Ei-iE

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

Caring for educators, caring for our communities

Welcome to the Education International hub dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of teachers and education support personnel (ESP) around the world. Developed in partnership with MGEN, this hub reflects our collective commitment to place education workers’ health and well-being at the centre of the global education agenda, as outlined in our 10th World Congress resolution “ Teacher and ESP well-being and mental health: vital for quality education”.

Whether you are looking for good practices, strategies, or inspiration, this hub is designed to empower unions and education communities to foster healthier, more supportive environments for teachers and education support personnel worldwide.

Share your knowledge

This hub is intended as a tool for sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources. EI member organisations are invited to contribute by sharing the resources they have developed on the health and well-being of education personnel.

You can submit your resources by filling in the form accessible through the link below:

Submit your resource

Featured topics

  1. Mental health
  2. Pandemics and epidemics
  3. Physical health
  4. Safety
  5. Violence and harassment
  6. Women’s psychological and physical health
  7. Working conditions
  8. Workload

Showing All 53 Resources

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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 (CNTE)
Country
Brazil
Year of publication
2022
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health
Available in
Portuguese
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

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

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 (CAUT/ACPPU)
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

Managing the menopause in the workplace

Guides

The NASUWT guide on managing the menopause in the workplace provides essential advice for employers on supporting women experiencing menopause. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing menopause as a significant health and safety issue, promoting awareness, and implementing supportive measures. The guide outlines practical steps such as conducting risk assessments, offering flexible working arrangements, and ensuring access to necessary facilities. It aims to create a workplace environment where women feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking help, ultimately fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Health and safety handbook: Health, safety and welfare Issues

Guides

The Health and safety handbook on health, safety, and welfare issues provides comprehensive guidance for health and safety representatives in schools. It covers a wide range of topics, including accident reporting, asbestos management, bullying, class sizes, and stress management. The handbook emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, detailing procedures for handling various health and safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. It aims to equip representatives with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage health and safety issues in educational settings. This handbook was specifically elaborated for the context of the UK but includes useful information that other member organizations can use as a reference for developing their own materials.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Presentation of results to the media – UNSA barometer of education professions 2021

Research

The 2021 UNSA Education Barometer reveals the challenges faced by education professionals in France, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose among educators, the survey highlights a persistent lack of respect and recognition, with 66% of respondents feeling undervalued. The barometer also underscores the need for improved working conditions, better health support, and enhanced training.

Open resource in French
Publisher
Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education (UNSA Education)
Country
France
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Job satisfaction Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Web page

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of ourselves and others

Guides

The page provides a number of resources for promoting mental and physical health, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers materials for understanding and discussing mental health, including links to organizations like Anxiety UK, the BBC, and the NHS for additional support. The page emphasizes the importance of self-care, supporting those around us, and addressing issues such as isolation, substance misuse, and domestic abuse.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Web page

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 (SNTE)
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

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

Risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour

Guides

The NASUWT guide on risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour provides comprehensive advice for education employers on their legal duties to protect staff from violence and abuse. It outlines procedures for schools and colleges to tackle disruptive and violent behaviour, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments for pupils who display high levels of aggression. The guide highlights the significant impact of poor pupil behaviour on teachers' health and wellbeing, and stresses the need for effective behaviour policies and risk management strategies to ensure a safe and supportive working environment for educators.

Open resource in English
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
Resource type
Web page

Mental health and work-related stress toolkit

Toolkits

The NASUWT's Mental Health and Work-related Stress Toolkit is designed to support educators in managing and mitigating work-related stress, anxiety, and depression. It provides a comprehensive collection of resources, including links to model action plans, risk assessments, and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, the United Kingdom’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of treating mental health issues as workplace hazards, requiring risk assessments and proactive measures. It also offers support for immediate help and management conversations around mental health, aiming to create a healthier work environment for teachers.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Safety
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Causes and signs of stress at work

Guides

The guide on the causes and signs of stress at work provides comprehensive guidance on identifying and managing work-related stress. It outlines six main areas that can lead to stress if not properly managed: demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change. It highlights specific pressures faced by teachers, such as excessive workload, poor pupil behavior, and lack of career progression. Also, it describes the signs of stress in colleagues and emphasizes the importance of conducting stress risk assessments and treating work-related stress as a collective issue.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Peer relationships Violence and harassment Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page

Vocal'iz: The free app to protect your voice

Guides

The Vocal'iz application, available to download in this website and launched by the MGEN group, aims to help users, especially teachers, preserve and optimize their vocal performance. Given that 23% of teachers have consulted for voice problems, this free mobile app offers advice, exercises, and preventive actions to support vocal health. It includes five daily exercise programs focusing on breathing, relaxation, singing, and more, allowing users to analyze, understand, and care for their voice through regular practice.

Open resource in French
Publisher
MGEN
Year of publication
2019
Topics
Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Web page