A DEFINITION GROUNDED IN EDUCATOR VOICE
Understanding well-being, particularly educator well-being, is crucial in addressing the challenges faced in the profession. In 2022, Educators Thriving collaborated with AFT members to define this concept. Through
extensive focus groups and a nationwide
pilot survey involving 1,285 AFT members,
we conducted an Exploratory Factor
Analysis that identified 26 key factors
predictive of educator well-being.
BY EDUCATORS,
FOR EDUCATORS.
"I feel seen here, [the tool] gets at the core challenges people are feeling and helps
us move from feeling depleted."
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- Union President
THE 6 MOST PREDICTIVE FACTORS
OF EDUCATOR WELL-BEING
Responsive Leadership & Supportive Culture
Discrete actions that leaders can take to drive improvements in staff culture and experiences.
Personal Well-being
The way an educator experiences life outside of work to replenish for the day ahead.
Acceptance
The skill of navigating the reality of one’s circumstances and emotions to refocus on the task at hand.
Adaptability
The ability to remain flexible in the face of change impacting schools and classrooms.
Growth Orientation
An educator’s professional commitment to and desire to refine their practice.
(Absence of) Depletion
Exhaustion, feeling used up by the work (note: distinct from burnout)
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FROM ROADBLOCKS TO ROADMAPS
Our data has now helped the voices of nearly 11,000 educators be heard at the school, district, and union local level. Amidst many persistent challenges to educator well-being, trends in quantitative and qualitative responses shed light on the most meaningful next steps that leaders can take to support school site based staff.
SYSTEMS SUPPORT & EVALUATION
INFORMING CHANGE AT EVERY LEVEL
What does the data help leaders do? Leaders at the school site, district, union, and CMO level now use their findings to improve their decision-making. From changing how announcements get made to refining collaboration time and student discipline, each leader has updated their approach based on the unique needs and requests of their staff.
“The data has driven our efforts to collaboratively address our areas of identified need, and the support provided has been consistent and exceedingly positive in energy and intent.”
District Superintendent
Educators Thriving has delivered on everything, AND adapted mid-year to provide more support to sites that wanted and needed it. That responsiveness was so critical for our progress.”
Assistant Superintendent
What do I wish I‘d done differently? Started this well-being work earlier! [Staff] now lean on one another for support. Teachers are heard asking, ‘how can I help you with that?”
School Site Administrator
EXPLORE THE TOOL
Check out the 26 items that comprise our core survey and additional recommended areas to explore. Use our Creative Commons Licensed survey (for non-commercial use only) to get a baseline understanding of your staff’s well-being.
