Tasmanian teacher 'burnout' a growing issue, data shows, with more making psychological workplace compensation claims

The Australian Education Union's Tasmania branch believes the figures in the Department of Education's key data report point to the growing issue of teacher "burnout", placing the blame at poor workplace conditions.

There were 53 psychological injury claims from teachers in 2022, compared with 39 a year earlier, along with a significant increase in the overall number of departmental staff making such claims.

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There was also a reduction in the proportion of students agreeing they felt "loved and safe" at school - from 75 per cent down to 72 - and parent satisfaction decreased from 94 per cent in 2020 to 86 per cent in 2021. Staff satisfaction decreased from 93 per cent to 90.

A key union concern was the increase in teachers with five years or less of service leaving the system - from 15.3 per cent in 2021, to 18.9 per cent in 2022.

AEU Tasmania president David Genford said it reflected the feedback he was receiving from teachers.

"The state budget did little to address this, and because of government inaction on school improvements, it is little surprise we are seeing declining statistics," he said.

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"The numbers are there, Tasmanian teachers are struggling to cope, and it is unacceptable that we're losing good quality educators to a system that isn't showing value to their over-and-above efforts."

There were some positives from the data, including an improvement in the overall attendance rates for children in prep to grade seven, but a decrease in grades 10 to 12.

Suspensions also increased from 5 per cent in 2020 to 5.9 in 2021, in all grades from five to 12.

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Education Minister Roger Jaensch said the report showed increased funding, particularly for support programs for children with a disability, and additional school psychologist, social worker and speech pathologist positions being funded.

"We are investing record amounts into education to recruit more teachers and provide extra support for students, along with better infrastructure, to ensure staff have what they need for students to thrive," he said.

"It is testament to the hardworking staff in our schools that 95 per cent of students reported they had good relationships and support from their teachers."

The government has also committed to increasing the number of school nurses.

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