Social and Emotional Competencies of Elementary School Teachers in México

Abstract

Over the last few decades, interest in investigating teachers´ socio-emotional well-being has had considerable growth. There is strong evidence that demonstrates that the implementation of programs aimed at these purposes positively impacts teachers (educators) in different aspects, for example, in coping responses, life satisfaction, or work engagement. Despite what research suggests, there is a necessity for more rigorous studies that indicate the level of development of these competencies in teachers (school staff) and possible factors that influence their achievement. This study aimed to analyze the social and emotional competencies of a sample of 378 elementary school teachers from Zacatecas, Mexico, as well as to observe the mediating effect that some socio-demographic variables have in that process. Teachers completed the Cuestionario de Competencias Socioemocionales (CCSE), a self-report measure that showed a high teacher rating in the socio-emotional dimension of self-awareness, and a lower teacher rating in the socio-emotional dimensions of autonomy and empathy compared to selfawareness, self-regulation, and collaboration. In addition to that, the results of this study showed that variables such as years as an in-service teacher, experience in the implementations of social and emotional learning programs, and training background in the area altogether had a significant impact on the competencies development. These findings are considered to be relevant for the design of future interventions for both pre-service and in-service teachers.