Teachers Are Affected and They Don't Know It - Moral Distress & The Ideal Worker Myth

Dear Teachers and Educators,

As the back-to-school season approaches, I would like to acknowledge the complex emotions you may be experiencing about returning to the classroom. While I'm not an educator myself, my perspective comes from my role as a therapist who works closely with many socially conscious and growth-oriented teachers who are seeking support through therapy.

I have observed that teachers experience a shift in their mental health when they embrace a simple yet profound act: putting words to their experiences.

Validating your perspective and your emotions through accurate language can increase your self-understanding and it can help you connect with others. It also increases the likelihood of receiving the support that you really need, whether it is emotional, practical or professional.  

For this reason, I would like to highlight two pervasive themes that are associated with heightened distress and burnout in the world of education: Moral Distress and the  "Ideal Worker Concept".

1- Moral Distress in Education

Moral distress in education occurs when educators recognize the ethically correct action to take but feel constrained from acting on that knowledge due to various pressures or retaliation fears. This situation often leads teachers to remain silent about actions they believe are wrong, causing them significant emotional turmoil and a sense of moral compromise.

In simple terms, you are distressed because you "know the right thing to do" yet there are constraints that get in the way of doing what is right.

Almost every teacher has experienced this at some point. Am I right?

Contextual Understanding

This phenomenon is better known within the context of nursing/healthcare, yet it is increasingly impacting those who work in the field of education.

As you face an increasing number of ethical dilemmas that conflict with institutional demands or expectations, your sense of professional efficacy can be compromised.

As an educator, you may experience moral distress in the form of feelings like anger, guilt, and frustration, along with a diminished sense of professional integrity and self-worth.

How is this Different From Other Forms of Distress?

Think of it this way, the values that serve as your moral compass are called into question - and this is really stressful!

Moral distress is different from regular work stress. Unlike common workplace challenges, moral distress touches on deep ethical issues, making it a critical concern for teachers who are faced with important ethical responsibilities.

Ultimately, the decisions that you are making directly impact children's lives. You have a solid reason to care!

2- The Concept of the Ideal Worker 

The "ideal worker"  paints a picture of someone who lives for their job, sacrificing personal life and well-being. This outdated concept typically described men working full-time as family breadwinners. It unfairly excluded many people, especially women with childcare duties, who couldn't dedicate themselves entirely to work.

Teachers as the 'Ideal Worker'

Although we can recognize that the ideal worker model is incongruent in modern society, this archetype is celebrated in many workplaces, including education, where long hours and tireless dedication are expected and normalized.

The "Ideal Worker" is a modern-day spell, that is likely tricking you into constant overwhelm and burnout.

This idealization can have damaging effects, fostering a culture that promotes overwork and neglects self-care. Like most teachers, I'm willing to bet that you are devoted to your students and you are likely feeling the pressure to conform to these unrealistic expectations in favour of your students. However, this comes at the cost of your health and your personal life. This is NOT okay, nor is it sustainable.

This dynamic stems from ingrained societal expectations (pressure to be the ideal worker), recognition practices (success = overwork), and institutional norms that favour relentless dedication to work.

Navigating Moral Distress: The Collision of the Ideal Worker Myth and Teacher Well-Being

If you are still reading, you have likely already made some important connections. Let's explore how these two forces collide.

When the pressures of moral distress intersect with the ideal worker myth, teachers face a unique set of challenges:

1. Increased Expectations: You may feel compelled to go above and beyond, even when it conflicts with your ethical obligations to provide a balanced and nurturing education.

2. Chronic Overwork: The expectation to work late nights and weekends can lead you to neglect your mental and physical well-being, intensifying feelings of inadequacy and moral distress.

3. Self-Sacrifice: The narrative of the ideal worker often glorifies selflessness, which may pressure you to prioritize students' needs above your own to the detriment of their health and happiness.

Moving Forward

Let's break this down. We've just explored how the "ideal worker" myth clashes with the reality of teaching, and how it relates to moral distress. Pretty eye-opening stuff, right?

Understanding this connection is key to creating a healthier teaching environment. When you have the right words to describe what you're experiencing - suddenly, things start to make more sense.

I hope that this understanding empowers you to check in with yourself regularly and recognize when moral distress might be getting the upper hand.

In my next post, we'll dive deeper into moral distress and how it can potentially lead to moral injury if left unchecked. I'll also share some practical tools to help you identify the root causes of these challenges and strategies to tackle both from an individual and a systemic point of view.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Reaching out to colleagues and seeking support can make navigating these complex emotions less daunting.

Together, you can work towards an educational environment that values both your well-being and the incredible work you do for your students.

Stay tuned, take care of yourself, and keep being the awesome educators you are! 

If you are looking for a Virtual Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, please check out my services and reach out if you would like to explore this further via a free 15 minute discovery call.