JumpStart International Dot Day (9/15/25)

QUOTE:  "Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better." (Albert Camus)

Autonomy & Agency: Strengthening Educator Well-Being

As educators, we often face unique pressures that test not only our professional skills but also our inner resources. Edward Deci & Richard Ryan, leading thinkers in this area, have emphasized the importance of autonomy & agency as a cornerstone of resilience and long-term effectiveness in teaching and school leadership. Their work highlights that this need is not a luxury—it’s essential for both educators’ well-being and their ability to serve students effectively.

Autonomy and agency in schools mean that educators are trusted as professionals to make meaningful decisions about their work and are empowered to act on those decisions. Autonomy is the freedom teachers and staff have to use their professional judgment—whether that’s choosing instructional strategies, designing classroom routines, or managing their time in ways that support both students and themselves.

Agency goes a step further: it’s the sense of ownership and responsibility that comes from being able to influence outcomes, solve problems, and shape the school culture. For adults in schools, autonomy and agency look like administrators supporting teacher voice in decision-making, collaborative teams setting their own goals, and educators feeling confident to adapt curriculum or practices based on student needs. When autonomy and agency are present, adults in schools feel valued, motivated, and engaged—creating conditions where both educators and students can thrive.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Educators can often sense when their autonomy & agency is lacking. Signs might include:

• A growing sense of exhaustion or overwhelm that feels harder to shake.
• Negative or rigid thought patterns that make small challenges feel insurmountable.
• Emotional withdrawal from colleagues or students as a protective mechanism.
• Difficulty sustaining joy, curiosity, or compassion in daily interactions.
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If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, it may be an indication that focusing on autonomy & agency could make a meaningful difference.

A Strategy You Can Use Right Away

Edward Deci & Richard Ryan recommend actionable steps that educators can begin practicing immediately. One effective strategy is this:

• Step 1: Pause and identify the specific moment or trigger where stress or difficulty arises.
  Notice your heart rate increase and shoulders tense when the principal suddenly walks into the classroom during a lesson observation.
  
• Step 2: Name the thought or emotion you are experiencing without judgment.
  Silently says to yourself: “I’m feeling anxious and self-conscious right now.”
• Step 3: Reframe or regulate the moment using a proven tool.
  Take a slow breath in and out, reminding yourself: “This is an opportunity to showcase my strengths, not a test of my worth.”
• Step 4: Anchor the experience by noticing any shift in energy, relief, or clarity.
  Feel your shoulders relax slightly and a sense of focus returns, allowing you to re-engage with students instead of worrying about the observation.

• Step 5: Commit to repeating this practice daily for small, sustainable change.
  Decide to practice this five-step check-in each morning before school and during stressful transitions (like before parent emails or staff meetings), building resilience through repetition.

Why This Matters

Prioritizing autonomy & agency is not just about avoiding burnout; it’s about building a foundation where educators can thrive. When teachers and administrators strengthen this capacity, they model resilience and authenticity for their students, creating classrooms and schools that are healthier and more supportive for everyone.
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DAD JOKE:  What did the drummer name his twin daughters?  Anna 1, Anna2