Preservice Teacher Burnout: Secondary Trauma and Resiliency in Teacher Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 3 Poster 1

Abstract

This study examined preservice teacher coursework related to student trauma, secondary trauma, and self-care during a clinical placement in a high poverty school, as well as through follow-up interviews one year later to consider the longitudinal nature of secondary trauma and resiliency. A thematic analysis of data led to the identification of four main themes: 1) The stories they tell, 2) What counts as trauma?, 3) Preservice teacher burnout, and 4) Trauma and self-care disconnect. The participants in this study experienced secondary trauma without an awareness that trauma can be transferred from one individual to another, which negatively impacted their well-being. Most participants struggled to practice self-care in order to promote resiliency. Implications for teacher education is offered.

Authors

• Kyle Elizabeth Miller, Illinois State University

• Karen Flint Stipp, Illinois State University