Elementary Teacher Morale and Mental Health Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: COVID-19 and K–12 Teachers' Well-Being and Mental Health

Abstract

As teachers entered the 2021-2022 school year, schools tasked teachers with the challenge of closing the learning loss gap, maintaining the same standards as a typical school year, implementing COVID-19 safety protocols, and teaching to grade-level grades standards. This study used teacher demoralization as a framework to explore teacher morale and mental health at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. The sample included 443 PK-12 elementary teachers from across the United States. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to test a set of predictors for two sets of models. Results found that teacher autonomy and administrative support were significant predictors of both teacher morale and mental health. Implications focus on steps school leaders can take to support teacher well-being.

Authors

• David T. Marshall, Auburn University
  Presenting Author

• Tim Pressley, Christopher Newport University
  Presenting Author

• Natalie M. Neugebauer, Auburn University
  Presenting Author

• Deja' Lynn Trammell, Auburn University
  Presenting Author