Do my students think I am racist? Effects on teacher self-efficacy, stress, job satisfaction and supporting students in culturally diverse classrooms

Abstract

Schools are an important context of intergroup contact between culturally diverse teachers and students, where intergroup anxiety may occur. Using survey data from school teachers in Germany, this study aimed to extend research on intergroup anxiety by investigating the concern about appearing racist as a potential risk factor for teachers' well-being and functioning in culturally diverse classrooms. The findings suggest that teachers who are more concerned about appearing racist also experience more stress and less self-efficacy teaching in culturally diverse classrooms. This can reduce their job satisfaction, and also affect their ability to support their students’ needs in the classroom.