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Mental health

Mental health significantly influences educators’ overall well-being and their ability to thrive in the classroom. When teachers and education support personnel experience stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression, it can affect how they perceive their own effectiveness, often leading to reduced confidence and motivation in their work. This emotional strain can make it harder to stay engaged, plan lessons effectively, and respond to students’ needs. At the same time, mental health challenges can interfere with classroom management, making it more difficult to maintain a positive and structured learning environment.

The article provides practical tips on maintaining health and stamina during walkouts and protests. It emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, staying hydrated, protecting one's voice, staying fit, and managing stress.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America
Year of publication: 2018

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

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.

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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

"Salud Laboral en Tiempos de Ajuste" by CTERA explores the challenges faced by education workers in Argentina, particularly in the context of neoliberal policies. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and advancing labor rights, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, and promoting collective bargaining. The publication also discusses the impact of economic policies on workers' health and well-being.

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Publisher: Confederación de Trabajadores de la Educación de la República Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year of publication: 2017

Region: Latin America
Topics: Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in: Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
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.

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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

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.

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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

The research provides an in-depth analysis of the overall workload experienced by private school teachers in Argentina. It examines the physical, mental, and psychosocial demands placed on educators both during and outside school hours, highlighting how these pressures affect their health and well-being. The report reveals that many teachers face extended workdays, emotional strain, and a lack of resources to manage classroom challenges, with women disproportionately affected due to additional domestic responsibilities.

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Publisher: Sindicato Argentino de Docentes Privados (SADOP)
Country: Argentina
Year of publication: 2012

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

The resource aimed at addressing violence in educational settings, the guide provides definitions, identifies various forms of violence, and explores their causes and consequences. It offers practical strategies for prevention and intervention, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for all educational staff. The guide also outlines the legal rights and obligations related to workplace health and safety, and highlights the role of unions in supporting victims and witnesses of violence.

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Publisher: Centrale des syndicats du Québec Centre de recherche et d’intervention sur la réussite scolaire (CRIRES) Observatoire canadien pour la prévention de la violence à l’école (OCPVE) Groupe de recherche et d’intervention sur l’adaptation psychosociale et scolaire, UQTR (GRIAPS)
Country: Canada
Year of publication: 2012

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Mental health Physical health Safety Violence and harassment
Available in: French
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

This page provides a comprehensive hub of resources aimed at promoting safe, supportive, and health-conscious learning environments for both students and educators. It addresses key issues such as mental health, gun violence prevention, infection control, and healthy buildings, offering practical tools and strategies to tackle the root causes of school safety challenges.

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Publisher: National Education Association (NEA)
Country: United States of America

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Safety Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

The social emotional learning teachers (SEL) programme by UNESCO MGIEP is an online course designed to help educators integrate SEL into their professional practice. It equips teachers with practical tools to manage classrooms more effectively, reduce stress, and enhance their mental and emotional wellbeing. Grounded in neuroscience and pedagogy, the course promotes self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, aiming to foster healthier learning environments and prevent teacher burnout.

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Publisher: UNESCO MGIEP

Topics: Mental health Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Web page

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Mental health

Showing 99 Resources Filtered by:

Stand up, speak out, stay healthy

Teacher wellbeing index - 2018

CTERA occupational health magazine: Healthy and safe work

Health survey - 2017

Health and wellbeing policy: A model for teacher unions

Overall workload of teaching staff

Guide for the prevention and intervention against violence toward education staff

It’s time to invest in student & educator well-being

Social emotional learning training for teachers