Teaching has always been a demanding job. But in Scotland in 2024‑25, the pressures on school teachers—not just to instruct, but to manage a growing set of responsibilities—are creating a crisis for mental health, wellbeing, and retention. Many teachers are working unpaid overtime, facing rising numbers of pupils with additional support needs, and witnessing a sharp rise in absences due to stress, fatigue, and related illnesses. This blog dives into what the numbers are, what’s driving the problem, how teachers are being supported (or not), and what more could be done.