Analysis of K-12 Educator Well-Being Policy

Supporting the well-being of educators is one pathway in addressing educator attrition related to work conditions. The research of Doan et al. (2022) indicated individual educators perceived employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health care services, wellness activities, explicit support for use of vacation days, and school-based support groups as available well-being supports while others reported no known knowledge of available supports. Organizationally, the School Health and Wellness Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) demonstrated school system provision of supports through educator wellness policy, programs, and practices (Division of Adolescent and School Health, 2017; Eaton et al., 2007; Grunbaum et al., 2001; Kann et al., 1995). Neither of the studies expound on the content, language, or text of the written policy documents that may contribute to leadership guidance, subsequent individual educator perception, and implementation of available well-being supports within their work environments. This study used qualitative content analysis to examine the features, themes, and characteristics of state (N=16) and local (N=204) educator well-being documents in a total of 62 local education agencies (LEAs) with identification of policies for analysis from 53 LEAs, representative of 16 states and the District of Columbia. Findings confirm existence of codified documents related to educator well-being. Analyzed text indicated overall lack of alignment between research-based considerations and policy language on its face. Results may signal that educator well-being is a low or inconsistent priority for leadership, and in turn impact school employees’ perception of supports. Implications are discussed.

Author

• Mitchell, Michelle Frances Kelsey

Language

• English

Keyword

• well-being
• policy
• employee wellness
• educator
• principal
• teacher

Date created

• 2025

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Educational Leadership & Administration

Degree

• Ed.D.

Advisor

• Clayton, Jennifer K

Committee Member(s)

• Trimmer, Leslie
• Shirrell, Matthew
• Price, Olga
• Tuckwiller, Elizabeth D

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/4f16c380d