Vivências em torno do tema da morte: contribuição da psicologia escolar para professores de escola pública

Abstract

School Psychology addresses psychological processes within the educational environment, involving teachers, students, families, and the broader community. Law No. 13.935/2019 ensured psychologists' inclusion in the public education system, expanding their roles. Since teacher education, particularly in the final years of Elementary School, often emphasizes content over pedagogical approaches, sensitive issues like death remain difficult to address, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. This qualitative, exploratory study examined how public school teachers deal with the topic of death in their practice. Eight teachers with at least four years of experience participated, working in a mid-sized city in São Paulo state. Two conversation circles were conducted at their schools, recorded, and analyzed using Speech Analysis methodology. Four key themes emerged: the experience of death as a trigger to seek support resources; use of personal life experiences as reference; gaps in academic training; and expectations regarding the role of the school psychologist. The findings highlight the importance of including death, dying, and grief in teacher training programs, supported by theoretical and practical tools. They also underscore the need to broaden awareness of the psychologist’s role in schools and to encourage further studies involving the entire school community.