Abstract
This study examines the impact of student behaviors on teacher stress and the potential for integrating OT services in the general education classroom. Findings highlight a need for OT services to improve student outcomes and teacher well-being.
Primary Author and Speaker: Glenda E. Hux
Classroom behaviors influence classroom dynamics and student outcomes. This study explored the impact of classroom behaviors in six elementary classrooms, focusing on how behaviors contribute to teacher stress and interprofessional education by integrating OTD students with teacher candidates in a school with limited access to OT services. A mixed methods design was used (phenomenological observations, qualitative semi-structured interviews, and a needs assessment based on the socioecological model). Six entry-level OTD student pairs were assigned to six general education classrooms and six teacher candidate/mentor pairs. The observations aimed to capture classroom dynamics without disrupting daily routines and identify contributing factors to teacher stress. Detailed field notes focused on interactions, behavioral patterns, and contextual factors. Semi-structured interviews provided deeper insights into personal and professional experiences, while the needs assessment identified teacher stressors within a broader socioecological context. Key findings: Teachers and teacher candidates did not recognize the potential benefits of OT interventions in managing behavioral challenges and were unclear on how to integrate OT services. Key themes included the need for better understanding of OTP’s roles, heightened teacher stress, the importance of interprofessional education, and the untapped potential for OT to help mitigate teacher stressors in the school. The findings underscore the critical need for interprofessional collaboration to address teacher stress. Integrating OT services in general education classrooms can enhance teacher well-being and improve student outcomes. This study advocates for targeted interprofessional education to bridge gaps in understanding and foster effective collaboration. Promoting interprofessional education supports collaboration, leading to healthier educational environments and contributing to school-level population health.
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