Doctoral Thesis
Exploring Teacher Wellbeing in Challenging Times: The experience of teachers in international schools in Hong Kong
Professional Doctorate, Murdoch University
2023
Abstract
Teacher wellbeing is a critical issue, impacting teaching quality, retention, student attainment, and overall school functioning. However, in today’s educational landscape, teacher wellbeing is sidelined due to escalating job demands and school pressures without sufficient support structures. This qualitative study explores factors influencing the wellbeing of secondary mid-career teachers in Hong Kong international schools, where unique demands intensify the challenges faced by educators.
The findings highlight the significance of various factors in nurturing positive teacher wellbeing. Supportive relationships with colleagues, students, and leaders, coupled with the presence of autonomy, play a pivotal role in promoting teacher wellbeing. Additionally, a collaborative culture grounded in trust, alongside personalised professional development opportunities, empowers teachers to experience fulfillment in their profession. These results emphasise the crucial role of leadership that places wellbeing as a priority and fosters trust-based relationships, ultimately contributing to a robust sense of belonging within the school community. Conversely, unreasonable workload, lack of flexibility and voice, bureaucracy processes, curriculum, demands related to curriculum and testing, and a disconnect between policy and practice severely undermine wellbeing. The additional challenges posed by COVID-19 and political changes highlight the need for holistic, systemic changes informed by teachers’ experiences.
The recommendations focus on strategies to cultivate supportive school cultures and prioritise teacher wellbeing. These include building interpersonal connections, allocating time for collaboration and tailored professional development, enhancing school culture and leadership, involving teachers in decision-making processes, improving access to external supports, and managing stakeholder expectations. Systemically, issues related to autonomy, staff turnover, and bridging the gap between policy and reality require attention for sustainable progress. This research highlights the importance of policymakers, administrators, and practitioners focusing on sustainable strategies that address individual and organisational factors to promote wellbeing. By doing so, supportive school cultures can be cultivated, even in the face of ever-increasing demands of the education system.
Details
- Title
- Exploring Teacher Wellbeing in Challenging Times: The experience of teachers in international schools in Hong Kong
- Authors/Creators
- Karen A Hartcher
- Contributors
- Sian Chapman (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of EducationChad Morrison PhD (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Education
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Professional Doctorate
- Identifiers
- 991005678070307891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Education
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
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