Figure Technique: Stressors and Resources in the Work of a Teacher
This adapted technique helps teachers visually map the specific stressors they face in the classroom
energy and support for their work.
You will need
• A sheet of A4 paper (or flipchart paper)
• Pencil and markers (use different colours – e.g., red/black for stressors, green/blue for
resources)
Instructions
1. Draw a Figure (The Teacher)
In the centre of the paper, draw a simple honeybread figure representing you in your role as a teacher (you may add a book, chalkboard, or any symbol of your profession).
2. Identify Work-Related Stressors (Negative influences)
• Focus specifically on situations, people, or tasks that cause you tension, frustration, or exhaustion in connection with
your work.
• Placement: Draw or write these outside the stick figure, as if they were pressing inward.
Use red or dark colours.
Examples of common teacher stressors:
• Administrative Tasks: “Endless paperwork,” “filling in spreadsheets,” “long staff meetings.”
• Student Relationships: “Classroom misbehaviour,” “noise and shouting,” “lack of motivation,” “bullying.”
• Relationships with Parents: “Complaints,” “demanding parents,” “messages/emails in the evening.”
• Relationships with Colleagues/Management: “Tension in the staffroom,” “lack of support from leadership,” “poor organization.”
• Working Conditions: “Low salary,” “overcrowded classes,” “poor classroom equipment.”
• Personal Strain: “Preparing lessons on weekends,” “burnout symptoms,” “working overtime.
3. Identify Work-Related Resources and Support (Positive influences)
• Now think about what gives you energy, joy, satisfaction, or emotional support in your work.
• Placement: Draw or write these closes to the figure, as if they were nurturing or protecting it.
Use green, blue, or other positive colours.
Examples of teacher resources:
• Relationships: “A supportive colleague,” “friendly staffroom environment,” “understanding leadership,” “partner/family
support.”
• Joy in Teaching: “Seeing student progress,” “moments of understanding (‘aha!’moments),” “positive feedback from students.”
• Activities: “Hobbies after work,” “exercise/sport,” “time to read/relax,” “good sleep.”
• Professional Resources: “Useful teaching materials,” “working teaching aids,” “supervision/coaching,” “holidays/breaks.”
4. Reflection and Action Steps
• Look at the map: Does your teacher figure seem overwhelmed with red arrows and only a few green ones?
• Strengthen your resources: Which resource can you actively use or enhance this week?
Example: “I’ll schedule a coffee break with the colleague who always cheers me up.”
• Reduce stressors: Is there any stressor you can realistically influence or delegate?
Example: “I will talk to the administration about sharing some of the paperwork load.”
This technique is an excellent first step in preventing burnout and helps teachers take active control of their mental well-being in a demanding work environment.