Schooling After a Disaster: Examining the Extent Schools Bounce Back Following Hurricanes Harvey and Matthew

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding the Complexity of Teachers' Lives: Examining Autonomy, Collaboration, and Safety

Abstract

After a hurricane hits, schools must manage recovery efforts that consider the needs of their students, educators, and facilities. Studies on school responses after disasters are rare and very little evidence currently exists to guide educators and policymakers in designing effective recovery plans for educators following a disaster. We studied 20 school districts in Texas and North Carolina that were affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Matthew. We found that after a hurricane, teachers’ experience disruptions to their personal lives, to the school operations, to the school calendar, and to class routine. We recommend supporting teachers’ personal, emotional, and classroom needs to assist recovery.

Authors

• Cassandra R. Davis, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Joseph Patrick Shields, Gibson Consulting Group