Benefits of teacher ‘connections’ in stressful educational settings

Abstract

Findings from this investigation suggest that spirituality is a vital component for teacher and student success in high stress educational settings. The study investigated how experienced teachers of violent students maintained teacher efficacy through stress management in four schools in one state within the USA. Most educators consider working with these pupils very challenging, which has resulted in a shortage of experienced educators willing to teach this population. Yet some teachers maintain their effectiveness teaching these challenging students. Within this study, spirituality helped them to maintain efficacy through anxiety reduction and by functioning as a ‘tool’ to connect with students. Some specific methods included Bible reading, meditation, prayer, Pantheism and martial arts. This study relates to the growing body of literature that indicates that spirituality benefits humans physically, psychologically and sociologically.

Keywords:

• teacher efficacy
• efficacy
• teacher stress
• stress
• school violence
• spirituality
• teacher retention
• emotional or behavioral disturbance

Acknowledgements

My sincere gratitude goes to the educators who shared their time, expertise and honesty. Sharing such stories can be stressful and requires trust in the researcher. You allowed me to see things that I would not have seen otherwise. I learned a lot and I hope that I honour your continued desire to improve the lives of students despite the job limitations often placed on you by telling your story. Your stories allow others to see what you do and the importance of your methods. Thank you.