By Robert Smol | Published Sep 4, 2009 by CBC News
The reality of every teacher trying to make even a modest go at this profession is a life of almost constant stress, overwork and, at times, emotional exhaustion.
Anyone who enters the teaching profession thinking otherwise is in for a rude awakening.
So why am I griping? I chose this profession and I enjoy what I do.
Well, it is because a storm of new and increasingly unrealistic demands, coupled with a noticeable decline in support from many principals and parents, is contributing to a growing incidence of illness among teachers, including mental illness due to work-related stress.
I should note that teaching has not broken me. But it has broken the sanity and soul of some very motivated teachers I know.
“I think that the whole idea of teaching has changed in the last 15 to 20 years,” says Emily Noble, past-president of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation.
“People are dealing with more high-need students, with more multicultural issues and with no-fail policies.
“Teachers want to make a difference, but the supports are just not there.”
Montreal Teachers 4 Change.org 
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