Risk of burnout even before starting work – researchers concerned about student teachers’ growing cynicism
Although teaching has traditionally been a respected and attractive career choice in Finland, interest in some teacher‑training programmes has declined. Researchers at the University of Oulu examined what working as a teacher is like today and how students perceive the profession. They asked future teachers to reflect on teacher education, the nature of the work, the importance of relationships, and how well they feel prepared for the demands of the job.
The researchers found some troubling indications of how students view teaching. The results showed that many student teachers feel unprepared and disappointed when their expectations collide with reality. Many are unsure whether they want to remain in the profession at all.
According to the researchers, the most concerning finding is the early signs of cynicism among future teachers. Cynicism is a key symptom of burnout and is linked to career changes and teachers leaving the profession.
“Future teachers are worried about their wellbeing and wonder whether they can cope with a long career in teaching. The negative image of teaching conveyed through social media, as well as concerns about cooperation between home and school, weaken the profession’s appeal and make applicants hesitate,” says Professor Minna Uitto.
Burnout can appear already during studies
Although student teachers see teacher education as essential for developing their professional identity and value collegiality, peer support, and teaching practice, the results indicate that signs of burnout and intentions to leave the field are emerging already during training.
This is alarming, the researchers note, because Finnish teacher‑training programmes have demanding entrance exams and attract highly motivated applicants.
“We may lose potential, high‑quality teachers even before their careers begin. In the future, Finland may face a teacher shortage, which is already visible internationally,” Uitto warns.
Even in Finland—where teaching is highly valued and working conditions are generally considered good—future teachers are not shielded from the demands and pressures of the job.
“Teacher education must create space for open discussion about the realities of teaching. Supporting future teachers in dealing with tensions and challenges is crucial for their wellbeing and commitment,” Uitto says.
The study highlights how everyday realities of teaching and broader societal expectations challenge both teacher education and the profession itself. The goal is to ensure sustainable careers in education and respond to the global teacher shortage. The findings also carry international significance.
The research was published in the Journal of Education for Teaching: Minna Körkkö, Anniina Kettunen, Sonja Lutovac & Minna Uitto: Expectations, disillusionment and wishes: pre-service teachers’ collective sense-making of teacher education given the current nature of the teaching profession
https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2025.2557204
The topic was also addressed in KM Anniina Kettunen’s doctoral dissertation, defended in February: