Longer Work Hours for Young Teachers

Apr 05, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Analysis of a nationwide survey on the working conditions of teachers, conducted for the first time in six years, has revealed that younger teachers and those responsible for larger classes tend to work longer hours.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) suggests that support for younger teachers and reduction of class sizes are necessary. The survey, carried out by MEXT for the 2022 fiscal year, targeted approximately 35,000 elementary and junior high school teachers and confirmed figures were published on the 4th. According to the results, the average daily working hours at school were 10 hours and 45 minutes for elementary school teachers and 11 hours and 1 minute for junior high school teachers. Although this represents a decrease of about 30 minutes from the previous survey, a significant number of teachers are still working long hours, with 77.1% of junior high school teachers and 64.5% of elementary school teachers likely exceeding the government's overtime limit of 45 hours per month.

The analysis of the survey results also indicated that both elementary and junior high school teachers who are younger, responsible for classes with a larger number of students, or holding positions such as grade leaders or heads of academic affairs, tend to work longer hours. Furthermore, in terms of psychological stress, teachers with longer working hours, younger teachers, and those with students who are absent from school, showed a higher tendency towards stress. MEXT is calling for support for young teachers and reduction of class sizes, as well as collaboration with school counselors and other measures to alleviate the burden of dealing with diverse student needs.

Source: NHK

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