"I have just experienced the most profound burn out of my life and I blame the job for a fair chunk of that."

After 13 years in the classroom, Melbourne-based teacher David* has told 9news.com.au, he was coming to a crossroads in his career.

"It's been a tough couple of years," said David, who works as a maths teacher in the city's eastern suburbs.

Do you have a story about the teacher shortage crisis? Contact the reporter at Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.