DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2789-6919/55/90-99
Shamama Amirova
Lachin District Secondary School No. 10
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6540-2883
amirova.shamama@gmail.com
Teachers' Professional Stress: Factors that Create Obstacles and Motivate Them
Abstract
In the modern education system, teachers’ professional activity has become increasingly complex against the backdrop of an expanding workload, growing social expectations, and rising administrative demands. This process significantly increases the likelihood of teachers encountering occupational stress. At the same time, the teaching profession also involves stress-related sources that motivate teachers and support their professional development. The present article analyzes the stress factors experienced by teachers during their professional activities from both hindering and motivating perspectives. The main aim of the study is to identify the factors that cause occupational stress among teachers and to examine the impact of this stress on their professional motivation.
The study is based on a qualitative research approach and was conducted with the participation of 12 teachers working in general education institutions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the content analysis method.
The findings indicate that an excessive documentation workload, student behavior problems, unfair attitudes of parents, low salaries, and difficulties related to textbooks constitute the primary hindering stress factors for teachers. In contrast, student achievements, opportunities for professional development, a positive school environment, and social support mechanisms emerge as important factors that enhance teachers’ motivation. Moreover, teachers reported that motivating stress increases their enthusiasm for work, whereas hindering stress leads to psychological exhaustion.
Based on the findings obtained in the article, the implementation of psychological support programs, awareness-raising activities for parents, simplification of documentation procedures, improvement of textbooks, and expansion of social activity opportunities are recommended.
Keywords: occupational stress, sources of stress, teaching profession, motivating stress, hindering stress