Health and well-being hub

This webinar is part of a joint series by AFTRA, IICBA, and the KIX Africa 19 Hub. It explores how leadership and governance structures within schools across Africa impact the mental health and wellbeing of teachers. Held on June 6, 2024, the session brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss challenges, share research findings, and propose strategies for creating supportive school environments that prioritize teacher wellbeing.

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Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication: 2024

Region: Africa
Topics: Leadership Mental health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders
Resource type: Video

This report draws on a survey of over 3,000 UK education professionals to reveal persistently high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout across the sector, with 77% of staff reporting mental health symptoms linked to their work. It highlights a worrying increase in challenging behavior from pupils (82%) and difficult interactions with parents (70%), both of which significantly impact staff wellbeing, and underscores the negative effects of inadequate support from public services on morale and work-life balance. While there are slight improvements in perceptions of workplace culture, concerns such as insomnia (46%), irritability, and concentration difficulties remain widespread.

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Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2024

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

The overall goal of the webinar is to create an opportunity for education authorities, partners in education, school leaders, teachers, and teacher educators to explore and deliberate on the various strategies that can strengthen education sector interventions for teachers in crisis and emergency contexts through the sharing of best practices that have been implemented by the various partners in Africa. More specifically, the webinar will provide a platform to: (i) Deliberate on the persistent challenges and promising practices for teachers in crisis contexts and refugee settlements in the Horn of Africa; (ii) Share how best countries in Africa can improve and manage the well-being of Teachers in crisis and refugee settlements in Africa; (iii) Discuss strategies for promoting teachers' well-being, management, and school leadership in crisis settings; and (iv) Share innovations, resources, and best practices that have worked around teachers' management, motivations, and data systems and their linkages with the national overall programming of teachers.

Open resource in English

Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Africa
Topics: Leadership Resources and conditions Safety
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders
Resource type: Video

" 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.

Open resource in Portuguese

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

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

The guidance note provides strategies to support teachers' mental health and overall wellbeing in crisis contexts. It emphasizes the importance of promoting access to mental health and psychosocial support, creating enabling work environments, and enhancing teacher voice, agency, and leadership. The guidance is aligned with the INEE Minimum Standards and offers practical recommendations, tools, and examples to help educators, policymakers, and humanitarian actors improve the resilience and effectiveness of education systems in emergencies.

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Publisher: Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)
Country: Palestine Myanmar Kenya Colombia
Year of publication: 2022

Topics: Leadership Mental health Safety Working conditions
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic Ukrainian
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Downloadable file

The Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022 highlights a worsening mental health crisis in the UK education sector, with high levels of stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion reported across the workforce, particularly among school leaders. Many education professionals feel unable to take time off when unwell and regularly experience symptoms such as insomnia, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. The report shows that poor work-life balance, excessive workload, and feeling undervalued are major reasons staff are considering leaving the profession. Despite these challenges, it also emphasizes the critical role of supportive leadership, a positive workplace culture, and access to mental health resources in improving staff wellbeing and retention.

Download resource in English

Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2022

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

The document "Genstart: Arbejdsfællesskaber og kollegial trivsel – Pjece om trivsel på arbejdspladsen" from Danmarks Lærerforening (DLF) focuses on rebuilding strong professional communities and promoting collegial wellbeing among teachers in the wake of disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers practical strategies for improving workplace relationships, fostering trust, and creating a supportive environment where teachers can thrive both personally and professionally. The guide emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility, open dialogue, and leadership that prioritizes mental health and collaboration in schools.

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Publisher: Danish Union of Teachers
Country: Denmark
Year of publication: 2021

Region: Europe
Topics: Leadership Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Peer relationships
Available in: Danish
Resource type: Downloadable file

The document provides comprehensive guidance for educational leaders on fostering a healthy workplace. It emphasizes the importance of promoting staff wellbeing through effective leadership, stress management, and creating a supportive work environment. The document covers various topics, including work-life balance, managing stress, and the role of leaders in shaping a positive workplace culture. It aims to equip leaders with the tools and strategies needed to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of their staff, ultimately contributing to a more effective and sustainable educational environment.

Download resource in English

Publisher: National Education Union
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2021

Region: Europe
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Leadership Mental health Physical health Workload
Available in: English
Categories of staff: School leaders
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. The Teacher Wellbeing Index – 2021 highlights the mounting pressures faced by the UK education workforce during the COVID‑19 pandemic: a majority of staff reported work-related psychological symptoms, with stress levels notably rising compared to previous years, particularly among senior leaders. Many continued working even when unwell, while anxiety, exhaustion, and feelings of burnout became widespread.

Download resource in English

Publisher: Education Support
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2021

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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

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

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Leadership

Showing 14 Resources Filtered by:

Webinar: The influence of school leadership and governance on teachers’ mental health and wellbeing in Africa

Teacher wellbeing index - 2024

Teachers in crisis and emergency contexts: Challenges and promising practices in Africa

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

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

Guidance note on teacher wellbeing in emergency settings

Teacher wellbeing index - 2022

Restarting professional communities and staff well-being

Wellbeing: Leading and managing a well workplace

Teacher wellbeing index - 2021

Teacher wellbeing index - 2020

Teacher wellbeing index - 2019

Teacher wellbeing index - 2018

Health survey - 2017