In the Midst of a Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract. The COVID-19 pandemic confronted teachers with unprecedented challenges to their well-being. Drawing on theories of teacher well-being and resilience, this qualitative study explores how teachers experience well-being in their work during the pandemic and the resilience process of activating strategies to maintain their well-being. Participants were 26 teachers from Australian primary and secondary schools. While teachers experienced personal stress or anxiety, they consciously adopted a positive outlook and deliberately engaged in various activities to restore their well-being. Relations with students and colleagues were constraints as well as key enablers of well-being. At the organizational level, flexibility and practical resources provided by schools was an enabler reported by all participants. The study is limited as teachers were from one location, but they reflected a range of schools, roles, and experiences. Findings indicate the proactive approach of teachers and the importance of contextual resources in restoring their well-being during the pandemic.