Suffering in Silence: Mental Health and K - 12 African American female teachers.
Degree Date
12-3-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Fredrick Dressen
Second Advisor
Dr, Gwendolyn Peyton
Abstract
Research has indicated that African American female teachers face numerous struggles and barriers in the educational settings in and across the nation. Research has also indicated that these women are a valuable resource in schools, not only for Black students, but for all students. The systemic racism perpetuated by the dominant culture in these settings has an impact on the mental well-being of these educators. Findings from this study revealed experiences and frustrations within a system that promotes, protects, and preserves racism and in some cases sexism, which all participants seemed to have shared. This study also found that the participants' Blackness related to their individuality and sexuality caused them to have experiences which negatively impacted their mental well-being. Based on findings from this study, human resources must be more intentional when placing African American female teachers in educational settings. In order to attain and retain African American female teachers, it is recommended that administration listen to and believe their stories and their experiences. In doing so, my hope is that administrators will be able to better support their needs and begin to remove barriers faced by these teachers.