Health and well-being hub

This guide addresses the impact of COVID-19 on schools and the importance of unionization during crises. It consists of two parts: one focusing on COVID-19-related concepts and the other on trade unionism in the context of the pandemic. The guide aims to provide essential information that authorities have overlooked and to emphasize the critical role of unions in advocating for teachers' rights.

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Publisher: Syndicat des Enseignants du Congo Fédération nationale des enseignants du Congo Centrale de l’Education Nationale et de la Recherche Scientifique
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Year of publication: 2020

Region: Africa
Topics: Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in: French
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type: Downloadable file

The Education and Solidarity Network organized this webinar to discuss Universal Health Coverage and the role of educational communities in this mobilization for #HealthForAll. The event highlighted the challenges of Universal Health Coverage, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the interdependence between health and education. Key speakers, including representatives from mutual benefit societies and educational unions, shared insights on obstacles to implementation, advocacy actions, and the importance of maintaining safe and dignified working conditions for educators.

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Publisher: Education and Solidarity Network (ESN)
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Colombia Canada
Year of publication: 2020

Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type: Video

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2020 reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the mental health of UK education staff, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. The report highlights the challenges of transitioning to online teaching, managing pupil behavior, and dealing with personal safety concerns. Despite some improvements in workplace culture and organizational support, the overall wellbeing of education staff remains a critical issue, requiring urgent action to enhance working conditions and support systems to address these pandemic-related challenges effectively.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2020

Region: Europe
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Peer relationships Physical health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education: Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Resource type: Downloadable file

The reportoutlines a nationwide effort to confront the growing impact of trauma on students and educators. Sparked by a leadership meeting in 2019, the report captures insights from a convening of 39 state affiliates, aiming to understand current approaches, build a shared framework, and recommend actionable steps. It emphasizes the complexity of trauma’s root causes and highlights strategies such as educator training, legislative advocacy, and community partnerships.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA) National Council of State Education Associations
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2019

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities
Resource type: Downloadable file

The article explores how schools like Dora Moore in Denver are transforming discipline through community-building strategies such as peace circles, daily check-ins, and conflict-resolution walks. These restorative practices foster stronger relationships between students and educators, replacing punitive approaches with kindness and understanding. Supported by a major NEA grant, Dora Moore has become a model for other schools nationwide, demonstrating how restorative methods can reduce racial disparities in discipline and create more inclusive, supportive learning environments.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2019

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

The publication "Salud y Condiciones de Trabajo de las/os Trabajadoras/es de la Educación de la Argentina" by CTERA presents the findings of a national survey on the health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina. It highlights the economic and physical challenges faced by educators, such as low salaries, multiple job roles, and inadequate school infrastructure. The survey emphasizes the need for better working conditions, including regular maintenance of school facilities, access to clean water, and proper heating and cooling systems.

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Publisher: Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Latin America
Topics: Physical health Working conditions
Available in: Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

The report highlights the challenges faced by teachers in managing reproductive health matters within the constraints of the school year and existing sick leave schemes. The report reveals that many teachers experience difficulties in scheduling appointments and treatments, often resorting to using school closures or personal leave. It emphasizes the need for a dedicated reproductive health leave scheme to support teachers, reduce stress, and ensure privacy.

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Europe
Topics: Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

The charter outlines key principles and strategies to promote mental wellbeing among school and college staff. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe workplace, providing support from colleagues and managers, ensuring fair and equal treatment, establishing clear procedures and roles, allowing personal and social time, and conducting stress risk assessments. The charter aims to integrate mental health considerations into the culture, organization, and management of educational institutions.

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Publisher: National Education Union
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Europe
Topics: Mental health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Resource type: Downloadable file

The NASUWT guide on risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour provides essential advice for education employers on their legal duties to protect staff from violence and abuse. It outlines the procedures that schools can follow to tackle disruptive and violent behaviour, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing control measures, and sharing relevant information with staff. The guide also highlights the detrimental impact of violent incidents on staff wellbeing and school environments, and stresses the need for effective behaviour policies to ensure a safe and supportive workplace for both staff and pupils. The NASUWT has produced tailored guidance for members from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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Publisher: NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Europe
Topics: Safety Violence and harassment
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

The interview discusses the mental health challenges faced by education personnel, emphasizing the importance of holistic, person-centered care and the role of unions in advocating for better mental health support. The interviewees highlight the need for systemic changes to address workload, stress, and the performativity culture in schools, aiming to improve the overall well-being of teachers and education staff

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Publisher: NASUWT - The Teachers' Union Teachers Health Group MGEN EI
Country: United Kingdom Australia
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Europe Asia Pacific
Topics: Mental health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type: Downloadable file

The interview explores the challenges and recognition of education support personnel, highlighting differences between France and Quebec. Key issues include professional recognition, working conditions, and the role of unions in advocating for these personnel. The interview underscores the importance of acknowledging the diverse roles and contributions of ESP in the educational system.

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Publisher: Education and Solidarity Network (ESN)
Country: France Canada
Year of publication: 2019

Region: North America and the Caribbean Europe
Topics: Physical health Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in: French
Categories of staff: Education support personnel
Resource type: Downloadable file

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The Teacher Wellbeing Index – 2019 paints a concerning portrait of the emotional toll faced by the UK education workforce. Highlighted are elevated stress levels, particularly among senior leaders, widespread symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and mental health concerns, and alarming patterns of presenteeism. Excessive workload, poor work–life balance, and student behavioral challenges emerge as key contributors. Yet, resilience remains evident among many professionals, while gaps persist in access to and confidence in seeking support.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2019

Region: Europe
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Peer relationships Physical health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education: Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Resource type: Downloadable file

Resolution on wellbeing for quality education, adopted in 2019 by the 8th EI World Congress. The resolution highlights the critical role of quality education in the wellbeing of children and young people, emphasizing the need for investment in mental health support for students and education personnel.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2019

Topics: Mental health Working conditions Workload
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities Indigenous Peoples LGBTIQA+ Women
Resource type: Web page

This publication collects a series of articles that examine the critical relationship between teachers' working conditions and their physical and mental health. It highlights the growing stress and pressure faced by educators due to neoliberal education policies, increased workloads, and precarious employment. Through diverse contributions from Latin American educators and researchers, the publication underscores how systemic issues, such as privatization and market-driven reforms, have led to deteriorating health outcomes among teachers.

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Publisher: Red SEPA (Social para la Educación Pública en América)
Country: Argentina Brazil Mexico
Year of publication: 2018

Region: Latin America
Topics: Mental health Physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in: Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

The article provides practical tips on maintaining health and stamina during walkouts and protests. It emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, staying hydrated, protecting one's voice, staying fit, and managing stress.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2018

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub Education International’s resource center

Showing 106 Resources Filtered by:

Let’s unionize to strengthen our organizations during the crisis

Educational communities mobilize for universal health coverage

Teacher wellbeing index - 2020

Addressing the epidemic of trauma in schools

How restorative practices work for students and educators

Health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina: CTERA national survey

Reproductive related health matters: INTO member survey report

Mental health charter

Risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour

Joint interview: NASUWT and Teachers Health on mental health

School support staff: Education includes them too

Teacher wellbeing index - 2019

Teacher and education support personnel’s mental health - Resolution from the 8th World Congress

Working conditions and teacher health

Stand up, speak out, stay healthy