Helping Language Teachers to Thrive: Using Positive Psychology to Promote Teachers’ Professional Well-Being

Abstract

In the field of language learning psychology (LLP), research has tended to focus on the learner with comparatively little attention paid to understanding teacher psychology and what helps promote teachers’ professional well-being. In this paper, we begin by reviewing research which shows the central role played by teacher psychology, not only for themselves but also for their learners. We consider insights specific to the field of SLA and identify gaps in the knowledge base about teacher psychology, which we argue needs expanding and complexifying. Then, drawing on insights from positive psychology, we discuss approaches which can help to esteem, protect and support language teachers working in this rewarding but demanding profession. The paper concludes by calling for more teacher-centredness in LLP research and suggests a role for positive psychology in promoting the professional well-being of language teachers in a range of settings.