From values to action: the role of personal and social values in shaping K−12 teachers' wellbeing and professional outcomes

Abstract

This systematic review explores the values upheld by K−12 teachers, examining their impact on teachers' wellbeing and their professional outcomes. Anchored in Schwartz's theory of human values, this study investigates the close and complex relationships between teachers' core values—namely, conservation, openness to change, self-transcendence, and self-enhancement—and their subsequent influence on wellbeing and professional outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and educational leaders, offering a framework for fostering environments that help teachers cultivate values conducive to their wellbeing and professional success. The results serve as a guide for the development of policies and educational strategies that aim to enhance teacher satisfaction, promote teaching self-efficacy, and optimize classroom management practices.