Reducing Teacher Stress: Evaluation of a Mindfulness-Based Training Program

Abstract

Teaching is globally recognized as one of the most stressful professions. Teachers are known to struggle with varying degrees of job stress (McCarthy et al., 2010; Skaalvik & Skaalvik, 2017). A performance gap analysis at the organization within this dissertation in practice—a Caribbean junior high school—revealed that the teaching staff was experiencing high stress levels that were adversely impacting their wellbeing. Rothwell’s Human Performance Enhancement (HPE) Model was utilized to guide the performance gap analysis process. Investigations included conducting interviews with administrators and teachers and perusing organizational archival data. Thereafter, a thorough examination of three methods by which the performance gap could be addressed was undertaken. The analysis of data resulted in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the Reduction of Educators’ Stress and Tension (REST) program—a mindfulness-based training program. The ADDIE Model was used to inform this process. Finally, Kirkpatrick’s Training Evaluation Model was employed to assess the effectiveness of the REST program by way of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The results of the evaluation were favorable, suggesting that the organization benefits when employees’ stress levels are lowered (Kotteeswari & Sharief, 2014; Zare et al., 2016).