FlourishED: Stress Management and Well-Being Strategies for Preservice Teachers
FlourishED is a web-based well-being module designed to address a gap in teacher preparation, where preservice teachers are expected to manage stress but often receive limited direct instruction in well-being practices (Schonert-Reichl et al., 2017 ), despite high levels of stress, burnout, and attrition in the profession (Agyapong et al., 2022 ). To address this problem, an instructional module was designed using the PERMA framework and evidence-based practices from positive psychology, including gratitude exercises (e.g., Three Good Things) (Seligman, 2011), breathing strategies (HeartMath, 2016), and AI-guided meditation to support personalized reflection and stress reduction.
The module was evaluated through usability testing and attitudinal and learning assessments. Usability testing (n = 3) involved task-based navigation to identify issues in structure and clarity, resulting in revisions to layout and instructions. Learning and attitudinal data were collected from participants (n = 15) using pre- and post-surveys measuring awareness, confidence, and perceived ability to apply well-being strategies. Results indicated improvements in participants’ understanding of stress management techniques and increased confidence in their ability to apply these strategies. Findings suggest the module was effective in addressing the identified problem, with recommendations for future work including expanding sample size, refining content, and further exploring personalization in well-being instruction.
Justice Kanaulu, LTEC Student, University of Hawaiʻi, US
Justice Kanaulu is an MEd candidate in the Department of Learning Design & Technology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His professional experience includes service as a public school teacher on the island of O‘ahu, where he supported diverse learners in secondary classrooms. Justice previously served as an Education Specialist with the Hawai‘i Positive Engagement Project (H-PEP): SPARK Aloha!, where he led the Parent Hui to foster positive parent–keiki engagement and facilitated community bookmaking workshops using the SHELLS+ model (Storytelling for the Home Enrichment of Language and Literacy Skills).
Justice currently works with Project Hoʻokuʻi, a college-and-career support initiative that helps high school students meet academic qualifications, access early college opportunities, and receive mentoring around cultural, academic, and career development.
In his role, Justice provides mentorship to high school and college-age students, helping guide them through academic planning, career exploration, cultural connection, and personal growth as they prepare for postsecondary success.
