Ei-iE

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

Showing 32 Resources Filtered by:

Region: North America and the Caribbean
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Make educator well-being a priority now

Opinion/commentary

The article highlights the urgent need to address the well-being of teachers and principals, who experience job-related stress at twice the rate of other working adults. The RAND Corporation survey reveals that poor well-being and adverse working conditions are driving many educators to consider leaving their jobs. The article calls for comprehensive, system-wide strategies to improve educator well-being, rather than superficial wellness programs, to retain and support educators effectively.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Resource type
Web page

Teacher mental health during COVID-19: Pandemic research report

Research

The report captures the firsthand experiences of teachers during the 2020-2021 school year. It reveals how various aspects of their professional lives, exacerbated by the pandemic, contributed to a decline in mental health. The report is based on narratives from interviews with 110 teachers, highlighting the significant impact of high job demands, lack of support, and the challenges of adapting to new teaching environments.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Canadian Teachers' Federation/Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Aspiring educators: Protect your mental health

Guides

The article offers guidance for aspiring educators on maintaining their mental health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of utilizing on-campus health clinics and counseling services, recognizing the signs of mental health issues, and seeking support from various resources. The article also emphasizes the role of self-care and organizational strategies.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Early-stage career
Resource type
Web page

Mental health in academia: The challenges faculty face predate the pandemic and require systemic solutions

Research

The article on Academic Matters discusses the persistent mental health challenges faced by faculty in academia, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic but existed long before it. It highlights the heavy workloads, high expectations, and systemic issues within academic institutions that contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout among faculty members. The article emphasizes the need for systemic solutions, including better working conditions, fair compensation, and supportive policies, to address these long-standing issues and improve the mental health and well-being of academic staff.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Academic Matters
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Specific communities
Women
Resource type
Web page

The psychological toll for academic staff of COVID-19

Research

This article offers a synthesis of a research report of McMaster University on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic staff. The findings revealed significant mental health challenges, including increased anxiety, depression, and thoughts of death among respondents. The pandemic exacerbated existing issues such as heavy workloads, digital stress, and the need to balance professional and domestic responsibilities. The study highlighted the disproportionate impact on early career researchers, parents, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, and BIPOC populations. Academic staff associations are advocating for better mental health support and systemic changes to address these challenges.

Open resource in English Open resource in French
Publisher
Canadian Association of University Teachers
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Right to disconnect and technology Workload
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

Adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti: creation of training capsules

Course or training materials

The adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti have focused on teacher wellbeing. The project has developed training capsules to support the health and wellbeing of education workers. These capsules cover essential topics such as occupational health, mental health, and stress management, providing teachers with valuable resources to improve their working conditions.

Open resource in French Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
CEMEA-Haiti Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Solidarité Laïque Haïti Wallonie-Bruxelles Internationale (WBI)
Country
Haiti
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Video

Six strategies to take care of a teacher

Guides

The article discusses six small strategies for teachers to take care of themselves. It emphasizes the importance of adjusting daily routines to maintain physical and mental health, creating a personal space for relaxation, prioritizing self-care, learning new skills, engaging in small activities to feel better, and taking care of one's body as a crucial tool for teaching.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación
Country
Mexico
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

ESP webinar: Wellness skills for self-care and health for educational support professionals

Course or training materials

This NEA's training session offers simple healing skills for self-care and for promoting health and well-being for educational support personnel. It includes opportunities to practice and apply various healing methods. These methods can be used by all educators, families, and others in the community.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel
Resource type
Video

ESP webinar: Harnessing social and emotional learning strategies to support the wellbeing of education support personnel during the COVID-19 crisis

Course or training materials

In this NEA's training session, Dr. Chris Cipriano offers social and emotional learning strategies to support education support personnel within the school ecosystem to navigate the challenging emotions experienced during the pandemic.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel
Resource type
Video

Canadian teachers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) – Pandemic research study mental health report

Research

The CTF/FCE Pandemic Study Phase One Survey was conducted between June 1-18 in 2020, and had over 15,000 teachers participating. From the responses to this Survey, CTF/FCE reported on the mental health of students and teachers, and documented concerning mental health trends, as educators navigated emergency remote teaching in 2020.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Canadian Teachers' Federation/Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Resource type
Downloadable file

Addressing the epidemic of trauma in schools

Research

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.

Download resource in English
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

How restorative practices work for students and educators

Opinion/commentary

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.

Open resource in English
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

School support staff: Education includes them too

Opinion/commentary

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.

Download resource in French
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

Stand up, speak out, stay healthy

Guides

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.

Open resource in English
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

On mental health through a gender lens

Opinion/commentary

Le billet de blog met en lumière l'impact significatif de la violence sur la santé mentale, en particulier pour les femmes et les enfants. Il souligne que, bien que les deux sexes subissent des violences, les femmes en sont victimes à des taux plus élevés, ce qui entraîne des défis de santé mentale à long terme. Le billet discute également du rôle des enseignant·e·s dans le soutien aux élèves affectés par la violence et de la nécessité de meilleures ressources en santé mentale dans les écoles.

Open resource in English Open resource in French
Publisher
Canadian Teachers' Federation/Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants
Country
Canada
Year of publication
2016
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Safety Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page