ABSTRACT
The work environment is characterised by various situations that stimulate fear and anxiety which are common in many organisations, including schools. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the fears felt by elementary and high school teachers and trace its features and sources. Based on interviews with 12 Israeli schoolteachers, we found three areas in which our interviewees reported feeling some sort of fears: teacher–student interactions, professional domain, and teacher’s interactions with other school members. Likewise, two strategies to cope with fears appeared in the interviewees’ accounts, ranging from passive strategies that avoid facing the source of the fear directly (e.g. transition to another school, emotional disconnection) to more active ones (e.g. involving colleagues, humour) directed at the source of the fear. Some practical and empirical suggestions are provided.
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Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
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Notes on contributors
Izhar Oplatka
Izhar Oplatka is a professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at The School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Israel and the head of the dept. of Educational Policy and Administration. Prof. Oplatka’s research focuses on the lives and career of school teachers and principals, educational marketing, emotions and educational administration, and the foundations of educational administration as a field of study.
Dor Oren
Dor Oren is a high school teacer in the Special Education department. He has MA degree in educational administration and leadership and specializes in emotions and teaching.