Brief

Structural Supports to Promote Teacher Well-Being

Doris A. Santoro and Olga Acosta Price
October 2021 | EdResearch for Action, Annenberg Institute at Brown University, and Results for America

This brief from the EdResearch for Action's Overview Series examines teacher burnout and demoralization and the school conditions that can contribute to greater job satisfaction, stronger instruction, and teacher retention. The research points to the importance of a school culture built on mutual trust, respect, and open communication between teachers and leaders, along with protecting teachers’ time and prioritizing opportunities for professional learning. It also finds that involving teachers in the design and implementation of learning opportunities can strengthen teacher morale and student achievement. Rather than relying on short-term wellness initiatives, the brief emphasizes sustained, schoolwide approaches that address the underlying conditions contributing to teacher dissatisfaction. This resource can support leader preparation faculty in examining the organizational conditions that shape teachers’ experiences and help school and district leaders develop strategies that address the root causes of burnout and demoralization.