Research Conversation: Developing Staff Efficacy

Sports are full of inspiring stories where belief propels struggling teams to national championships. But this kind of belief isn’t confined to the court or field—it’s just as transformative in education. When teachers and staff unite around a shared belief that they can make a difference, they create a winning culture that drives meaningful change.

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education, explore the critical concept of staff efficacy. They break down what staff efficacy means, how it shows up in everyday classroom practices, and why it’s a game-changer for school districts. The discussion dives into the benefits of cultivating staff efficacy, the challenges leaders face, and how building a culture of ownership and belief empowers educators and students alike.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation—it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to create a thriving environment for learning and growth in their district.

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Tool for reflecting and evaluating what’s working for efficacy: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/lim_csh_staffbooster?x=o9jVc2

Episode Citations:

Protheroe, N. (2008). Teacher efficacy: What is it and does it matter? National Association of Elementary School Principals. https://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/resources/1/Pdfs/Teacher_Efficacy_What_is_it_and_Does_it_Matter.pdf

Li, S. (2023). The effect of teacher self-efficacy, teacher resilience, and emotion regulation on teacher burnout: a mediation model. Frontiers in Psychology (14). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1185079

Hipp, K. (1996). Teacher Efficacy: Influence of Principal Leadership Behavior. Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1174222

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:28) Introduction

(00:29 - 02:37) Defining Staff Efficacy

(02:38 - 06:24) Real-Life Examples

(06:25 - 10:24) Why Does It Matter?

(10:25 - 17:15) Barriers to Developing Efficacy

(17:16 - 21:00) The Role of Leadership

(21:01 - 21:47) Starts with the Individual

(21:48 - 22:25) Closing