Measuring & Understanding
Educator Well-Being
A Definition Grounded in Educator Voice
We know why educators burn out, but what keeps them well at work? To answer this question, researchers of Educators Thriving collaborated with members of the American Federation of Teachers to learn from educators nationwide. Through a process rooted in educator voice and perspectives, we co-developed a first-of-its-kind survey to measure educator well-being. We now have a north star to guide leaders through not only retaining staff, but also creating the conditions for educators to thrive. Read on to learn about the factors that predict well-being and how moving beyond anecdotes has helped leaders make changes that matter.
The 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.
Foundational Supports
Access to key resources such as compensation, staffing, and training to meet student needs.
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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The Most Predictive Factors of Educator Well-being
Growth Orientation
A commitment to continuous professional growth and openness to learning new strategies.
(Absence of) Depletion
The ability to mitigate a sense of exhaustion or feeling used up by the work.​
Foundational Supports
Access to key resources such as compensation, staffing, and training to meet student needs.
From Roadblocks to Roadmaps
SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND EVALUATION
Over 23,000 educators have shared their experience in the well-being survey, informing conversations at the school, district, and union level. Trends in the well-being data shed light on bright spots and key areas of exploration or opportunity. Educators Thriving works with leaders to take action on the basis of educator voice and perspective.
