Stressed teachers are not getting the help they need to overcome difficulties in the classroom that are contributing to their wellbeing, it has been claimed by a teachers' leader. 

Mary Bousted, general secretary of the ATL teaching union, says she has heard anecdotal evidence of these problems from people working in the industry, including some teachers bursting into tears either in the classroom or otherwise at work, and one who was ordered not to burst into tears in the staff room. 

Dr Bousted said that one of the main contributors to stress among teachers is a lack of support from higher up, while many others are starting to feel the effects of being asked to work extra hours away from the classroom when they should be enjoying time at home. 

Writing for the Times Education supplement, Dr Bousted said that there is a real need for headteachers to make sure their staff get extra backing as and where they need it, while she added that the government has pledged to reduce working hours for education staff. 

Dr Bousted said that while teachers are some of the very hardest workers around, it is completely unfair of anyone to expect them to dedicate every single moment of their waking life to their work. A proper work-life balance is vital to the wellbeing of everyone. 

Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said there was little doubt that some teachers feel the stress of the pressure that is increasing in the sector. 

"It's essential that we all pay attention to the wellbeing of staff. That's a shared responsibility between colleagues of the same level, middle leaders, senior leaders and governors, who ultimately carry the duty of care. 

"Clearly, if a member of staff is in tears in the staff room, it would be incumbent on the school, someone in the school, to look at what the problem was and discuss it with them, so they can give them the appropriate support they need."