Section Article

EDUCATORS PERSPECTIVES ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND PROFESSIONALISM IN SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION
Author(s): Dr. Asha Ram

Abstract
Work-life balance has become a critical concern in contemporary educational environments affecting not only personal well-being but also professional effectiveness and institutional outcomes. Educators in secondary and higher education are subject to multiple professional demands including teaching research administrative responsibilities student mentoring and community engagement which often compete with personal and family commitments. Professionalism encompassing ethical conduct commitment to educational standards and continuous professional development intersects with work-life balance influencing educators’ overall job satisfaction productivity and retention. This research investigates educators’ perspectives on maintaining equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life while sustaining high standards of professionalism. Using a mixed-method approach the study collects quantitative and qualitative data from secondary and higher education educators through surveys interviews and focus group discussions. Key factors such as workload institutional support time management organizational culture and stress levels are analyzed in relation to perceived professionalism and job performance. The study also explores differences in perspectives across educational levels gender experience and academic disciplines. Findings are expected to provide actionable insights for policymakers academic administrators and educators themselves to foster supportive work environments promote professional growth and enhance educators’ well-being and effectiveness.