Ei-iE

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

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Region: Latin America
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Educator fatigue and burnout: When teacher exhaustion goes beyond the classroom

Opinion/commentary

This article explores the nature of teacher burnout, emphasizing that educator fatigue goes far beyond long hours or classroom stress. It highlights the emotional labor involved in teaching, managing relationships, regulating emotions, and coping with administrative overload, as key contributors to chronic exhaustion. Drawing on regional data from Latin America, it reveals how institutional conditions, social pressures, and lack of support exacerbate burnout.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Institute for the Future of Education
Country
Argentina Chile Ecuador Peru
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

The content and scope of the right to care and its interrelation with other rights: Inter-American Court of Human Rights advisory opinion.

Policy briefs and Policies

The Advisory Opinion OC-31/25, issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, explores the content and scope of the right to care and its interrelation with other human rights. The Court recognizes care as an autonomous human right, rooted in dignity and shared social and familial responsibility. It examines three dimensions, being cared for, caring for others, and self-care, and links them to principles of equality, non-discrimination, and solidarity. The opinion outlines state obligations to ensure care through public policies and legal frameworks, especially for vulnerable populations, and emphasizes its connection to economic, social, cultural, and environmental rights such as work, health, education, and social security.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Inter-American Court of Human Rights
Country
Costa Rica
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Social emotional skills Social protection Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Why Latin American teachers are fleeing the classrooms

Opinion/commentary

The video addresses the causes of chronic exhaustion affecting teachers in the region: administrative overload, precarious salary conditions, lack of resources, school violence, external pressures, among others. Through testimonies from teachers in different countries, interviews with specialists, and data reflecting the magnitude of the problem, it explores how this phenomenon not only jeopardizes the quality of education but also the sustainability of the educational system.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Deutsche Welle - DW Cómo te afecta
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Respect Right to disconnect and technology Salaries and remuneration Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

Teachers at the limit: The most mistreated profession in Latin America

Opinion/commentary

The article is based on the documentary of the Deutsche Welle (DW), "Why Latin American Teachers Are Fleeing the Classrooms." It discusses the severe challenges faced by teachers in Latin America, including physical and verbal aggression, chronic stress, and lack of family support. It highlights the increasing teacher attrition rates due to these issues, exacerbated by overcrowded classrooms and insufficient salaries. The article emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to support teachers, such as better working conditions, emotional training, and stronger collaboration between families and schools. The article includes a link to the documentary.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Maestro CMF
Year of publication
2025
Region
Latin America
Topics
Respect Right to disconnect and technology Salaries and remuneration Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

The reconfigurations of teaching work and the use of educational technologies in the post-pandemic

Research

This study explores how teaching work has been reshaped in Argentina following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the integration of educational technologies. Drawing on contributions from educators across various provinces and levels of education, the report analyzes the evolving nature of teaching practices, institutional conditions, and technological tools. For those interested in understanding the impact on teachers' wellbeing, Chapter 5.4: Technologies and Working Conditions and Chapter 5.5:Workload, Complexity, and Responsibility in Teaching Work are especially relevant, as they delve into workload, job complexity, and the challenges posed by digital tools in daily teaching routines.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2024
Region
Latin America
Topics
Right to disconnect and technology Working conditions Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Guide for the union representative on occupational health and safety committees

Guides

This guide serves as a practical tool for union delegates involved in occupational health and safety committees. It outlines the legal framework, roles, and responsibilities of delegates, and emphasizes the importance of active union participation in bipartite health and safety committees within educational institutions. The guide also includes relevant national decrees, strategies for improving workplace conditions, and resources to support the defense and promotion of workers' health rights.

Download resource in Spanish
Publisher
Federación Nacional de Profesores de Enseñanza Secundaria Comisión de Salud Laboral Área de Formación Sindical CEIFF
Country
Uruguay
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Risk and protective factors for non-communicable chronic diseases among primary education teachers

Research

" Fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre professores da educação básica": The article investigates the prevalence of risk and protective factors for noncommunicable chronic diseases among primary education teachers in Montes Claros, Brazil. Conducted in 2016, this cross-sectional study found that smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight, and mental health issues were common risk factors, while physical activity and a balanced diet were notable protective factors. The study also highlighted significant differences in these factors based on gender, age, and job satisfaction, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions to improve teachers' well-being and reduce the prevalence of NCDs in this population.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Leadership Physical health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Level of education
Primary education
Resource type
Web page

Quality of life: A well-lived future in the present

Opinion/commentary

"Qualidade de vida: Um futuro bem vivido no presente" highlights the journey of Ney Conceição Messias Junior, a former public school teacher who transformed his life through meditation and mindfulness. At 61, Ney combines intense physical activities with his work as a gerontology specialist, advocating for successful aging and quality of life. He emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional self-care, sharing his experiences of overcoming health issues through meditation.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2023
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are among the most common disorders affecting teachers, according to research

Opinion/commentary

"Ansiedade, depressão e desesperança estão entre os distúrbios que mais acometem os professores, aponta pesquisa": The article reveals that anxiety, depression, and hopelessness are among the most common disorders affecting teachers. Conducted with 714 education workers, the study highlights the impact of remote work on their emotional health, noting physical issues like vocal cord problems and repetitive strain injuries, as well as psychological issues such as chronic stress and burnout. The findings emphasize the need for better working conditions, mental health support, and the importance of addressing the root causes of these health problems rather than just treating the symptoms.

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Coaching-observing-reflecting-engaging (CORE) for teachers: A well-being and support intervention for teachers

Research

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The article describes an intervention aimed at supporting teachers' well-being and professional development through a holistic coaching model. The program, implemented in Colombia and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, focuses on three main areas: building teachers' social-emotional competencies, improving their well-being using mindfulness and acceptance techniques, and enhancing classroom management skills. The intervention includes continuous quality improvement-based coaching, where teachers receive individualized support and feedback

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) War Child Holland
Country
Colombia Palestine
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America Arab Countries
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Peer relationships Resources and conditions Safety Workload
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Migrants and refugees
Resource type
Downloadable file

“Social emotional development for teachers”: An innovative program to improve teacher well-being in El Salvador

Research

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership. The "Social Emotional Development for Teachers" program in El Salvador aims to enhance teacher well-being by addressing the significant social and emotional challenges they face, such as stress from gang violence and community insecurity. The program provides over 3,000 teachers with training in social-emotional learning strategies and mindfulness practices to help them manage their emotions and reduce stress. This initiative is designed to improve teachers' relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom and contributing to a more positive educational environment.

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) FHI360
Country
El Salvador
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Safety Social emotional skills
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file

National survey plan of educational institutions

Research

The National Survey Plan of Educational Institutions is a comprehensive initiative led by SADOP aimed at gathering detailed insights into the working conditions within educational institutions across Argentina. It collects the perspectives of educators and union representatives to assess infrastructure, health and safety risks, and labor rights compliance. The plan serves as a collective tool for generating knowledge and promoting union-led interventions to improve teaching environments. It emphasizes the importance of viewing schools as workplaces and advocates for dignified, healthy conditions to enhance educational quality.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

National survey ‘Tell us so we can take care of you’

Research

The document presents the findings of a national survey conducted by SADOP during April 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the impact of remote teaching on private school educators across Argentina, focusing on changes in working conditions, workload, emotional and physical health, and the challenges of balancing professional duties with domestic responsibilities. With over 8,000 respondents, the report highlights significant stress, overwork, and health issues, especially among women, due to the blending of home and work environments.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Women’s psychological and physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Social-emotional competencies for teachers

Webinar and conference recordings

The course "Competências Socioemocionais para Professores" offered on the Humane platform by Instituto Ayrton Senna is designed to support educators in developing key social-emotional skills essential for fostering inclusive and holistic learning environments. It provides structured content and practical strategies aimed at enhancing emotional regulation, empathy, collaboration, and classroom management. Access to the course requires filling in a form to login, ensuring that all content and personal data are protected in accordance with privacy standards

Open resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Instituto Ayrton Senna
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Social emotional skills
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

Social-emotional competencies of educators: Their central role in a conception of holistic education

Research

"Competências socioemocionais de educadore: Seu papel central para uma concepção de educação integral" explores the critical role of teachers' social-emotional competencies in promoting holistic education. It presents a framework and taxonomy developed through scientific research and practical experience, identifying key competencies such as emotional self-regulation, inventiveness, connection with others, and instructional management. These skills are shown to influence not only teacher well-being and professional satisfaction but also the learning environment and student development. The study emphasizes the need for intentional and evidence-based teacher training programs that integrate these competencies.

Download resource in Portuguese
Publisher
Instituto Ayrton Senna
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2020
Region
Latin America
Topics
Social emotional skills Social protection
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file