TEACHER ILLNESS IN BASIC EDUCATION: BETWEEN VOCATION AND OVERLOAD

Abstract

Teacher illness has increasingly been associated with the demands of the profession, work overload, and the conditions under which teachers carry out their activities. Although teaching is often viewed as a profession linked to vocation, dedication, and commitment, it is also important to consider professional recognition and the need for adequate working conditions. This study aimed to analyze what the scientific literature presents regarding working conditions, work overload, and illness among Basic Education teachers. This is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach and a descriptive and exploratory nature. Twenty original scientific articles published between January 2020 and August 2026 were included. The studies showed that teacher illness is mainly related to work overload, long working hours, excessive responsibilities, professional devaluation, low salaries, and inadequate working conditions. The main problems identified include stress, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbances, exhaustion, depression, Burnout, and vocal and musculoskeletal problems. The pandemic also intensified difficulties that were already present in the profession. Despite this, some studies reported teacher satisfaction, motivation, and commitment, particularly when social support, autonomy, and better working conditions were present. Therefore, actions aimed at professional recognition, improvement of working conditions, reduction of workload, and mental health support for teachers are necessary.