Ei-iE

Health and well-being hub Education International’s resource center

  1. Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate
  2. Webinar: The influence of school leadership and governance on teachers’ mental health and wellbeing in Africa
  3. Teacher and education support personnel well-being : Vital for education

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.

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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 186 Resources

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‘Supporting the supporters’: Refugee teachers and teachers living in protracted conflicts

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 NRC provides comprehensive support mechanisms for teachers, including capacity building, expressive arts therapy, recreational activities, and a phone hotline for counseling. These efforts aim to equip teachers with the skills to address their own emotional and social needs, thereby improving their ability to support their students effectively. The initiative has shown positive outcomes, with teachers reporting increased resilience, improved stress management, and enhanced professional growth.

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Publisher
Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Norwegian Refugee Council
Country
Palestine Jordan
Year of publication
2022
Region
Arab Countries
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Violence and harassment
Available in
English French Spanish, Castilian Portuguese Arabic
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Migrants and refugees
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teacher wellbeing index - 2022

Research

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

Assessment of teachers’ health in relation to working conditions

Research

The study investigates the health status of 519 teachers in Moldova’s pre-university institutions. Using both self-assessment questionnaires and medical records, the research found that while most teachers reported satisfactory health, 35.8% had chronic conditions, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. The most cited risk factors were high stress levels (53.5%), excessive workloads, and lack of support. The study concludes that teacher health is significantly influenced by workplace conditions.

Open resource in English
Publisher
Moldovan Medical Journal
Country
Moldova
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Physical health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Resource type
Downloadable file

Teacher wellbeing: Findings from a scoping literature review and case studies in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar

Research

The report presents a global exploration of teacher wellbeing, combining a systematic review of 102 academic articles (2016–2020) with original fieldwork. It includes case studies based on interviews with 90 teachers and 16 principals from high-performing schools in Cambodia, Kenya, and Qatar, along with 11 policymakers. These case studies helped infer the underlying processes that promote teacher wellbeing by analyzing participants’ reflections on their behaviors and conditions during their most fulfilling teaching experiences. The report identifies key factors that foster wellbeing, such as feeling valued, supportive environments, and emotional regulation, while also highlighting risks like burnout. Despite contextual differences, common themes emerged across countries, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers’ mental health and professional fulfillment.

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Publisher
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The Wellbeing Project Center for Health Policy & Inequalities Research (CHPIR) at Duke University ACE Africa Kenya Development for Cambodian Children (DCC)
Country
Cambodia Kenya Qatar
Year of publication
2021
Region
Arab Countries Asia Pacific Africa
Topics
Mental health Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
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

Aspiring educators: Protect your mental health

Guides

The article offers guidance for aspiring educators on maintaining their mental health, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month. It highlights the importance of utilizing on-campus health clinics and counseling services, recognizing the signs of mental health issues, and seeking support from various resources. The article also emphasizes the role of self-care and organizational strategies.

Open resource in English
Publisher
National Education Association (NEA)
Country
United States of America
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
Teachers
Specific communities
Early-stage career
Resource type
Web page

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.

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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

Wellbeing: Leading and managing a well workplace

Guides

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

Managing the menopause in the workplace

Guides

The NASUWT guide on managing the menopause in the workplace provides essential advice for employers on supporting women experiencing menopause. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing menopause as a significant health and safety issue, promoting awareness, and implementing supportive measures. The guide outlines practical steps such as conducting risk assessments, offering flexible working arrangements, and ensuring access to necessary facilities. It aims to create a workplace environment where women feel comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking help, ultimately fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Women’s psychological and physical health
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Health and safety handbook: Health, safety and welfare Issues

Guides

The Health and safety handbook on health, safety, and welfare issues provides comprehensive guidance for health and safety representatives in schools. It covers a wide range of topics, including accident reporting, asbestos management, bullying, class sizes, and stress management. The handbook emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, detailing procedures for handling various health and safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. It aims to equip representatives with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage health and safety issues in educational settings. This handbook was specifically elaborated for the context of the UK but includes useful information that other member organizations can use as a reference for developing their own materials.

Open resource in English
Publisher
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Country
United Kingdom
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Safety Working conditions
Available in
English
Categories of staff
School leaders
Resource type
Web page

Presentation of results to the media – UNSA barometer of education professions 2021

Research

The 2021 UNSA Education Barometer reveals the challenges faced by education professionals in France, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a high level of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose among educators, the survey highlights a persistent lack of respect and recognition, with 66% of respondents feeling undervalued. The barometer also underscores the need for improved working conditions, better health support, and enhanced training.

Open resource in French
Publisher
Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education
Country
France
Year of publication
2021
Region
Europe
Topics
Job satisfaction Pandemics and epidemics Physical health
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Web page

Adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti: creation of training capsules

Course or training materials

The adaptation and innovation in the SACHA project in Haiti have focused on teacher wellbeing. The project has developed training capsules to support the health and wellbeing of education workers. These capsules cover essential topics such as occupational health, mental health, and stress management, providing teachers with valuable resources to improve their working conditions.

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Publisher
CEMEA-Haiti Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Solidarité Laïque Haïti Wallonie-Bruxelles Internationale (WBI)
Country
Haiti
Year of publication
2021
Region
North America and the Caribbean
Topics
Mental health Physical health Working conditions
Available in
French
Categories of staff
Teachers Education support personnel
Resource type
Video