Teachers in Brazil face high burnout and dissatisfaction

Brazilian teachers are facing high levels of emotional exhaustion and professional dissatisfaction, according to recent data. A study by the Casagrande Social Institute, titled ‘O Estado do Professor Brasileiro 2026’, indicates that between two and three out of every three teachers exhibit symptoms of intense emotional burnout. This exhaustion is driven by long working hours, precarious structures, and the pressure to deliver results. Approximately 76.5% of teachers report working regularly beyond their formal schedules, and 68.9% struggle to mentally disconnect from work after hours.

Complementary data from the OECD’s Education Panorama places Brazil 36th out of 38 countries regarding teacher satisfaction, with only 44% of educators expressing contentment. Key drivers of this dissatisfaction include low salaries—with only 22% satisfied with their pay—and classroom management issues, as 89% of teachers report frequent student indiscipline.

The combination of these factors is leading to a significant exodus from the profession. In 2022, 10% of Brazilian educators left the field, a rate notably higher than the OECD average of 6.4%. Furthermore, 12% of teachers state they intend to leave the classroom within the next five years. While Brazil spends 4.4% of its GDP on education, the adjusted spending per student is approximately US$ 4,294, which is roughly one-third of the OECD average.