Toxic school culture makes teachers suffer in silence, says union

The teachers’ union said many teachers with mental problems suffer in silence because they fear being judged or even dismissed.

PETALING JAYA: Many teachers face mental health conditions as they are emotionally burdened due to toxic school leadership, increasing digital demands, and harassment from parents, says the National Union of the Teaching Profession.

Commenting on recent news reports of teachers suffering from depression and schizophrenia, NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said an increasing number of teachers are feeling isolated and unsupported. He described the situation as critical.

Fouzi Singon.

Teachers who struggle with mental problems often avoid seeking help due to these fears, leading to worsening conditions, he said. “Many suffer in silence because they fear being judged or even dismissed,” while some school heads fail to handle such cases with sensitivity or professionalism.

An education activist said teacher burnout must be addressed as a systemic issue and not treated as a personal failing.

Parent Action Group for Education chairman Noor Azimah Rahim said the ability of teachers to nurture students is severely compromised when they are overworked, emotionally exhausted, or subject to toxic leadership and harassment.

Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim.

Azimah said school leaders must be chosen not only based on their qualifications, but also on emotional intelligence and a proven ability to lead inclusive, empathetic school environments.

“We need to create a space where teachers can speak up safely. Only then can we rebuild trust in the system,” she said. Trust continues to be undermined by poorly thought-out policies, particularly a push for digitalisation which has increased many teachers’ workloads.

“Many are expected to adopt new systems without the necessary tools or training, which adds to their stress,” she said.

Azimah said any national education plan must put teachers at the centre, with a focus on readiness, proper access and meaningful consultation.

Both NUTP and PAGE called on the education ministry to urgently review school management standards and provide proper mental health support to prevent teachers from burning out.

On Tuesday, Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said a teacher who had not reported for duty since last September, and whose decomposed body was found in her home on June 12, was believed to have suffered from depression.

On Thursday, Perak police chief Noor Hisam Nordin said a teacher who allegedly posted offensive remarks about the recent bus crash in Gerik that killed 15 university students is believed to be suffering from a psychiatric condition.

The teacher was reported to have made a public apology last week and claimed to suffer from schizophrenia. Noor Hisam said police have recorded the teacher’s statement and are awaiting a medical report.