Teacher — The Toughest Job of All


By Moqheeta Mehboob


Working within any system is never easy. Every profession comes with its own pressures and downsides. Yet, I can say with confidence that teaching is one of the most challenging professions of all. You may disagree with me—and that’s fine—but allow me to explain why.



I speak from personal experience. I have spent years in the classroom as a teacher, living through the daily realities, deadlines, emotional demands, and silent battles teachers face. Those years shaped me deeply. Today, as a School Development Director, that experience gives me the insight to guide both school owners and teachers on what needs to change and how to correct systemic mistakes.

If someone works with machines and tools, the pressure is still real—but predictable. When you work with human beings, and especially with young, impressionable minds, the nature of the work changes entirely. You are not just “doing a job”; you are shaping lives, identities, and futures.

Across the world, the percentage of women in the teaching profession is significantly higher than men. For many social, emotional, and practical reasons, women are naturally drawn to this field.


Global Gender Distribution in Teaching

  • Women make up about 68 % of primary school teachers globally — showing a significant majority of female educators at this key level. UNESCO

  • At the pre-primary level, women account for roughly 94 % of the teaching workforce, highlighting how heavily female-dominated early education is around the world. UNESCO

  • The share of female teachers decreases at higher levels of education: around 58 % at lower secondary and 52 % at upper secondary levels. UNESCO

  • UNICEF reports that about two-thirds of all teachers worldwide are women (67 %), with this figure reaching as high as 75 % in some regions. UNICEF


But in many parts of the world, a woman is expected to multitask far beyond what is reasonable. She manages the home, children, meals, relationships, and family responsibilities—and after all of that, she is still expected to give her 100% at school as a professional teacher.

She is on her feet almost the entire day. The work she carries home—planning, grading, emotional labour, worry about students—is another story altogether.

She must:

  • meet education board guidelines

  • fulfil school expectations

  • satisfy parents’ expectations

  • commute long distances

  • prepare lesson plans and teaching resources

  • complete the syllabus on time

  • prepare children for examinations

  • ensure they perform well

This is not “a simple job.” This is emotional, intellectual, and physical labour combined.


My Suggestions to Schools

  • Increase teachers’ salaries—pay them what their work truly deserves

  • Spend more on teacher training and development than on advertising

  • Give teachers the respect they deserve, not just in slogans but in daily practice

  • Build a healthy, transparent school culture

  • Protect your teachers—stand by them, don’t just demand from them

  • Understand that overworking is not a sign of dedication or efficiency

  • Do not “own” their holidays or personal time

  • Connect with their families—support systems matter


My Suggestions to Teachers

  • Work on your confidence—hold your head high when speaking to management

  • Do not settle for exploitation or manipulation

  • Do not allow anyone to take advantage of your silence or financial need

  • Keep progressing—upgrade your knowledge and skills continuously

  • Be clear about why you are working and what purpose drives you

  • Give your best—but not at the cost of your dignity and well-being


Teaching is not just a profession—it is a responsibility, a trust, and a form of service. But teachers, too, deserve respect, fair treatment, and balance in life.


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