Stress and the Post Graduate Secondary School Trainee Teacher: A British case study

Abstract

A case study of one cohort of student teachers taking a post graduate teacher training course in a British University is described. It examines the degree to which students are likely to self-report levels of stress. The stress experienced by the students and the effects this has on their physical and emotional health and their performance in school reported. The paper charts the (healthy and unhealthy) coping strategies employed by the students. Finally some positive tactics are considered which can be employed by PGCE students during their course and into their professional lives in school.