What is the study about?
You are invited to participate in a study of the impact of COVID 19 on teachers. We hope to determine the impact of COVID19 on teachers'
Wellbeing and stress levels professional practice and sense of self-efficacy and feelings of safety in the face to face environment
We plan to conduct up to 500 surveys. The survey is totally anonymous and will collect information about how you feel the changes to teaching practice due to COVID19 have affected your feeling of safety and wellbeing, sense of self efficacy and stress levels regarding your role as a teaching professional.
Do I have to participate?
Being part of this study is voluntary. If you want to be part of the study, we ask that you read the information below carefully. If you decide not to participate this will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other listed organisation.
Who is being asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because you are a qualified primary or secondary teacher in Australia and aged between 21 and 70.
What will I be asked to do?
If you want to take part in this study, we will ask you to complete an online anonymous survey which will involve approximately 10 minutes of your time. In this survey you will be asked questions about your how your teaching practiced has changed due to the COVID19 pandemic and how has this affected your sense of wellbeing, your stress levels and your sense of efficacy. You will also be asked general questions about what measures your school may be implementing to ensure a safe teaching environment for teachers and students. Please be aware that due to its anonymous nature, it will be impossible to delete any information provided by you in this survey upon submission.
What are the benefits?
We believe this study will provide an initial understanding of any anxiety teachers are feeling in terms of their safety, wellbeing and professional practice due to the COVID-19 crisis. As this work is so current it could be used to inform policy attempting to address these areas by schools, Government and peak bodies such as Teachers' Unions.
What are the risks?
With any study there are (1) risks we know about, (2) risks we do not know about, and (3) risks we do not expect. If you experience something that you are not sure about, please contact us immediately so we can discuss the best way to manage your concerns.
Dr Paulina Billett, Lead CI, (03) 5444 7241 or p.billett@latrob.edu.au
What if I need support?
While highly unlikely, there is a possibility of teachers becoming distressed in engaging with the impact of COVID-19 on their private and professional life. Should you require support, we have attached a short list of recommended services. These services are available Australia wide and are free of charge.
Beyond Blue Corona Virus Support service
Phone – 1800 512 348
Web- www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline
Phone – 13 11 14
Web- www.lifeline.org.au/
Suicide Call Back service
Phone - 1300 659 467
Web - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
Should you require support, we have attached a short list of recommended services. These services are available Australia wide and are free of charge
Beyond Blue Corona Virus Support service
Phone – 1800 512 348
Web- www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline
Phone – 13 11 14
Web- www.lifeline.org.au/
Suicide Call Back service
Phone - 1300 659 467
Web - https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
What will happen to information about me?
By clicking on the ‘I agree, start survey’ button, this tells us you want to take part in the study. As this survey is totally anonymous, we will collect, store and publish information as aggregates ensuring that we will not reveal who you are. All data will be retained for a period of five (5) years post publication date.
The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=106/.
The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Please be aware that due to its anonymous nature, it will be impossible to delete any information provided by you in this survey upon submission.
Will I hear about the results of the study?
Due to the anonymous nature of this survey it will be impossible to let you know about the results of this study, however information on publications can be requested from Dr Paulina Billett by emailing p.billett@latrobe.edu.au.
What if I change my mind?
If you no longer want to complete the questionnaire, simply close the web browser. If you change your mind after clicking on the ‘Submit’ button, we cannot withdraw your responses because we cannot link who you are with your questionnaire responses.
Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed.
Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact Dr Paulina Billett, Lead CI, (03) 5444 7241 or p.billett@latrob.edu.au
By clicking on the ‘I agree, start survey’ button, this tells us you want to take part in the study. As this survey is totally anonymous, we will collect, store and publish information as aggregates ensuring that we will not reveal who you are. All data will be retained for a period of five (5) years post publication date.
The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=106/.
The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Please be aware that due to its anonymous nature, it will be impossible to delete any information provided by you in this survey upon submission.
Will I hear about the results of the study?
Due to the anonymous nature of this survey it will be impossible to let you know about the results of this study, however information on publications can be requested from Dr Paulina Billett by emailing p.billett@latrobe.edu.au.
What if I change my mind?
If you no longer want to complete the questionnaire, simply close the web browser. If you change your mind after clicking on the ‘Submit’ button, we cannot withdraw your responses because we cannot link who you are with your questionnaire responses.
Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed.
Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact Dr Paulina Billett, Lead CI, (03) 5444 7241 or p.billett@latrob.edu.au
What if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact: Senior Research Ethics Officer +61 3 9479 1443 and quote Ethics Reference Number HEC-20169 and 20203059-4485.
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact: Senior Research Ethics Officer +61 3 9479 1443 and quote Ethics Reference Number HEC-20169 and 20203059-4485.

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