Teacher Shortage and Emotional Exhaustion: Alarming Results from the Ecolhuma Barometer

Paris – 26.05.2026: A recent study from the Ecolhuma Barometer reveals that 50% of teachers in France suffer from severe emotional exhaustion. This figure represents an increase of 7 percentage points compared to 2022. The study highlights the persistent challenges in the French education system and the need for enhanced support for teachers.

The investigation found that 74.4% of preschool teachers and 66.5% of primary school teachers feel emotionally drained. Additionally, 68.1% of preschool teachers and 72.6% of primary school teachers reported feeling that they work too much. These findings suggest a growing burden on educators that can negatively impact their health and the quality of teaching.

Another concerning finding of the study is the ongoing stress among students. One fifth of students show signs of stress, with 14.8% affected in preschool and 31.3% in vocational high school. At the secondary level, this stress leads to an increase in school dropout rates, which now affect 35% of students. This trend underlines the urgent need to promote the mental health of both students and teachers.

The study identifies several factors that contribute to teachers’ emotional exhaustion. These include insufficient material resources in schools, lack of recognition, and student disengagement. These challenges call for a comprehensive review of working conditions and strengthened support for educators.

A positive aspect of the study is the finding that support from colleagues and supervisors has a protective effect against teacher stress. 65.3% of teachers with low emotional exhaustion feel supported by their leadership, whereas only 25% of teachers with high exhaustion perceive such support. This underscores the importance of a supportive work environment for teachers’ well-being.

In light of these results, the Ecolhuma Barometer calls for intensified measures to support teachers, including better working conditions, recognition, and opportunities for professional development. Only through such measures can the quality of education be secured and the mental health of teachers and students be promoted.

The results of the Ecolhuma Barometer shed light on the urgent challenges in the French education system and the necessity to improve both teachers’ working conditions and support for students. A comprehensive strategy to promote the well-being of all involved is essential to sustainably ensure the quality of education in France.

Overall, the Ecolhuma Barometer’s findings highlight the complex challenges facing the French education system. The combination of teachers’ emotional exhaustion and ongoing student stress requires coordinated action by educational institutions, policymakers, and society to develop and implement sustainable solutions.