parrish, Texas A&M University

• Radhika Viruru, Texas A&M University

• Sharon D. Matthews, Texas A&M University