THE INCIDENCE OF BURNOUT SYNDROME IN THE TEACHER'S PROFESSION

The teacher’s profession is considered one of the oldest and most demanding professions on which high demands and expectations are placed by the general public. Despite being viewed as one of the most prestigious professions, not many people are actually interested in performing the profession. Faculties of education have become a backup plan for students who are not accepted to study their dream fields of study. Consequently, students graduating from these faculties usually never start working in education, or they leave the profession after a short work experience to take less demanding and better-paid jobs.

In the course of a teacher's professional career, a burnout syndrome may occur, which causes physical, psychological and mental exhaustion as a result of prolonged stress. Its most common demonstrations include the loss of enthusiasm and the lack of interest in work. Also the desire for professional and personal development – an inherent part of the teacher’s profession – often diminishes. The burnout syndrome occurs predominantly in individuals who are otherwise in good mental health. Due to its seriousness and frequent occurrence among teachers, it is of utmost importance to improve the preparation of future teachers at faculties of education and to provide them with knowledge and skills regarding this issue, not only in terms of timely diagnosis but primarily in terms of prevention.

Using a questionnaire, the paper aims to map the burnout syndrome among teachers, especially with respect to its occurrence and the perception of individual types of load and stressors that can trigger it.