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By nature, educators are helpers. We want to help our students become the best versions of themselves. We want to see them achieve their goals and succeed in life. When a student comes back to us years later to tell us how much of an impact we had on them we are beaming. Tears fill our eyes, and we are grateful for the reminder of why we do what we do. Sadly, these moments are rare, and while they bring us joy, they can be fleeting. We struggle to find sustainable joy when the school days are long, filled with stress, compassion fatigue, and extreme exhaustion. All of which impacts our wellbeing and ultimately student outcomes. Building teacher collective efficacy might be our quickest path to improving staff and student wellness.
WHAT IS TEACHER COLLECTIVE EFFICACY?
Teacher collective efficacy is defined by Fisher, Frey, and Smith in The Teacher Credibility & Collective Efficacy Playbook as “a staff’s shared belief that through their collective action, they can positively influence student outcomes, including for students who are disengaged and/or disadvantaged.”
According to John Hattie’s research, the effect size of teacher collective efficacy on student achievement is 1.57, the highest out of 252 influences.
There are several factors that can influence collective teacher efficacy, including but not limited to:
- The quality of leadership
- The level of professional development and support available to teachers
- The degree of trust and collaboration within the school
Well defined structures & supports, where teachers can work together to identify and solve problems, are the foundational pieces that schools need to promote a culture of collaboration. Taking Action, by Buffum, Mattos & Malone provides schools with a comprehensive framework to implement effective professional learning communities that include a focus on learning, a collaborative culture and results orientation.
As noted by Fisher, Frey and Smith, “when highly efficacious teams (PLCs) proliferate across a school, the organization becomes efficacious. The culture of the school shifts in material ways and students and families benefit”.
In Collective Student Efficacy, the authors state that “these collective efforts lead to teachers becoming greater risk takers, receptive to new ideas, and more likely to stay in teaching”.
How does collective teacher efficacy impact staff wellness?
First, when teachers believe that they can work together effectively to improve student learning outcomes, they feel more motivated and engaged in their work. This leads to increased job satisfaction, which is an important factor in overall staff wellness.
Second, a school culture that promotes collaboration and support among teachers creates a sense of community and belonging. This contributes to their overall well-being. When teachers feel connected to one another and supported by their colleagues, they are more likely to seek out help and support, leading to better mental and emotional health.
Finally, a school with high levels of collective teacher efficacy is better equipped to identify and address challenges that impact staff wellness. Those challenges may include excessive workload or lack of resources. When teachers feel that they have the support and resources they need to be successful, they tend to be more resilient and better able to cope with the demands of the job
How does teacher collective efficacy impact student wellness?
First, when teachers are motivated and engaged in their work, it leads to better teaching practices and more successful student learning. In turn, this improves students’ belief in their own ability to succeed academically and achieve their goals. This belief is an important factor in student motivation and engagement. It has a significant impact on student achievement and overall wellness.
Second, when teachers feel they have the support and resources they need to be successful, they are more equipped to address challenges that could impact student well-being. This helps build relational trust with students, which in turn improves their sense of belonging and makes them feel safe.
Lastly, teachers with high levels of collective efficacy are more likely to be successful in addressing barriers that impact student learning. Providing students with opportunities to experience success increases their self-efficacy. This may include providing appropriate academic support, helping students set achievable goals, and promoting a positive and supportive classroom culture. As a result, students feel supported and it builds their resiliency.
Overall, research has shown that schools with high levels of collective teacher efficacy have better student achievement, fewer discipline problems, and a more positive school climate.
Students with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to persevere in the face of challenges. They are also more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and have a more positive outlook.
Do you believe your staff and student wellness could improve?
It is important to recognize and address factors contributing to their self-efficacy first. Ask yourself the following:
- Do staff and students feel physically and psychologically safe?
- Do they feel like they belong?
- Do they feel like they can be successful?
We cannot control what happens before they walk in the door. But once they do, are we creating authentic environments where all can thrive and not just survive?
For more resources on staff and student wellness visit www.mywellnessverse.com
Hattie, J., Fisher, D., Frey, N. and Clarke, S (2021) Collective Student Efficacy. Corwin
Fisher, D., Frey, N. and Smith, D (2020)
The Teacher Credibility and Collective Efficacy Playbook.
Corwin