The researchers ought to do a national study of teachers wrongfully terminated and ask THEM what it is like to live under the stress of having to start all over again, especially if they are over 50, and trying to avoid living under a bridge or in a car. But I forgot it is impossible to fire teachers unless they have done something wrong with kids. Well, at least this study is a start:
University of Nevada, Reno researchers want to help teachers recognize thoughts and feelings that indicate stress or burnout and how to take control so they can remain effective and satisfied in their field. Dr. Steven Hayes, professor of clinical psychology and Doug Long, a graduate student, are seeking K-12 faculty and staff throughout Nevada to participate in their research. Those participating will use a self-help book and a series of assessments to promote healthier living under demanding conditions for educators.
“Teachers, especially K-12, face a lot of stress and are stepping up to the challenges of a work environment where they’re asked to do more with less,” Hayes said. “I don’t think it’s necessarily different from what a lot of people have faced in a lot of work environments, but (teaching) does have some unique characteristics … like they’re working with a lot of things beyond their control.”
The study, called WALRUS, or Working And Living Resiliently Under Stress, aims to draw attention to the external demands teachers face, which can create internal stressors that are often irrational, and find out what methods are best to cope with underlying emotions, thoughts, memories and sensations related to stress.
Whether subjects are teachers, staff or administrators, education seemed to be an excellent field for analyzing the impacts of layoffs or other critical changes to the classroom.
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