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Region: North America and the Caribbean
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The silent struggle: When teachers become the target

Research

The research explores the growing issue of violence against teachers in schools. It challenges the notion that stricter discipline, such as the revival of corporal punishment, would resolve classroom disorder. Instead, the article argues that the root causes lie in deeper systemic issues within school environments. Drawing on data and expert insights, it highlights how inadequate support, deteriorating conditions, and policy gaps contribute to the vulnerability of educators, urging a reevaluation of how schools address safety and discipline.

Interview with Ivy Lynn Bourgeault on mental health

Opinion/commentary

In an interview with CAUT, Ivy Lynn Bourgeault discusses her national study on mental health across various professions, focusing on academia. The study highlights the high levels of anxiety and depression among academics due to heavy workloads, digital stress, and continuous peer evaluation. Bourgeault emphasizes the need for better mental health accommodations and support, particularly for contract academic staff who face job insecurity. She also addresses the gender gap in mental health research and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff's well-being.

Using the hierarchy of controls to prevent gun violence in education settings

Guides

The NEA guide introduces a structured, evidence-based framework to help schools address gun violence as a workplace hazard. Adapted from occupational health practices, the hierarchy includes five levels of intervention - elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment - prioritizing the most effective strategies first. The guide emphasizes that any measures taken must not compromise trauma-informed, culturally competent education or rely solely on "hardening" schools.

School gun violence prevention and response guide

Guides

This guide is a four-part resource designed to help education personel, school staff, and community leaders address the growing crisis of gun violence in educational settings. It covers strategies for prevention, preparation, response, and recovery, emphasizing trauma-informed practices, mental health support, and policy advocacy. The guide aims to foster safer school environments by equipping stakeholders with actionable checklists, insights into warning signs, and tools for healing after incidents, all while advocating for systemic change to protect students and workers.

Violence and aggression against educators and school personnel, retention, stress, and training needs: National survey results

Research

The research article investigates the alarming rise in violence and aggression against educators in the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on two large-scale surveys conducted before and after pandemic restrictions, the study reveals that incidents of verbal harassment, threats, cyberbullying, and physical violence have surged, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This increase has led to a significant rise in educators expressing intentions to resign or transfer.

The mental health crisis among faculty and college staff

Opinion/commentary

The article highlights the growing mental health crisis among faculty and college staff, emphasizing that they experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, similar to students. It underscores the importance of on-campus mental health support, reasonable workloads, respectful work environments, and fair pay. The article also points out that the mental health challenges faced by faculty and staff are often overlooked, despite their significant impact on overall well-being and job performance.

Healthy professional worker partnership: Academia case study survey findings

Research

This report explores the trajectory of 379 academic professionals from experiencing mental health issues to decisions around workplace adjustments, leave, and the return-to-work process, with attention to differences by gender and academic status. Key insights include that 60% of respondents reported a mental health issue; among those, 54% modified their work and 23% took a formal leave, of whom 83% ultimately returned, though return rates varied significantly by employment type. Women and tenure-track academics were particularly affected by increased psychological distress, burnout, and presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-care assessment

Guides

The self‑care assessment tool helps individuals reflect on and measure their self‑care habits across five key areas, physical, psychological/emotional, social, spiritual, and professional. Drawing from established practices by TherapistAid.com, it prompts users to rate how well they engage in everyday self‑care activities (like getting enough sleep, expressing emotions, nurturing relationships, reflecting on values, and maintaining work–life balance) on a simple 1–3 scale. The goal is to highlight patterns and pinpoint areas needing attention, while emphasizing that there's no “right” or “wrong” way to self‑care.

Beyond burnout: A roadmap to improve educator well-being

Guides

The document outlines strategies to address educator burnout and improve their well-being. It highlights the importance of supporting educators through research-based strategies, professional development, and systemic changes. The report emphasizes the link between educator well-being and student outcomes.

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Research

The article, based on findings from a global survey of over 900 public administration faculty, identifies three key lessons and reveals widespread physical and emotional exhaustion among respondents. It underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to address faculty burnout, which has been intensified by low pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stresses the importance of understanding faculty experiences and implementing solutions, such as improved financial security, supportive career pathways, and policies that foster work-life balance, to enhance faculty well-being and retention.

Put on your own oxygen mask first: Cultivating healing and wellbeing in ourselves - A five-part video series

Course or training materials

A five-part video series on teachers’ social-emotional skills, designed to help educators develop essential abilities that enhance both personal well-being and professional effectiveness. The journey begins with self-discovery, introducing techniques to cultivate self-awareness and self-management through mindfulness practices. These tools are intended to support personal healing, strengthen connection to one’s purpose, and foster greater satisfaction in teaching practice.

Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Video

Bargaining and advocacy tactics to support educators' mental health

Opinion/commentary

The NEA article highlights a growing crisis in education, with 55% of educators considering leaving their jobs earlier than planned, a sharp rise from 37% just months prior. The survey reveals that this trend spans all roles and demographics, with Black and Hispanic/Latino educators disproportionately affected. The pandemic has intensified long-standing staffing shortages, leaving teachers overwhelmed, covering for absent colleagues, and unable to provide adequate support to students. NEA President Becky Pringle calls it a “five-alarm crisis”, urging elected officials to take immediate action to prevent a mass exodus and ensure students receive the attention and mental health support they need.

Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Web page

Coping with death by suicide

Guides

The AFT guide offersd strategies for individuals dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide. It addresses the complex emotions that may arise, such as grief, guilt, and anger, and emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeking support from existing networks and professionals. The guide also provides specific advice for talking to children and teens about suicide, ensuring open and honest communication while respecting their individual grieving processes.

Suicide and crisis lifeline 988: member support guide

Guides

The member support guide provides information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors via call, text, or chat for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, mental health crises, or emotional distress. The guide explains how to determine whether a situation warrants contacting 988, what to expect during the call, and how to support someone in crisis while waiting for help. It also offers advice on post-crisis care and emphasizes the importance of seeking support for oneself after assisting someone through a crisis. It is important to note that this resource is context-specific and is intended as an example to inspire the development of similar tools in other contexts.

Restoring teacher and principal well-being is an essential step for rebuilding schools

Research

The RAND Corporation's report presents findings from the 2022 State of the American Teacher and Principal surveys, highlighting the significant challenges faced by educators. The report reveals that the well-being of teachers and principals has been severely impacted, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This deterioration in well-being has led to increased intentions among educators to leave their jobs. The report underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to improve working conditions and provide robust support systems for educators, with a particular focus on supporting educators of color. These measures are essential for enhancing retention rates and facilitating the overall recovery and rebuilding of schools. The report calls for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions to address the root causes of educator stress and dissatisfaction.

Publisher
RAND Corporation
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file