Teacher Shortages and Emotional Burnout: Warning Results from the Ecolhuma Index

Paris — May 26, 2026: The latest survey of the Ecolhuma Index shows that 50% of teachers in France are suffering from severe emotional burnout. This figure has increased by 7 percentage points since 2022. The study highlights the ongoing challenges facing the French education system and the need to enhance support for teachers.

The survey found that 74.4% of preschool teachers and 66.5% of primary school teachers feel emotionally exhausted. Additionally, 68.1% of preschool teachers and 72.6% of primary school teachers report feeling overwhelmed by their workload. These results indicate that teacher stress is continuously rising, potentially negatively impacting 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% in preschool and 31.3% in vocational high schools. In secondary education, this stress has led to an increase in dropout rates, currently affecting 35% of students. This trend underscores the urgent need to promote the mental health of both students and teachers.

The study points out that multiple factors contribute to teacher emotional burnout, including insufficient school material resources, lack of recognition, and student apathy. These challenges call for a comprehensive review of working conditions and strengthened support for teachers.

A positive aspect of the study is the finding that support from colleagues and supervisors serves as a protective factor against teacher stress. 65.3% of teachers with lower levels of emotional burnout feel supported by leadership, whereas only 25% of teachers with high levels of burnout experience such support. This highlights the importance of creating a supportive work environment for teacher well-being.

In light of these results, the Ecolhuma Index calls for enhanced measures to support teachers, including improving working conditions, providing recognition, and offering professional development opportunities. Only through these measures can teaching quality be ensured and the mental health of teachers and students be promoted.

The results of the Ecolhuma Index reveal the urgent challenges faced by the French education system and the necessity to improve teachers’ working conditions and student support. Developing comprehensive strategies to promote the well-being of all involved is crucial for sustainably safeguarding the quality of education in France.

Overall, the results of the Ecolhuma Index reflect the complex challenges facing the French education system. The combination of teacher emotional burnout and ongoing student stress requires educational institutions, policymakers, and society at large to coordinate efforts to develop and implement sustainable solutions.