Sending Good Vibes: Positive Social Capital, Identity Prominence, and Sense of Belonging for K–12 Educators

• In Event: Educator Well-Being

Abstract

Positive social capital in the workplace has manifold benefits including increased well-being, increased commitment, and improved collaboration. Despite these benefits relatively few studies have explored the relationship between positive social capital in K-12 contexts. Grounding our study in in social network theory, we explore the relationship between positive social capital, teacher identity, and sense of belonging. Our sample included three schools: two elementary schools and one high school (N=79) in urban fringe districts in the southwestern United States. Using a multiplex network, we find positive relationships between increased positive social capital, sense of belonging, and teacher identity.

Authors

• Peter Bjorklund, University of California - San Diego

• Anita Caduff, University of California - San Diego

• Alan J. Daly, University of California - San Diego