Supporting Gen Z teachers’ emotional well-being

New graduates entering the teaching profession today — primarily members of Generation Z — came of age during the COVID-19 pandemic and an era of low social trust and generational optimism. Instability during their education and formative years left them less resilient than earlier generations. As these new graduates enter the workforce in demanding professions like teaching, these mental health struggles are compounded by the stress of transitioning into professional roles amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty.

Recent studies and reports have highlighted significant mental health challenges among teachers, including Generation Z teachers. A 2024 Pew Research survey revealed that 77% of K-12 public school teachers find their jobs frequently stressful, with 68% describing them as overwhelming (Lin, Parker, & Horowitz, 2024). Additionally, a 2024 survey by the EdWeek Research Center found that 48% of K-12 educators reported that declining mental health, often manifesting as anxiety and depression, has negatively impacted their teaching abilities. Notably, young teachers from Generation Z experienced the highest levels of stress, with two-thirds reporting near-daily panic attacks and other major challenges. Research from the RAND Corporation (2021) also indicates that Generation Z teachers report significantly higher levels of stress than their older colleagues.

While teachers often know they are making a difference even in the face of challenges, self-affirmation is not enough. Without validation from others, self-esteem can diminish.