ERIC Number: EJ1479437
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 30
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1934-9726
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Self-Leadership and Teacher Well-Being: An Internal Family Systems Informed Approach
Lindy L. Johnson; Jonathan Adams; Chelsea Choi
International Journal of Teacher Leadership, v14 n1 p32-61 2025
Teacher well-being is essential for student success, yet burnout remains a persistent challenge, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the use of the Internal Family Systems model as an innovative approach in supporting teacher well-being through the development of Self-Leadership. Conducted across seven schools in two school districts in the United States, this phenomenological study examines K-12 teachers' experiences after participating in P.A.U.S.E., a well-being program designed to nurture their Self-Leadership. Through qualitative analysis of focus group data, we identified three key themes: 1) the transformative impact of Self-Leadership practices on teachers and students; 2) the importance of Self-Led facilitation and collaborative practice; and 3) a longing for more collective, systemic approaches to well-being across school communities. Findings suggest that integrating IFS concepts into well-being programs can enhance teachers' ability to regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and improve teacher and student relationships. This study contributes to current understandings of teacher well-being by investigating how concepts from IFS, particularly Self-Leadership, can be effectively adapted to support both teachers and students in K-12 educational settings.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Well Being, Counseling Techniques, Faculty Development, Teacher Attitudes, Leadership Training, Self Management, Program Effectiveness
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. 3801 W. Temple Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768. Tel: 909-869-3935; e-mail: ijtl@cpp.edu; Web site: https://www.cpp.edu/~ceis/education/international-journal-teacher-leadership/index.shtml
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A