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 99 Resources

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Teacher wellbeing index - 2020

Research

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2020 reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the mental health of UK education staff, leading to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. The report highlights the challenges of transitioning to online teaching, managing pupil behavior, and dealing with personal safety concerns. Despite some improvements in workplace culture and organizational support, the overall wellbeing of education staff remains a critical issue, requiring urgent action to enhance working conditions and support systems to address these pandemic-related challenges effectively.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health 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

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

Indoor climat in elementary school: An overview of typical challenges and suggestions for action

Guides

Indeklima i folkeskolen – et overblik over typiske udfordringer og bud på handlemuligheder is a guidance pamphlet published by the Danish Union of Teachers (DLF), offering a comprehensive overview of the most common indoor climate issues in Danish public schools. It addresses challenges such as poor air quality, emissions from building materials, mold, insufficient cleaning, temperature regulation, noise, lighting conditions, and radiation exposure. The document provides practical suggestions for how workplace environment groups and school leadership can tackle and prevent these problems, including through workplace assessments (APV), collaboration with parents and students, and involvement of relevant authorities.

Download resource in Danish
Publisher
Danish Union of Teachers (DLF)
Country
Denmark
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
Danish
Categories of staff
Teachers
Level of education
Primary education
Resource type
Downloadable file

Strategies to end school-related gender-based violence: The experience of education unions in Africa

Guides

The document focuses on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in and around educational settings, particularly in Africa. It draws on the experience of nine EI member organisations in seven African countries committed to combatting SRGBV in their contexts. The first section focuses on actions these unions have taken internally to adapt decision making structures, update policies and deploy resources to empower their members to act. The second section looks at how education unions have reached out to other stakeholders (legislators, ministries, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, parents, media and learners) to pursue coordinated strategies for change.

Open resource in English Open resource in Spanish Open resource in French
Publisher
Gender at Work Education International (EI) United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI)
Year of publication
2019
Region
Africa
Topics
Safety Violence and harassment Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian
Resource type
Downloadable file

Daylight Requirements and Views in the Workplace: Effects on Health and Behavior

Research

"Dagsljuskrav och utblick på arbetsplatsen": The research report explores the impact of daylight requirements and views in the workplace on health and behavior. It highlights the importance of natural light for maintaining circadian rhythms, improving sleep, reducing daytime sleepiness, and enhancing mood. The report discusses various methods for measuring daylight exposure and recommends prioritizing natural light over artificial alternatives.

Download resource in Swedish
Publisher
Arbetsmiljöverket Stressforskningsinstitutet Stockholms universitet
Country
Sweden
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
Swedish
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina: CTERA national survey

Research

The publication "Salud y Condiciones de Trabajo de las/os Trabajadoras/es de la Educación de la Argentina" by CTERA presents the findings of a national survey on the health and working conditions of education workers in Argentina. It highlights the economic and physical challenges faced by educators, such as low salaries, multiple job roles, and inadequate school infrastructure. The survey emphasizes the need for better working conditions, including regular maintenance of school facilities, access to clean water, and proper heating and cooling systems.

Download resource in Spanish
Publisher
Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina (CTERA)
Country
Argentina
Year of publication
2019
Region
Latin America
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Reproductive related health matters: INTO member survey report

Research

The report highlights the challenges faced by teachers in managing reproductive health matters within the constraints of the school year and existing sick leave schemes. The report reveals that many teachers experience difficulties in scheduling appointments and treatments, often resorting to using school closures or personal leave. It emphasizes the need for a dedicated reproductive health leave scheme to support teachers, reduce stress, and ensure privacy.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO)
Country
Ireland
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type
Downloadable file

Mental health charter

Toolkits

The charter outlines key principles and strategies to promote mental wellbeing among school and college staff. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe workplace, providing support from colleagues and managers, ensuring fair and equal treatment, establishing clear procedures and roles, allowing personal and social time, and conducting stress risk assessments. The charter aims to integrate mental health considerations into the culture, organization, and management of educational institutions.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Union (NEU)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Respect Violence and harassment Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour

Guides

The NASUWT guide on risk assessment of violent and abusive behaviour provides essential advice for education employers on their legal duties to protect staff from violence and abuse. It outlines the procedures that schools can follow to tackle disruptive and violent behaviour, emphasizing the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing control measures, and sharing relevant information with staff. The guide also highlights the detrimental impact of violent incidents on staff wellbeing and school environments, and stresses the need for effective behaviour policies to ensure a safe and supportive workplace for both staff and pupils. The NASUWT has produced tailored guidance for members from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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 Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Joint interview: NASUWT and Teachers Health on mental health

Opinion/commentary

The interview discusses the mental health challenges faced by education personnel, emphasizing the importance of holistic, person-centered care and the role of unions in advocating for better mental health support. The interviewees highlight the need for systemic changes to address workload, stress, and the performativity culture in schools, aiming to improve the overall well-being of teachers and education staff

Download resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union Teachers Health Group MGEN EI
Country
United Kingdom Australia
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe Asia Pacific
Topics
Mental health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Downloadable file

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

Teacher wellbeing index - 2019

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 Teacher Wellbeing Index – 2019 paints a concerning portrait of the emotional toll faced by the UK education workforce. Highlighted are elevated stress levels, particularly among senior leaders, widespread symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and mental health concerns, and alarming patterns of presenteeism. Excessive workload, poor work–life balance, and student behavioral challenges emerge as key contributors. Yet, resilience remains evident among many professionals, while gaps persist in access to and confidence in seeking support.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health 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

Working conditions and teacher health

Research

This publication collects a series of articles that examine the critical relationship between teachers' working conditions and their physical and mental health. It highlights the growing stress and pressure faced by educators due to neoliberal education policies, increased workloads, and precarious employment. Through diverse contributions from Latin American educators and researchers, the publication underscores how systemic issues, such as privatization and market-driven reforms, have led to deteriorating health outcomes among teachers.

Open resource in Spanish
Publisher
Red SEPA (Social para la Educación Pública en América)
Country
Mexico Brazil Argentina
Year of publication
2018
Region
Latin America
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in
Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

Talking toolkit preventing work-related stress in schools

Toolkits

This toolkit provides practical guidance for school leaders to have simple and practical conversations with school employees about work-related stress. It includes models for illustration purposes, offering strategies for creating a supportive work environment, conducting risk assessments, and implementing effective stress management practices.

Download resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2018
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Report of the survey panorama focus sante - 2018

Research

The report provides an overview of the health and well-being of education personnel in 15 French-speaking countries. Based on surveys and interviews conducted in 2018, the report highlights key issues such as access to healthcare, working conditions, and the role of trade unions in promoting health awareness. The findings aim to inform and inspire actions to improve the well-being of education professionals globally.

Download resource in French
Publisher
Syndical Francophone de l’Éducation et de la Formation (CSFEF) Education and Solidarity Network (ESN)
Country
Congo Chad Cape Verde Canada Burkina Faso Benin Belgium France Tunisia Switzerland Senegal Romania Mauritius Lebanon Guinea
Year of publication
2018
Topics
Physical health Working conditions Workload
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file