What does this research mean for the field?

Teacher wellbeing needs evolve across career stages—with early-career teachers prioritizing social connection, mid-career teachers emphasizing recognition, and late-career teachers valuing professional contribution—indicating that universal, one-size-fits-all wellbeing initiatives are inadequate. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify specific activities that in-service teachers perceive as beneficial to their wellbeing and compare these priorities across early-, mid-, and late-career stages.

August 30, 2026Teaching and Teacher EducationOpen Access

Connection, control, and competence: A career-stage perspective on teacher wellbeing

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To identify specific activities that in-service teachers perceive as beneficial to their wellbeing and compare these priorities across early-, mid-, and late-career stages.
Analyzed open-ended survey responses from N=138 primary and secondary school teachers in Australia.
Conducted thematic analysis using self-determination theory, evaluating the fundamental psychological needs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence across career stages.
Collegial support and workload management were universally identified as essential for teacher wellbeing across all career stages.
Stage-specific differences emerged: early-career teachers prioritized social connection, mid-career teachers placed greater value on professional recognition and leadership support, and late-career teachers focused on structured collaboration and meaningful contribution.

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals distinct wellbeing needs across career stages in school teachers, indicating that tailored professional support strategies are needed rather than universal initiatives.

Cite This Study

Vo et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a93f0b06c1a8fb52e79d028 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2026.105799

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Implication

Qualitative study reveals distinct wellbeing needs across career stages in school teachers, indicating that tailored professional support strategies are needed rather than universal initiatives.

Connection, control, and competence: A career-stage perspective on teacher wellbeing

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Connection, control, and competence: A career-stage perspective on teacher wellbeing

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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