Navigating Teacher Well-Being in Globalized Education: Challenges and Recommendations

Abstract

In the context of globalized education, teacher well-being has emerged as a critical area of study, where educators face unique challenges. This research investigated the multifaceted factors influencing teacher well-being, aiming to identify common struggles and contextual influences that shape their experiences.  Given the increasing responsibilities placed on teachers, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being, as it has a direct impact on the quality of education they provide. The preliminary data were gathered via electronic open-ended questionnaires and eight semi-structured individual interviews, which served as case studies. The study primarily targeted South African teachers, but through a thorough literature review, the framework has been modified to accommodate a global audience. The findings unveiled the components that teachers described as driving them away from the profession and the factors that pulled them towards it. The in-depth literature reviews' findings focused on the globalization of education, which, while offering benefits like shared best practices, presents challenges to teacher well-being. These challenges include increased workloads due to curriculum changes, diverse learner needs, pressure from standardized testing, and inadequate support systems. Based on these insights, the researcher proposes several recommendations aimed at improving teacher well-being. These include systemic changes in curriculum development, equitable resource allocation, and enhanced support systems. At the school level, fostering a positive culture and effective workload management are essential, while individual strategies such as reflective practice and self-care can further mitigate stress. The study calls for further research to explore the long-term effects of globalization on teacher well-being and to evaluate the efficacy of targeted interventions. By addressing these issues, stakeholders can create a more supportive educational environment that benefits both teachers and students globally.