Breathe for Change: Enhancing the Health and Well-Being of Teachers, Students, and Entire School Communities

• In Event: 56.080 - Roundtable Session 23
  In Roundtable Session: 56.080-10 - Morale and Well-Being: Exploring the Emotional Labor of Teachers

Abstract

This paper explores the experience of eight pre-service teachers in their transition from teacher education into diverse classrooms throughout the world within the context of a social justice-oriented community of practice. This space allowed teachers to share their vulnerable stories and to work together to explore new ways to enhance their pedagogy. Together, they found that, within months, teachers’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being declined dramatically—and this decline in well-being had a negative impact on their ability to enact their ideals for social justice teaching. The critical connection between teacher well-being and teaching inspired the researcher to start Breathe For Change, a movement that is now enhancing the well-being of teachers, students, and entire school communities throughout the country.

Author

• Ilana Nankin, University of Wisconsin - Madison