In her two decades in education, Jennifer Merriman has observed a common trend of addressing problems in schools by adding more responsibilities onto teachers who are already overwhelmed with their workload. However, this approach goes against the essential pillar of a school’s success according to research: the well-being of its teachers. The University of Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre recently released a new report commissioned by the International Baccalaureate Organization, where Merriman serves as the global director of research, policy, and design.
“If teachers are already burdened by their workload, schools need to find innovative solutions,” Merriman emphasizes. “Teachers themselves should be involved in developing strategies to prioritize well-being without adding more burdensome tasks to their plate.”
Research indicates that improving teacher well-being is crucial for schools, especially considering a Gallup poll that found 44% of K-12 workers in the US feel burnt out at work, with teachers experiencing the highest burnout rate at 52%.
The Need for Research
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools, the International Baccalaureate recognized the lack of research on teacher well-being and commissioned a series of reports. Merriman notes that the Wellbeing Research Centre’s insights help understand the science of well-being and identify strategies to enhance student and teacher well-being.
The report introduces a framework that categorizes teacher well-being into job satisfaction, individual factors like physical health, and school-level drivers such as work-life balance and class size. While acknowledging the field’s infancy, the report offers a starting point for schools looking to support their teachers.
Factors influencing teacher job satisfaction include school climate, salary satisfaction, professional relationships, job security, continuous learning, and workplace recognition.
The Impact on Student Success
Merriman emphasizes the importance of schools engaging in conversations about what matters most to teachers and understanding the factors that affect their satisfaction levels. With data showing that over half of teachers have considered quitting, improving workplace well-being is crucial to prevent a potential crisis in the education sector.
Research highlights the connection between teacher well-being and student outcomes, emphasizing the pivotal role teachers play in students’ academic and non-academic achievements. Merriman stresses that teachers are the most significant factor contributing to student success within a school.
