Health and well-being hub

The report " Työhyvinvointi ohjelma" of the Finnish union OAJ outlines a strategy to improve the working conditions and overall well-being of professionals in the education sector. It emphasizes the importance of respectful treatment, sustainable work environments, and mental health support. The programme proposes legislative reforms, enhanced occupational safety, and better leadership practices to reduce work-related stress and prevent disability. It also promotes collaboration between employees, employers, and policymakers to ensure that educational professionals can thrive in their roles.

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Publisher: Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö (OAJ)
Country: Finland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Peer relationships Safety Working conditions
Available in: Finnish
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

This research article presents a conceptual framework for understanding and categorizing the social–emotional skills (SEMS) of teachers, which are increasingly recognized as vital for both student development and teacher well-being. While SEMS have been widely studied in students, this paper emphasizes the need to define and structure SEMS specifically for educators, given their pivotal role in shaping classroom environments and student outcomes. Drawing from personality psychology and educational research, the authors propose a taxonomy based on the Five-Factor Model to organize key teacher SEMS such as emotion regulation, self-efficacy, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills.

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Publisher: Frontiers in Education
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Downloadable file

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.

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Publisher: Healthy Professional Worker Partnership
Country: Canada
Year of publication: 2023

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Researchers
Resource type: Downloadable file

The 2023 UNESCO IICBA study assesses the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators, and learners across selected sub-Saharan African countries. It highlights the growing recognition of mental health and well-being in education, emphasizing the interconnectedness between education, health, and psychosocial support. The study identifies key challenges faced by educators, ranks the severity of COVID-19’s negative effects, and explores innovative strategies adopted by governments. It also provides recommendations for building resilience, improving infection control, and enhancing psychosocial support systems, aiming to inform policy and advocacy efforts across Africa.

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Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Africa
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

This document outlines a study conducted by UNESCO IICBA on the state of teacher professionalism in West Africa, focusing on professional standards, teacher education, and working conditions. It emphasizes the urgent need for countries to adopt and implement professional standards and competencies for teachers and school leaders. It highlights how inadequate professional support, poor working conditions, and lack of career development opportunities negatively impact teacher motivation, job satisfaction, and retention. Detailed case studies for Sierra Leone and The Gambia illustrate country-specific progress and challenges. The study highlights that while some countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria have aligned with international frameworks, most are still in early stages, lacking formal regulations, national standards, and professional teaching councils. Teacher education remains weak, with many teachers insufficiently qualified, and continuous professional development is underutilized.

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Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Country: Sierra Leone Gambia
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Africa
Topics: Salaries and remuneration Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

" 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.

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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

"Grotere klassen en meer zorgleerlingen: Invloeden van klassenkenmerken op werkdruk, tevredenheid en verzuim": The report investigates the impact of larger class sizes and the presence of more students requiring special care on teachers' workload, satisfaction, and absenteeism in primary and secondary education in the Netherlands. Based on a survey of over 7,000 teachers, the findings reveal that larger classes and a higher proportion of students with specific are needs correlate with increased work pressure, lower job satisfaction, and higher absenteeism rates. Teachers expect that reducing class size or providing more support for diverse needs could help alleviate the pressure and workload.

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Publisher: Algemene Onderwijsbond (AOb)
Country: Netherlands
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Working conditions Workload
Available in: Dutch
Categories of staff: Teachers
Level of education: Primary education Secondary education
Resource type: Downloadable file

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.

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Publisher: Inside Higher Ed
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2023

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel Researchers Union representatives
Level of education: Higher education and research
Resource type: Web page

This executive summary of the research report provides an overview of the findings from a study on teacher workload in Ireland. It highlights the increasing demands on teachers and principals, including administrative tasks, curriculum overload, and special education needs. The report emphasizes the need for additional support, such as administrative assistance, reduced class sizes, and dedicated time for planning and collaboration. .

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Publisher: Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO)
Country: Ireland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2023 sheds light on the mounting mental health crisis within the UK education sector. Drawing on responses from over 3,000 education professionals, the report reveals widespread experiences of stress, burnout, and sleep disturbances, particularly among school leaders. Feelings of loneliness are alarmingly high, with education staff reporting twice the level of workplace loneliness compared to the general population. Confidence in the current inspection framework is critically low, with the majority viewing it as detrimental to mental health and lacking in credibility.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Pandemics and epidemics 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

An analysis of the working conditions, health, and well-being of education personnel across various countries. Conducted biennially since 2021, the survey includes data from over 26,000 participants, covering aspects such as sociodemographic profiles, working hours, school environment, relationships at work, violence and security, physical environment, work-life balance, health indicators, and the use of digital tools.

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Publisher: Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Foundation for Public Health
Country: Argentina Switzerland Spain Morocco Japan France Canada Cameroon Belgium United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education: Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Specific communities: Early-stage career Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

This study explored the social emotional health and resilience of 1,200 teachers from Latvia, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic. Researchers assessed post-pandemic well-being across elementary, secondary, and high schools. Results showed high levels of covitality, especially in belief in self, belief in others, emotional competence, and engaged living, and moderate resilience in all three countries. Positive teacher strengths that were identified are self-regulation, empathy, cognitive reappraisal.

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Publisher: Human, Technologies and Quality of Education
Country: Slovakia Lithuania Latvia
Year of publication: 2022

Region: Europe
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Downloadable file

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.

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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

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.

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Publisher: Canadian Teachers' Federation/Fédération canadienne des enseignantes et des enseignants (CTF/FCE)
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

This article is part of a compilation of case studies that detail promising practices in teacher well‑being, teacher management, and school leadership.. This section discusses the challenges faced by refugee teachers in Lebanon as they balance professional expectations with their personal experiences. It highlights the dual role of these teachers who, while educating refugee students, also navigate their own difficult circumstances, including economic hardships, emotional stress, and uncertainty about the future. The study emphasizes the need for support systems that address both their professional and personal needs, suggesting that effective training, psychological support, and fair compensation are crucial for their well-being and effectiveness in their roles.

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Publisher: Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Harvard University
Country: Lebanon Syria
Year of publication: 2022

Region: 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

Ei-iE

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

Showing 68 Resources Filtered by:

Occupational well-being programme

Social–emotional skills of teachers: Mapping the content space and defining taxonomy requirements

Healthy professional worker partnership: Academia case study survey findings

Assessment of the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators and learners and psychosocial support needs in selected Sub-Saharan African countries

West Africa – Investing in Teachers and School Leaders: Professional Standards, Working Conditions, and Teacher Education

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

Larger classes and more students with special needs: Effects of class characteristics on workload, job satisfaction, and absenteeism

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Teacher workload: Executive summary of the INTO research report

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

International barometer of education staff (I-BEST 2023)

Social emotional health and resilience of teachers in the East European countries

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

Teacher mental health during COVID-19: Pandemic research report

Refugee teachers in Lebanon: The challenges of managing professional expectations with personal experiences