Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Violence and harassment

The different forms of violence and harassment in and around educational institutions pose serious threats to the well-being of teachers and education support personnel, particularly among marginalised and vulnerable groups. The increasing incidence of targeted attacks and aggressive behaviour directed at educators contributes to elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional distress. These psychological impacts can significantly impair mental health and professional performance. Furthermore, the physical consequences of violent incidents, ranging from injuries to chronic stress-related conditions, can also compromise physical health.

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Topics: Violence and harassment
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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
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

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

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
Canada France
Year of publication
2019
Region
Europe North America and the Caribbean
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

Teacher wellbeing index - 2018

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 – 2018 reveals a widespread mental health crisis in the UK education sector, with high stress and poor work-life balance affecting both teachers and senior leaders. The report highlights concerning levels of presenteeism, emotional strain, and reluctance to seek help, all driven by heavy workloads, lack of support, and rising behavioral challenges. It calls for systemic cultural change to protect and prioritize staff wellbeing.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2018
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

Health survey - 2017

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 Education Staff Health Survey – 2017, the inaugural report in what would become an annual series, presents a comprehensive picture of the mental health and well‑being of education professionals across the UK. Based on responses from 1,250 staff covering schools, further education, and higher education, it finds that three‑quarters encounter work‑related physical, psychological, or behavioral symptoms, with many reporting persistent stress, disrupted work–life balance, and even presenteeism. The survey reveals that half have considered leaving the sector due to health pressures, while many suffer from insomnia, irritability, and poor performance as a result of their workload.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2017
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

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

Health and wellbeing policy: A model for teacher unions

Guides

This is a policy model of health and wellbeing that member organisations can use as a reference to elaborate their own policy instruments on these topics. It outlines the responsibilities of the Board of Governors and school leaders in promoting positive mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing among staff. It also emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment, regular communication, and consultation with staff and unions. The policy model includes various procedures and policies on topícs such as stress management, attendance and absence management, and health and safety, aiming to create a healthy workplace culture.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2016
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Violence and harassment
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Downloadable file