ABSTRACT
This qualitative study investigated factors that promote resilience in secondary drama/theatre teachers. The presence of resilience is an important factor in career retention and satisfaction. A homogeneous group of four mid- to late-career teachers participated in individual audiotaped interviews and two focus group discussions. Data analysis gleaned five categories related to the resilience-enhancing process: (1) professional challenges; (2) professional sense of self and competence; (3) classroom culture/values; (4) professional supports; and (5) professional rewards. Findings describe ways in which teachers’ self-beliefs and behaviors mitigate the stress of adverse career-related situations.