Secondary Trauma Among K-12 Educators in Urban School Districts

Date of Award

Summer 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD)

Committee Chair

Bora Pajo

Committee Member

Donis Toler

Committee Member

John Suozzi

Abstract

This study explores how 20 educators from Central Ohio navigate the repercussions of secondary trauma stemming from their students' experiences and its impact on both their personal and professional lives. Participants, including 17 teachers and three school administrators, engaged in semi-structured qualitative Zoom interviews exploring their encounters with trauma, existing support systems, and aspirations for system improvements. The findings underscore educators' call for more structured support within their school environments and increased involvement and backing from school districts, particularly concerning mental health initiatives. This research sheds light on the challenges educators face in balancing student needs and personal well-being amid continuous exposure to trauma, emphasizing the importance of further studies across diverse educator populations and school districts.

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