The Power of Shared Values: Why Belonging Matters in Teaching
Hey friend,
Ever felt like you’re standing in a room full of people, yet still feel completely alone? Or maybe you’ve sat in a staff meeting thinking, “Does anyone else even care about what I care about?” If you’ve been there—yep, me too.
Turns out, this isn’t just in your head. According to a recent study on shared values in the teaching profession, that sense of belonging—or not—has a profound impact on how we show up, how we teach, and whether we even stick around in the profession at all. Let’s unpack this together.
Why Belonging and Values Matter
Being a teacher is more than lesson plans and grading papers. It’s an emotional journey. Research shows that teachers who feel aligned with their school’s values and who experience social support from colleagues and leadership are more likely to feel engaged, satisfied, and—importantly—like they belong.
That belonging piece? It’s not just a feel-good buzzword. It’s a fundamental human need (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). When it’s met, teachers thrive. When it’s missing, even the most passionate educators can find themselves inching closer to burnout or the exit door.
Shared Values: The Secret Sauce
Let’s get real: Schools can be messy. Teachers bring their own teaching philosophies, ideas about what’s important, and different ways of engaging with students. That diversity is beautiful—but it can also be a breeding ground for conflict if we don’t have some shared values to anchor us.
This study highlights that when teachers feel like their values align with those of their colleagues and school leadership, they’re more likely to experience supportive relationships. And it’s not just warm fuzzies—this alignment actually fuels job satisfaction, engagement, and even the desire to stick around.
Think about it: When you believe in what your school is doing, every tough day feels a little more worth it. And when you don’t? Every minor inconvenience can feel like the final straw.
The Power of Social Support
It’s not just about values on paper—it’s about people. The study found that social support from both colleagues and leadership is a huge factor in how teachers experience their work.
Here’s what that looks like in real life:
A principal who backs you up when a parent is upset.
A colleague who shares their lesson plans without hesitation.
A team that brainstorms together to solve a problem instead of working in silos.
When teachers feel that kind of support, it’s easier to collaborate, innovate, and grow together. Social support and shared values work in tandem—like brushstrokes on a canvas—creating a culture of trust and belonging.
The Ripple Effect: Engagement and Job Satisfaction
When teachers feel connected—to each other and to the school’s vision—it’s like a battery recharge. The study found that job satisfaction and engagement are closely linked to both shared values and social support.
Imagine walking into your art room every day with a sense of purpose, knowing you’re surrounded by colleagues who share your passion and values. That energy shows up in your teaching, your relationships with students, and even how you handle the tough days.
A Two-Way Street
Here’s the part I love most: The study suggests that shared values and social support are not just correlated—they influence each other.
Think of it like this: When you work in a supportive environment, it’s easier to develop shared values through collaboration and open dialogue. And when you share values, you’re more likely to foster a supportive environment.
It’s a cycle that feeds itself—one that can be built intentionally with just a little effort.
What This Means for Us
So, what does all this research mean for you and me? It’s a reminder that:
-Building trust and support with colleagues matters—invite them into your creative process.
-Reflecting on your school’s values and how they align with your own can bring clarity and direction.
-Small actions—like sharing a resource, offering a listening ear, or standing up for a colleague—can create ripples of support and belonging.
Finding Our Place
Teaching is a deeply human profession. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes lonely. But it’s also full of potential for connection, growth, and meaning—if we take the time to build the kind of environment where we all feel like we belong.
So here’s my invitation to you: Let’s be the teachers who champion each other. Let’s build bridges between values, beliefs, and hearts. Let’s create the kind of schools where every artist, educator, and student knows they’re not alone.
Want to dive deeper? Let’s keep this conversation going. What values matter most to you in your teaching practice? How do you create a sense of belonging in your classroom? Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.