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The Educational Review, USA

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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/er.2025.11.002

Identity Formation and Burnout Among Trauma-exposed Teachers: Preliminary Findings on Motivation, Resilience, and Well-being

Lipaz Shamoa-Nir

Zefat Academic College, Safed 1320611, Israel.

*Corresponding author: Lipaz Shamoa-Nir

Published: December 3,2025

Abstract

This study presents preliminary findings from a broader research exploring the relationships between professional identity, motivation, resilience, and burnout among Israeli teachers who have been exposed to mass trauma. Through in-depth interviews, participants who experienced the October 7, 2023, attacks shared their experiences of ongoing processes of redefining their professional roles in the aftermath of trauma. Teachers reported that exposure to these events prompted profound reflection on their personal values, sense of purpose, and future career intentions. Burnout was described not only as a response to sustained stress but also as a catalyst for introspection, enabling teachers to reassess their priorities, establish personal and professional boundaries, and actively reconstruct their professional identity. These findings illuminate the ways in which teachers sustain their professional commitment during times of crisis. Moreover, the study demonstrates how challenging circumstances contribute to the ongoing formation of professional identity and adaptive strategies within educational contexts.

Keywords

Teacher identity; burnout; motivation; resilience; well-being; trauma; professional development

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How to cite this paper

Identity Formation and Burnout Among Trauma-exposed Teachers: Preliminary Findings on Motivation, Resilience, and Well-being

How to cite this paper: Lipaz Shamoa-Nir. (2025). Identity Formation and Burnout Among Trauma-exposed Teachers: Preliminary Findings on Motivation, Resilience, and Well-being. The Educational Review, USA9(11), 895-901.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/er.2025.11.002