Intense public pressure on teachers during COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated feelings of being undervalued, leading some to reconsider their careers. Research by the Universities of Cambridge and York found declining wellbeing among teachers due to negative portrayals in the media, where they were seen as ‘lazy’ despite increased workloads. Public narratives demanding schools reopen and blaming teachers for closures contributed to the decline in mental health. Teachers felt underappreciated and criticized, leading to doubts about their profession’s value and impact. The study highlights the importance of recognizing teachers’ efforts and the need to address negative perceptions to improve recruitment and retention in education.
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Research shows how public criticism during COVID-19 impacted teacher wellbeing
