Caring for the Caregivers: The Promise and Practice of Promoting Teacher Well-Being

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 5 Poster Session 2

Abstract

Even in cases of excellent traditional preparation experiences, teacher burnout and attrition are a significant problem in the U.S (Newberry & Allsop, 2017). We assert that improving teacher quality and reducing attrition requires that pre-service teacher preparation programs must explicitly and proactively address teacher well-being. Informed by existing research and lessons learned from research we implemented over the 2018-2019 academic year, we are launching a program to infuse well-being practices into an established university teacher preparation program in fall 2019. Grounded in the moral theory of care ethics (Gilligan, 1982; Noddings, 1984), preliminary findings in spring of 2020 will provide insights into effective approaches to support the development of a strong foundation in this critical component of pre-service teacher training.

Authors

• Beth Tuckwiller, The George Washington University

• Harriet Fox, The George Washington University

• Elisabeth Kutscher, The George Washington University

• Heather Walter, George Mason University