Psychological distress in our schools: the CSQ is dismayed by the INSPQ figures

2023-10-23 20:20:04

A teaching union is dismayed by the INSPQ figures on psychological distress in the school network.

• Read also – 6 out of 10 employees on the brink: psychological distress is exploding in our schools

The Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) and its school network federations reacted to the portrait presented by The newspaper on psychological distress experienced in schools. The CSQ says it is particularly concerned by the situation.

Toxic cocktail

“These figures are really worrying and they confirm the feedback we have from different circles and members. When we say that we need to take concrete actions to improve working conditions in our networks, this portrait of the education network confirms the urgency of the situation. Overload, pressure, lack of resources, issues linked to violence, etc. It’s a toxic cocktail, and we are seriously worried regarding the health of the staff,” said the president of the CSQ, Éric Gingras.

The CSQ represents nearly 215,000 members, of which approximately 125,000 are education personnel.

According to the results of this vast survey, psychological distress is taking an increasing toll among school staff, with 57% of primary and secondary school employees experiencing it. The level of distress has almost tripled in 12 years, according to a researcher who collaborated on this study.

In spring 2022, the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) conducted a survey of 22,000 teachers, professionals, support employees and school administrators in order to measure their level of psychological distress.

The effects of the pandemic

At the office of the Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, staff said they were very sensitive to the reality of teachers.

“We are aware that the pandemic has had effects on the mental health of young people, just like that of adults. We are very sensitive to the reality of teachers and school staff, which is why we want to provide as much help as possible. The classroom support pilot project aims to add a second adult to the classroom so that the teachers’ workload is reduced. Our priority in the current negotiations is the organization of work,” explained Florence Plourde, Mr. Drainville’s press secretary.

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