Sharing Understandings of Well-Being: An Exploratory Study in Irish Schools Incorporating the Voices of Teachers

• In Event: 45.093 - MTCC Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 45.093-8 - Teachers' Well-Being and Social-Emotional Competencies

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in the notion of wellbeing, politically, societally and educationally, evident in national and international literature. Wellbeing remains an enigmatic, multi-faceted concept that sometime eludes definition. Particularly in the field of education, wellbeing has received much attention. This paper provides an overview of a study undertaken with primary school teachers in Ireland. The challenge in promoting wellbeing are outlined. Findings are considered in light of educational policy developments in wellbeing over the last decade in Ireland. The findings highlight that wellbeing is open to many interpretations and embedding a culture of wellbeing in the education environment can often seem a rather abstract concept, however the importance of creating a space for wellbeing in education is promoted.

Authors

• Margaret M Nohilly, Mary Immaculate College

• Fionnuala Tynan, Mary Immaculate College