Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub

Pandemics and epidemics

Pandemics and epidemics significantly impact the health and well-being of teachers and education support personnel, exposing them to direct health risks such as illness and death, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression, often intensified by social isolation and economic instability due to job losses or disruptions. The need to prevent or mitigate contamination risks in educational settings adds further stress, especially for frontline staff. Resources developed during the COVID 19 pandemic remain highly relevant today, as they address the ongoing mental, psychological and physical consequences still felt by many in the education sector.

Showing 34 Resources Filtered by:

Topics: Pandemics and epidemics
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Mental health: A great investment for teachers in Africa?

Webinar and conference recordings

This webinar explores systemic approaches and promising practices that strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions for teachers in Africa, with the goal of improving learning outcomes. It presents key issues that teachers currently face which may impact their mental health and wellbeing, showcases evidence-based MHPSS interventions for educators, and identifies strategies for creating linkages with various stakeholders to support teachers. By highlighting the critical connection between teacher wellbeing and educational quality, the webinar promotes collaborative and informed responses across the education and mental health sectors.

Open resource in English
Publisher
UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication
2023
Region
Africa
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Video

Walking faculty back from the cliff

Research

The article, based on findings from a global survey of over 900 public administration faculty, identifies three key lessons and reveals widespread physical and emotional exhaustion among respondents. It underscores the urgent need for higher education institutions to address faculty burnout, which has been intensified by low pay, limited opportunities for advancement, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article stresses the importance of understanding faculty experiences and implementing solutions, such as improved financial security, supportive career pathways, and policies that foster work-life balance, to enhance faculty well-being and retention.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Inside Higher Ed
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2023
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel Researchers Union representatives
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Web page

Teacher wellbeing index - 2023

Research

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.

Download resource in English
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

Bargaining and advocacy tactics to support educators' mental health

Opinion/commentary

The NEA article highlights a growing crisis in education, with 55% of educators considering leaving their jobs earlier than planned, a sharp rise from 37% just months prior. The survey reveals that this trend spans all roles and demographics, with Black and Hispanic/Latino educators disproportionately affected. The pandemic has intensified long-standing staffing shortages, leaving teachers overwhelmed, covering for absent colleagues, and unable to provide adequate support to students. NEA President Becky Pringle calls it a “five-alarm crisis”, urging elected officials to take immediate action to prevent a mass exodus and ensure students receive the attention and mental health support they need.

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
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Web page

Social emotional health and resilience of teachers in the East European countries

Research

This study explored the social emotional health and resilience of 1,200 teachers from Latvia, Lithuania, and the Slovak Republic. Researchers assessed post-pandemic well-being across elementary, secondary, and high schools. Results showed high levels of covitality, especially in belief in self, belief in others, emotional competence, and engaged living, and moderate resilience in all three countries. Positive teacher strengths that were identified are self-regulation, empathy, cognitive reappraisal.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Human, Technologies and Quality of Education
Country
Latvia Lithuania Slovakia
Year of publication
2022
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Restoring teacher and principal well-being is an essential step for rebuilding schools

Research

The RAND Corporation's report presents findings from the 2022 State of the American Teacher and Principal surveys, highlighting the significant challenges faced by educators. The report reveals that the well-being of teachers and principals has been severely impacted, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This deterioration in well-being has led to increased intentions among educators to leave their jobs. The report underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to improve working conditions and provide robust support systems for educators, with a particular focus on supporting educators of color. These measures are essential for enhancing retention rates and facilitating the overall recovery and rebuilding of schools. The report calls for systemic changes rather than superficial solutions to address the root causes of educator stress and dissatisfaction.

Open resource in English
Publisher
RAND Corporation
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2022
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers School leaders
Specific communities
Ethnic minorities
Resource type
Downloadable file

Restarting professional communities and staff well-being

Toolkits

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.

Download resource in Danish
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

EIS member survey 2021: Health and wellbeing findings

Research

The survey, which gathered responses from over 16,000 teachers in Scotland, reveals that educators have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many reporting high levels of stress and unsustainable workloads. The survey, conducted over a period of 18 days in November 2021, included 32 questions covering topics such as workload, COVID-19, and health and wellbeing. The findings highlight the ongoing challenges teachers face, including the need to constantly adapt to new safety measures and provide blended learning for students.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

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

Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education

Research

The report examines the working conditions and wellbeing of academic staff in UK universities. It highlights the prevalence of psychosocial hazards such as high job demands, poor support, and unclear roles, which contribute to stress and burnout. The report also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff wellbeing, emphasizing the need for better support systems, flexible working options, and a positive psychosocial safety climate.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Education Support
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions Workload
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Level of education
Higher education and research
Resource type
Downloadable file

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
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

The global report on the status of teachers 2021

Research

The 2021 edition of the Global Report on the Status of Teachers 2021 provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and conditions faced by teachers worldwide. It highlights issues such as teacher workload, attrition, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the profession. Also emphasizes the need for better working conditions, professional development, and increased public investment in education to improve the status and well-being of teachers globally.

Open resource in Spanish Open resource in French Open resource in English
Publisher
Education International (EI)
Year of publication
2021
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Salaries and remuneration Working conditions Workload
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian
Resource type
Downloadable file

One thousand women’s voices: Recording EIS member’s experience and resilience during Covid-19

Research

The research captures the lived experiences of 1,000 women educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how gender inequality intensified during this period, with women disproportionately affected by increased unpaid care work, domestic responsibilities, and professional pressures. The findings reveal the emotional and physical toll on women balancing teaching duties with caregiving, often working long hours with little support.

Download resource in English
Publisher
Educational Institute of Scotland
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2020
Region
Europe
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type
Downloadable file

ESP webinar: Wellness skills for self-care and health for educational support professionals

Course or training materials

This NEA's training session offers simple healing skills for self-care and for promoting health and well-being for educational support personnel. It includes opportunities to practice and apply various healing methods. These methods can be used by all educators, families, and others in the community.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Physical health Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel
Resource type
Video

ESP webinar: Harnessing social and emotional learning strategies to support the wellbeing of education support personnel during the COVID-19 crisis

Course or training materials

In this NEA's training session, Dr. Chris Cipriano offers social and emotional learning strategies to support education support personnel within the school ecosystem to navigate the challenging emotions experienced during the pandemic.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2020
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Education support personnel
Resource type
Video