Staff shortages are placing enormous strain on schools and when absent teachers aren’t replaced, the impact is felt immediately by those who remain. Extra classes, lost planning time and increased behavioural demands can quickly lead to frustration and fatigue. While the situation is not easily fixed, how schools respond can make a meaningful difference.

For Principals, clarity and empathy are critical.
Acknowledge the pressure staff are under, silence can be interpreted as indifference. Be transparent about staffing challenges and the constraints you are navigating. Where possible, prioritise what truly matters and give permission for less urgent tasks to be paused. Protect teacher time by reducing unnecessary meetings or administrative load. Even small gestures—covering a class, providing release time where possible or publicly recognising effort—can build trust and morale. Most importantly, involve staff in problem-solving. When teachers feel heard and included, frustration often shifts to collective ownership and problem solving.

For Teachers, it’s important to focus on what you can control.
You cannot fix staffing shortages but you can protect your energy. Simplify where possible—this is not the time for perfection. Lean on colleagues for shared planning or quick solutions and don’t hesitate to communicate when the load becomes unmanageable. Setting boundaries is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategy for sustainability. Small resets throughout the day—a walk, a pause, a conversation—can help maintain perspective.

Above all, both leaders and teachers benefit from remembering that this is a season, not a permanent state. By working together, prioritising wellbeing and maintaining open communication, schools can navigate these challenges while protecting what matters most—the people within them.