IPOH: School administrators must adopt flexible management styles and build supportive work environments to help reduce teacher stress, says Perak State EXCO Member for Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah.
Speaking at the launch of the Todak Academy (Perak) Digital Education Hub on Saturday (Aug 8), Khairudin emphasised that principals, headmasters, and senior assistants hold the key to workplace morale.
"Every job carries pressure, but the key lies in how we manage it," said the state Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman. "There must be mutual understanding. We cannot expect teachers to continuously deliver without showing consideration for their well-being."
He urged school leaders to exercise empathy when staff face family emergencies, such as a sick child or bereavement, by arranging class coverage rather than strictly enforcing rigid protocols.
Simple acts of recognition—such as acknowledging teachers who train students for competitions or providing complimentary meals at the canteen—can significantly boost morale, he added.
Khairudin revealed that he frequently receives direct appeals from stressed teachers. While he can advocate for them, he emphasised that school heads possess the authority and responsibility to implement fair practices. Teachers requiring professional support can be referred to District Education Office counsellors or monitored by the state Education Department.
Addressing student mental health, particularly among candidates preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Khairudin urged the public not to blame educators alone.
He noted that intensive tuition, extra classes, family circumstances, peer influence, and social media usage all contribute to student anxiety.
"Mental stress among students isn't solely a school issue. Parents, the community, and digital media dynamics all play a role," Khairudin said.
