Teachers’ Resilience and Burnout in the United Arab Emirates: Teaching Through the COVID- 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Many factors contributed to resilience and burnout among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as educators were forced to respond quickly to unexpected and unmanageable job demands and stressors. This research investigates the factors perceived by expatriate teachers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that influenced resilience and burnout one year from the start of the pandemic. The study observed n = 529 expatriate teachers spread across three distinct waves of data collection as schools transitioned from online to in-person education delivery in the UAE. A series of structural equation model analyses examined the relationships between latent variables of supportive and challenge factors with outcomes of resilience and burnout. Results highlight that supportive organizational environments were directly associated with higher resilience and indirectly with lower burnout scores across all three samples. Together, the results suggest that characteristics of the organizational environment should be viewed as key influencing factors in the development of teachers’ resilience. Thus, resilience interventions should go beyond individualistic approaches and include organizational factors. Additionally, education policies should prioritize creating work environments where emotional resources are available; leadership is perceived as supportive, fair, and accepting; and teachers are proud to be employed.

An Examination of the Connections Between Visual Communication and Pop Culture

“…Logos, which frequently represent several entities, function as visual signs that convey brands, an further embodying a sense of identity and epitomes. According to Bryan & von Suchodoletz (2023), the flags serve as potent visual symbols of both national pride, patriotism and togetherness, deeply rooted in historical and cultural contexts. Arabic calligraphy is a distinctive cultural manifestation that connects historical and contemporary periods, owing to its intricate and innovative aesthetic characteristics (Mohamed, 2015).…”

“…Moreover, transmitting popular culture through visual media can challenge or reinforce prevailing cultural norms and values. Bryan & von Suchodoletz (2023) emphasized the role of visual elements in popular culture, including renowned images, symbols, and characters, in conveying meaningful details on gender, race, class, and various dimensions of identity. The depiction of multiple identities and perspectives in popular culture has the potential to foster inclusivity and initiate meaningful discussions surrounding pertinent societal issues.…”

“…Due to limitations on physical connectivity, virtual communication has emerged as the predominant mode of contact. As Bryan & von Suchodoletz (2023) demonstrated, online films, virtual concerts, and virtual conventions are heavily dependent on visual elements to recreate enjoyable experiences and maintain audience engagement. In the contemporary digital era, the intricate interplay among popular culture, virtual communication, and visual communication undergoes ongoing transformations (Hopkyns, 2023).…”

“…Semiotic analysis enables the interpretation of how these codes contribute to forming visual language within popular culture. According to the scholarly work of Bryan & von Suchodoletz (2023) , semiotics places significant emphasis on the notion of intertextuality. The incorporation and recontextualization of established symbols and iconography in popular culture frequently give rise to intricate interactions of signification.…”

“…The primary tenet of Postmodernism revolves around recognizing and valuing pastiche and parody. According to Bryan & von Suchodoletz (2023), understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the functioning of popular culture within a postmodern context. The act of incorporating, blending, and reinterpreting elements from diverse cultural origins is prevalent within popular culture.…”