Stress and Coping of Bilingual Teachers: Can Teacher Well-Being Mitigate Attrition?

• In Event: 18.056 - Educator Responses to the Stressors of the Teaching Profession

Abstract

A rapidly growing number of EL populations in US schools calls for more well-trained bilingual teachers. However, teacher shortages of bilingual teachers has been a lasting issue. Responding to this crisis in schools, scholars have been focusing on teachers who choose to remain in their profession despite stress and difficulties they experience in school with enhanced commitment and psychological equilibrium. Yet, few studies exist that examine this issue with teachers outside the mainstream classroom. The present study addresses this research gap by examining qualitatively bilingual teachers’ work-related stressors and the resources they rely on to help them cope with such stressors. Prominent themes include professional stressors and advocacy. Teachers coped with mobbing by focusing on gaining increased knowledge and skills.

Authors

• Zenaida Aguirre-Munoz, University of Houston

• Nayoung Choi, University of Houston