The Impact of Teacher-Pupil Conflict on Staff Wellbeing: A Case Study

Abstract

Wellbeing has become a priority in education. Schools have been identified as having a vital role in the promotion of wellbeing of all children and young people. Education is key to equipping children and young people with the knowledge, skills and competencies to deal with challenges that impact on their wellbeing. In order for this to become a reality teachers need to be equipped with the necessary training. In addition to this, their own wellbeing must be prioritised alongside the wellbeing of their students. This case study investigates the impact that teacher-pupil conflict has on staff wellbeing. The research conducted is qualitative in nature with the research data being collected from a focus group and interviews. The research findings indicate that the impact of conflict with pupils is alleviated by collegial support and strong relationships between pupils and their teachers. The findings showed that conflict is also minimised by effective leadership. Effective leaders, according to the data, ensure that policies and procedures are devised with stakeholders and are consistently used across the school. Effective communication was also found to be a contributing factor towards minimising and resolving conflict. Such priorities, when highlighted by schools, were found to lessen conflict amoung teachers and pupils, thus affecting teacher wellbeing positively. Where teacher wellbeing is not highlighted as a priority, teachers run the risk of burn-out from all that is expected of them in what is an increasingly demanding career. The factors that impact teacher wellbeing are explored in this study. The implications of the findings are outlined, and appropriate suggestions are mentioned to guide schools into creating an environment that seeks to alleviate conflict between teachers and pupils that is beneficial to all parties, while maintaining the wellbeing of those involved and the integrity of relationships. The findings of the case study underline the need for formal support for teachers whose wellbeing can be impacted by conflict with pupils. CPD focused specifically on staff wellbeing, as well as specific training for trainee teachers, on how best to navigate conflict with pupils while keeping wellbeing intact would benefit school communities. Leadership that prioritises effective communication, positive relationships and consistency would help protect teacher wellbeing, and in turn the wellbeing of pupils.