The Ripple Effect: How Strength-Based Coping Transforms Educator and Community Wellbeing
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
K-12 Educators across the country are currently facing substantial stress and distress. Learning effective coping skills is essential to educator wellbeing and happiness. Hundreds of Montana Educators have participated in UM’s online asynchronous Evidence-based Happiness for Educators course which actively engages educators in reflecting on and practicing strengths-based positive coping skills. The purpose of this case study is to explore the memories, applications, and effects experienced by educators during and after participating in the course. After interviewing 38 participants, researchers recognized the course served as a catalyst for change and that participation in the course created ripple effects that caused lasting changes in participant mindsets, relationships, and ways of being in their personal lives and professional communities. Themes and outcomes of this study illuminate the importance of experiential learning using evidence- and strength-based positive coping strategies to not only support educator wellbeing, but also to support student and community wellbeing.
Mentor Name
Jayna Mumbauer-Pisano
The Ripple Effect: How Strength-Based Coping Transforms Educator and Community Wellbeing
UC 327
K-12 Educators across the country are currently facing substantial stress and distress. Learning effective coping skills is essential to educator wellbeing and happiness. Hundreds of Montana Educators have participated in UM’s online asynchronous Evidence-based Happiness for Educators course which actively engages educators in reflecting on and practicing strengths-based positive coping skills. The purpose of this case study is to explore the memories, applications, and effects experienced by educators during and after participating in the course. After interviewing 38 participants, researchers recognized the course served as a catalyst for change and that participation in the course created ripple effects that caused lasting changes in participant mindsets, relationships, and ways of being in their personal lives and professional communities. Themes and outcomes of this study illuminate the importance of experiential learning using evidence- and strength-based positive coping strategies to not only support educator wellbeing, but also to support student and community wellbeing.