Leveraging Hope in Times of Crises: STEM Teachers' Lives and Experiences During COVID-19

• In Event: Education During Disruptions: Hope, Stress, and Well-Being Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers worldwide overcome significant challenges to meet the needs of students whose lives are disrupted by extreme weather events, violence and conflict, or crises. Within the first month of the 2021-22 school year in the U.S. alone, over one million students and teachers experienced school closures due to extreme weather. There is a need to understand how to best support teachers during crises and disruptions that impact schooling.
The aim of this study is to illuminate powerful forms of inspiration for teachers during typical challenges, as well as crises. We use this unprecedented worldwide event that exacerbated existing teacher burnout as an opportunity to learn how to build capacities for critical hope to support teacher agency.

Authors

• Elizabeth A. Ruiz, Arizona State University
  Presenting Author

• Meena M. Balgopal, Colorado State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Laura B. Sample McMeeking, Colorado State University
  Non-Presenting Author