Design of Teachers’ Wellness Program: The Experience of Filipino School Principals

This study was conceptualized to identify how Filipino school principals designed a wellness program as basis for general guidelines for the design of teachers’ wellness program. The researchers used descriptive method, particularly case study method of research. Five public elementary school principals with implemented teachers' wellness programs were chosen as the participants of the study. Instruments used to gather data were prepared by the researchers and has been validated by the experts in the field. Participants were asked to answer questions through interviews. From the results of the interview different strategies emerged and were considered to make the program more effective and successful to the participants such as needs assessments, stakeholders’ involvement, listening to the stakeholders, stakeholders’ consultations, establishment of committee and gathering of resources. As to the outcome of the program, happiness, a healthy lifestyle, a positive attitude, professional growth, and dimensions of wellness should be considered. Stakeholders’ involvement and their willingness make the program possible, successful and well-managed. Their expertise, time and commitment strengthen the program as well as the camaraderie of the stakeholders. The leadership style of the principals also plays a big role to make the program properly designed, implemented and managed. They have the power to influence or make the teachers motivated and committed to their work.   Keywords: Guidelines, Principals, Program design, Stress, Teacher wellness