Teacher Well-Being: A Complex and Crucial Piece of the Social-Emotional Learning Puzzle in Australian Schools

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Teachers' Social and Emotional Competence and Its Impact on Students

Abstract

The ability to understand and regulate emotions in classrooms is central to thinking and behaviour, affecting attention, problem-solving, creativity, and goal achievement. For teachers, caring for the social and emotional wellbeing of their students requires the ability to manage their own emotions and relationships with others in a professional way on a daily basis. Teachers often prioritise the social and emotional needs of their students without thinking about their own wellbeing. We explored the state of teacher wellbeing in Australia, and report on interventions with three groups of teachers to develop strategies to self-regulate emotions. The effects of all programs on teacher stress and wellbeing will be presented in this paper. Key characteristics of each program will be examined.

Authors

• Julie Bower, The University of Queensland

• Annemaree Carroll, The University of Queensland