Who's Most at Risk? Examining Suicide Characteristics in Primary and Secondary Educators

Educators are facing unprecedented pressures inside and outside of the classroom. While much has been learned about the wellbeing of primary and secondary students, educators' health and welfare remains less studied. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of educator suicide in the United States, addressing gaps in the literature by exploring demographic risk factors, temporal dynamics, and methods. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) was used to investigate suicide characteristics in primary and secondary educators from 2018 to 2021. Suicides were significantly higher in male, white, and unpartnered educators. Males died by suicide at older ages than female educators. Educators were more likely to die by suicide during school hours (9 a.m.−3 p.m.) and less likely in the early morning hours (12−6 a.m.). Suicides peaked on Monday and were lower on weekends compared to weekdays, suggesting occupation-related influences. There was no significant difference in suicides by month, year, or by season. Educators were more likely to die by suicide using firearms than other methods. These findings offer school practitioners empirical evidence to develop targeted prevention strategies, enhance intervention timing, and provide appropriate support for at-risk groups to enhance the well-being of educators.