A groundbreaking report from the RAND Corporation reveals a stark reality for educators in the United States: female teachers face significantly greater challenges in balancing their professional and personal lives compared to their male colleagues. This eye-opening study, part of the 2025 State of the American Teacher Survey, points to inflexible work schedules, a heavier burden of household responsibilities, and minimal personal time as key contributors to this persistent gender gap.
The survey gathered insights from 1,419 educators, highlighting that women, who constitute a dominant 75% of the US teaching workforce, consistently feel more overwhelmed by the dual demands of their careers and home lives. These findings underscore a critical and ongoing disparity in workplace equity within the education sector.
The Double Burden: Less Flexibility, More Emotional Strain
The report delves deeper into the specifics, illustrating a significant lack of flexibility for female teachers. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of women educators found it difficult or very difficult to adjust their work schedules for personal commitments, a figure considerably higher than the 62% reported by male educators. Similarly, taking a quick personal phone call during work hours proved challenging for 63% of female teachers, while only 48% of men faced the same hurdle.
Beyond logistical constraints, the emotional toll on women is evident. Over half of the female teachers surveyed frequently or always felt too exhausted for personal activities after work, a stark contrast to just 27% of their male counterparts. Furthermore, 44% of women admitted to worrying about work even during their off-duty hours, compared to 33% of men.
Unequal Shares: Household Duties and Leisure Time
A major factor contributing to this imbalance is the unequal distribution of household responsibilities. Female teachers with children reported dedicating an average of 41 hours per week to chores and childcare, significantly more than the 30 hours reported by male teachers in similar situations. This disparity extends to leisure time as well; men enjoyed an average of 45 hours of weekly personal time, while women managed only 33.
Elizabeth Steiner, a co-author of the survey, emphasized this point: “One of the really big drivers of challenges with job flexibility and its relationship to well-being is the amount of time that teachers, particularly female teachers, spend on household duties, particularly child care, outside of working hours.”
Teachers vs. Other Professionals: A Broader Picture
The study also broadened its scope by comparing teachers’ experiences with those of 507 other US adults holding bachelor’s degrees and working comparable hours. The results were telling: 70% of teachers struggled to adjust their schedules for family needs, compared to a mere 22% of other professionals. Additionally, educators spent an average of 25 hours per week on household tasks, while non-teachers spent a more manageable 16 hours.
The Crucial Role of Benefits and Support
The availability of comprehensive benefits plays a vital role in alleviating work-life stress. Only 29% of teachers reported receiving above-average benefits, such as paid parental leave, robust retirement plans, and health insurance. In contrast, 49% of other professionals enjoyed similar benefits. The survey clearly indicates that better access to such benefits significantly improves overall well-being and reduces work-life conflicts.
Teachers highlighted that flexible work arrangements, including wellness days, adaptable schedules, and a reduction in administrative tasks, were crucial for improving their balance. However, more than half of the respondents revealed that their schools offered no such support at all, signaling a pressing need for systemic changes to foster a more equitable and supportive environment for all educators, especially women.