The insidious scourge of ‘moral injury’ for teachers

In an article for The Conversation, researcher Glenys Oberg has spelt out what so many educators have been saying for years - there is a severe toll on professionals when they cannot act in line with their values due to external demands.

Glenys says teachers are suffering burnout because of excessive workloads, stress and abuse, but another factor is at play - moral injury.

“Moral injury is when professionals cannot act in line with their values due to external demands.

“Moral injury occurs when teachers are forced to act against their values – leaving them feeling disillusioned and complicit in harm.”

Upcoming IEU publications will feature articles focusing on Glenys and her important, insightful work. But for now, we urge all members to read her article and see if you think, like us, that it fully grasps what educators are facing all too often in schools today.