"SHIELDing" Our Educators: Comprehensive Coping Strategies for Teacher Occupational Well-Being
Joy C Nwoko1, Emma Anderson1, Oyelola A Adegboye2,3
1College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 26, 2024
Summary
Teachers utilize personal and school-based strategies to manage occupational stress. A new SHIELD model (Support, Health, Interaction, Empathy, Leadership, Development) offers a holistic approach to enhance teacher well-being and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Education
- Psychology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Teaching is a demanding profession causing stress and anxiety.
- Understanding teacher coping mechanisms is vital for well-being and effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate personal and school-based well-being initiatives used by teachers.
- Develop a coping strategy model to enhance occupational well-being.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative phenomenological approach.
- Explored coping strategies of Australian primary school teachers.
Main Results:
- Identified ten diverse coping strategies: five personal (boundaries, exercise, social support, mindfulness, work-life balance) and five school-based (leadership, colleague support, flexibility, resources, proactive approaches).
- Formulated the SHIELD model (Support, Health, Interaction, Empathy, Leadership, Development) as a holistic coping strategy.
Conclusions:
- A holistic approach integrating personal and institutional support is crucial for teacher well-being.
- Schools can improve well-being by fostering supportive cultures, providing resources, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- The SHIELD model provides a comprehensive framework for supporting teachers and improving educational outcomes.
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