School Administrators’ Experiences in a 6-Month Well-Being Pilot Program

Abstract

This descriptive study explored the influence of a 6-month well-being intervention on the leadership–life balance of school administrators. After completing the program, 12 administrators participated in a semistructured interview focused on their administrative duties, experience in the program, and changes in health-related knowledge/skills and behaviors. Investigators conducted a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. The inductive process of data analysis comprised sorting, categorizing, and connecting the data via coding the data texts. Overall, administrators were successful in making health-related behavior change due to accountability, social support, and use of a fitness tracker during the 6-month program. Administrators also experienced reduced stress due to these changes. Engagement in this program can help school administrators find a leadership–life balance.

School Administrators' Experiences in a 6‐Month Health and Wellness Community of Practice

“…Due to the stress of their work responsibilities, school administrators are at risk for engaging in unhealthy behaviors including poor food choices and sedentary lifestyles 6,8 . The long work hours and poor working conditions are correlated with an assortment of health issues, such as increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and anxiety 9 .…”

“…The benefits of learning wellness behaviors extend beyond the individual school administrator to the greater school community. Schools are an ideal place to promote health and facilitate wellness in the staff and students, because they are well‐equipped with resources, facilities, and a unique set of experts 2,8,12 . School administrators serve as leaders who have the responsibility to model healthy behaviors and develop a healthy school climate 12 .…”

“…Developing healthy schools, then, requires school administrators to use and mentor self‐directed strategies to become aware and make needed choices. Fitness trackers can serve as an accessible tool to help school administrators promote wellness in themselves and in their school communities 8,15 . These trackers have features that promote their users to become aware of physical activity and sleep habits, in order to make healthier decisions.…”

“…These trackers have features that promote their users to become aware of physical activity and sleep habits, in order to make healthier decisions. For example, these devices allow one to be more self‐directed, allowing users to set goals, self‐monitor their progress, and connect with others using a mobile app 8,15 …”

“…Waldron et al 8 recently examined the effect of a 6‐month well‐being pilot program provided by the School Administrators of Iowa 18 called CatchLife. Twelve school administrators used the Polar A360 tracker to monitor their health and well‐being.…”