A recent survey conducted by Dublin City University (DCU) and St Mary's University College in Belfast found that 91% of teachers in Northern Ireland are facing work-related burnout. Over 600 teachers participated in the study, revealing that 46% are likely to leave the profession due to unsustainable workloads. Brian Banks, a teacher and junior vice president at the NASUWT teaching union, emphasized that the workload challenges have a detrimental impact on students as well. The Department of Education is currently formulating a plan to address these workload issues, following a ministerial commission last May. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a phenomenon resulting from prolonged workplace stress, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The study also indicated that 32% of teachers rated their mental health as poor or very poor, with a significant number reporting that it negatively affected their teaching abilities. Experts stress that addressing teacher burnout requires systemic change rather than temporary measures, highlighting the urgent need to protect teacher wellbeing to ensure the quality of education for future generations.