The purpose of this study was: (1)to examine the levels of perceived stress among teachers of children whose home backgrounds varied in their levels of financial hardship. It was anticipated that reported stress would be higher in teachers of children from more deprived homes; (2)to examine the effect of age of children taught on perceived stress. It was expected that stress levels would be higher among teachers of younger children who made more interpersonal demands on their teachers; (3)to examine the relationship between reported stress and ill-health. The more stressed teachers were predicted to have more symptoms of illness. Variables A Teacher-Event Stress Inventory (TESI) comprising 43 items was developed and marked by teachers over a five- day period; Goldberg's (1972) General Health Questionnaire was completed by all respondents; feelings of stress were reported on a daily basis.