Date

12-2023

Document Type

Capstone Project (Campus-Only Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Human Development & Family Science

Abstract

My project dives deep into an issue that, unfortunately, often goes unrecognized: teacher burnout and poor mental health encountered by early childhood teachers. Both preschool and elementary school teachers are responsible for the most critical years of an individual’s life. According to Hansen (2020), about 90% of a child’s brain is formed by their sixth birthday. As a result, early childhood educators are responsible for teaching, observing, assessing, and supporting every child’s developmental needs while providing a safe environment, following state rules, and meeting parent and administrative expectations. Eventually, the many responsibilities of a teacher can become a heavy burden, thus resulting in either poor mental health or teacher burnout. It is, therefore, essential to acknowledge and address all conditions that negatively affect the daily lives of childhood educators, as it can increase the rate of teacher shortages. To confront such issues directly, I developed a one-day workshop for early childhood teachers at Good Shepherd Preschool in Salinas, California, to understand the causes of teacher burnout, how it impacts teaching effectiveness, and what practices and stress management tools can be used to reduce the stress and burnout being encountered. Ultimately, a teacher's mental and emotional well-being can damage the quality of education their students receive.

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