An Examination of the Professional Burnout of Teachers Working in Public and Private Schools According to Certain Demographic Characteristics

Abstract This study aimed to examine the professional burnout levels of teachers working in public and private schools based on certain variables. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with a sequential explanatory design preferred. The study group consisted of social media users who are teachers living in Turkey and have internet access. The quantitative portion utilized a cross-sectional survey model, reaching a total of 132 teachers via Google Forms to collect quantitative data. For the qualitative aspect, case study methodology was employed, with interviews conducted as the survey method. Participants in the qualitative dimension were selected using the maximum diversity sampling technique. In the quantitative dimension, data collection tools included a Personal Information Form and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Educators Form. Qualitative data were gathered through interview questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed through descriptive content analysis. The results indicated that male teachers experienced higher levels of burnout due to positive discrimination towards female teachers. The marital status of teachers did not significantly affect their burnout levels. Teachers with 6-10 years and 11 years or more of professional experience exhibited higher burnout levels compared to those in the early and late stages of their careers, suggesting that burnout increases during the middle years and then decreases. Teachers in the private sector were found to be more burned out than their public sector counterparts. This was attributed to differences in job security, financial factors, workload, and benefits, as well as the exam-oriented, stressful, and competitive nature of private sector employment. Additionally, teachers with higher weekly class hours reported greater levels of burnout, stemming from fatigue and a lack of personal time. Keywords: Private school-public school teachers, professional burnout