Pathology

Archaeology

Disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Medical education

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Clinical psychology

Pandemic

History

Stressor

Mental health

Psychiatry

Psychology

Charter

Medicine

Coping (psychology)

School Psychology Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant demands on teachers. The current study uses needs assessment data gathered from 454 New Orleans charter school teachers (81% women; 55% Black; 73% regular education) during the first months of the pandemic. On average, teachers experienced seven stressors (out of 18 surveyed) and four protective factors (out of six surveyed). Teachers who experienced more stressors reported worse mental health and found it harder to cope and teach. Experiencing more protective factors was associated with finding it easier to cope and teach. In comparison to White teachers, Black teachers reported better mental health, more protective factors, less of a negative impact of stressors, and more of a positive impact of protective factors. Lack of connection and online teaching challenges were the most difficult aspects of teaching during the pandemic; support from coworkers and administrators were the most helpful. Recommendations to support teachers are discussed.

The Experience of COVID-19 and Its Impact on Teachers’ Mental Health, Coping, and Teaching