School teachers are burning out at alarming rates. How can we help keep them happy in their jobs?

Key points

• More than a third of Australian teachers say they plan to leave the profession before retirement, and a further third are unsure. A 2025 Australian study found 90% of teachers reported severe stress.
• A scoping review of 247 studies from 42 countries looked at positive psychology interventions aimed at keeping teachers well and motivated. It found that socio-emotional learning, mindfulness and combined wellbeing approaches were most often linked to lower stress and burnout.
• The authors say schools could support brief mindfulness practices, stronger relationships among staff, and reduced administrative workloads.