We are excited about the projected impact of increased compensation and wellness support for educators based on research suggesting a positive correlation between the quality of school experiences for children and the safety and prosperity of their future communities (Hattie, 2009 & Lochner & Moretti, 2004).
Imagine the scenario in which a teacher can afford to load their kitchen with fresh produce and clean meats. He or she enjoys assistance each month with housekeeping and has the freedom to build a savings and take time away. At work they can access resources supporting mental and physical health. During break and planning times, there are spaces for stretching, meditating, exercising, defragging, and refreshing before returning to work. Furthermore; additional staff are available to step in for comfort breaks and on-the-spot student interventions.
One may remark on all of the reasons this idea will remain a mere idea. But if we are honest with ourselves, we must know that a version of this will need to become our reality soon, before the demands of our industry break its most valuable members. The same is true for first responders as it is for educators in that communities rely on our expertise to build a civil and innovative society with one hand while beating back the beast of trauma and poverty with the other.
However; it can be done. Volumes of research demonstrate elements of a viable framework such as our Integrated Framework for Student and Teacher Self-Efficacy. As our team works toward realizing this vision, we welcome your collaboration in response to this blog and in connection through our website and local events.
Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement London ; New York : Routledge, 2009.
Lochner, L., & Moretti, E. (2004). The effect of education on crime: Evidence from prison inmates, arrests and self-reports. The American Economic Review, 94(1), 155-189. doi:10.1257/000282804322970751
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