The Young and the Stress-Less: Proactive Coping and Stress Vulnerability in Charter School Teachers

• In Event: Sources of Stress and Strategies for Coping

Abstract

Literature generally has tied teacher stress to school-level factors; however, not all teachers within a given school experience stress. Teachers in charter schools run by Charter Management Organizations (CMO) have been found to experience greater stress than traditional public school teachers; yet even in CMO-run charter schools (CMOCS), certain teachers enjoy long, fulfilling careers and experience minimal stress. This qualitative study investigated the experiences of 16 CMOCS teachers who were at average or low risk for stress in terms of what resources and strategies allow them to cope and manage demands successfully. Findings indicate that those CMOCS teachers who leveraged their experience and utilized preventive and proactive coping strategies to manage demands on time were more likely to thrive.

Authors

• Rachel E. Gaines, Kennesaw State University

• Christopher J. Mccarthy, The University of Texas at Austin

• Sally Lineback, The University of Texas at Austin

• Dennis C London, Nova Southeastern University

• Frances R Morales, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley