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Abstract

Teacher wellbeing is an increasingly important area of research in the realm of education. Burnout and attrition are often highlighted as common issues in the teaching profession. The literature related to teacher wellbeing is mainly comprised of deficit-based research, leaving gaps in strengths-based approaches and teacher perspectives. We surveyed 33 teachers using an open-ended, on-line survey to explore what teachers are choosing to do in order to experience wellbeing at work; in order to remain calm in the face of chaos. Prioritizing, outlook, boundaries, and fostering connections were the main themes generated from the interpretation and analysis of their responses, providing examples of ways in which teachers seem to be activating resilience by protecting and creating wellbeing at work.