Health and well-being hub

This briefing captures the recommendations of United Nations High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession that are focused on teacher well-being. Key recommendations include improving working conditions, ensuring mental health support, and promoting professional autonomy and development. The Panel calls for comprehensive national policies and multi-stakeholder commissions to enhance teacher well-being and support, particularly in crisis-affected regions.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2024

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

This policy brief outlines the importance of teacher and education support personnel (ESP) wellbeing to high quality education. It sets out a road map for education unions and their members on how to ensure that educational jurisdictions put in place practical strategies for enhancing the wellbeing of all teachers and ESP. All the evidence shows that student achievement is dependent on teachers and ESP who are positive about themselves and their ability to teach.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2024

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Specific communities: Ethnic minorities Indigenous Peoples LGBTIQA+ Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

Resolution on wellbeing for quality education, adopted in 2024 by the 10th EI World Congress. The resolution highlights the lack of robust global research on this topic, the impact of poor wellbeing on education quality, and called for comprehensive policies and practices to support teacher and ESP mental health and wellbeing, especially in crisis and conflict settings.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2024

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Researchers
Resource type: Web page

This report verses about the urgent need to address teacher well-being globally. It emphasizes the importance of improving teachers' mental and physical health, job satisfaction, and resilience through systemic changes. The report identifies key factors affecting teacher well-being, such as workload, stress, and burnout, and advocates for collaborative efforts among governments, educational institutions, and international organizations to implement effective policies. It also explores the potential for a global index to measure teacher well-being, considering cultural and contextual differences.

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Publisher: Education International (EI) Education Support
Year of publication: 2024

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Level of education: Early childhood education Primary education Secondary education
Specific communities: Early-stage career Ethnic minorities Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

This document presents the Recommendations of the The High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession that was convened by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. It emphasizes the urgent need to address the global shortage of teachers and improve their working conditions, salaries, and professional development. It advocates for investing in teachers through competitive salaries, quality training, and continuous professional development, while promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion to attract and retain marginalized groups. The document also highlights the importance of enhancing the status and dignity of the teaching profession, encouraging innovation and leadership among teachers, and integrating education for sustainable development, peace, and democracy into teaching practices. Collaborative efforts among governments, educational institutions, and international organizations are deemed essential for effective implementation of these recommendations.

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Publisher: International Labour Organization (ILO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Year of publication: 2024

Topics: Cross-cutting resource
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Arabic
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Specific communities: Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

The document titled "Se déconnecter du travail: Guide de bonnes pratiques", published by the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ), explores the growing issue of hyperconnectivity and the erosion of boundaries between work and personal life, particularly in the context of telework and digital tools. It examines the causes and consequences of constant connectivity, including psychosocial risks and impacts on mental health, and offers both collective and individual strategies to promote work-life balance. The guide emphasizes the importance of organizational policies, union involvement, and legal frameworks, while also providing practical tips for managing digital tools and communication habits outside of work hours.

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Publisher: Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ)
Country: Canada
Year of publication: 2023

Region: North America and the Caribbean
Topics: Right to disconnect and technology Unpaid work Workload
Available in: French
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives

The report " Työhyvinvointi ohjelma" of the Finnish union OAJ outlines a strategy to improve the working conditions and overall well-being of professionals in the education sector. It emphasizes the importance of respectful treatment, sustainable work environments, and mental health support. The programme proposes legislative reforms, enhanced occupational safety, and better leadership practices to reduce work-related stress and prevent disability. It also promotes collaboration between employees, employers, and policymakers to ensure that educational professionals can thrive in their roles.

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Publisher: Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö (OAJ)
Country: Finland
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Peer relationships Safety Working conditions
Available in: Finnish
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives
Resource type: Downloadable file

This research article presents a conceptual framework for understanding and categorizing the social–emotional skills (SEMS) of teachers, which are increasingly recognized as vital for both student development and teacher well-being. While SEMS have been widely studied in students, this paper emphasizes the need to define and structure SEMS specifically for educators, given their pivotal role in shaping classroom environments and student outcomes. Drawing from personality psychology and educational research, the authors propose a taxonomy based on the Five-Factor Model to organize key teacher SEMS such as emotion regulation, self-efficacy, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills.

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Publisher: Frontiers in Education
Year of publication: 2023

Topics: Social emotional skills
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Resource type: Downloadable file

The Joint Union Heatwave Protocol from the NEU provides practical guidance for schools and colleges to prepare for and respond to extreme heat events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. It outlines short-term measures such as adjusting dress codes, modifying lunch menus, relocating classes, and ensuring access to water and ventilation. It also recommends long-term planning, including retrofitting buildings, improving ventilation, and conducting risk assessments to protect staff and students. The protocol encourages collaboration between employers and union representatives to ensure health, safety, and minimal disruption to learning during heatwaves

Open resource in English

Publisher: National Education Union (NEU)
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Climate change Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Online ressource

The NEU's Model Policy on Violence and Assaults Against Staff provides a structured framework for schools to prevent and respond to workplace violence. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe working environment by setting clear expectations and procedures for handling incidents involving physical or verbal abuse. The accompanying Model Reporting Form is designed to document all instances of violence, threats, or abuse directed at school staff, including supply teachers and contractors, ensuring that such incidents are properly recorded and addressed

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Publisher: National Education Union (NEU)
Country: United Kingdom
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Europe
Topics: Violence and harassment
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

This guide serves as a practical tool for union delegates involved in occupational health and safety committees. It outlines the legal framework, roles, and responsibilities of delegates, and emphasizes the importance of active union participation in bipartite health and safety committees within educational institutions. The guide also includes relevant national decrees, strategies for improving workplace conditions, and resources to support the defense and promotion of workers' health rights.

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Publisher: Federación Nacional de Profesores de Enseñanza Secundaria (FENAPES) Comisión de Salud Laboral Área de Formación Sindical CEIFF
Country: Uruguay
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Latin America
Topics: Physical health
Available in: Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

The 2023 UNESCO IICBA study assesses the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators, and learners across selected sub-Saharan African countries. It highlights the growing recognition of mental health and well-being in education, emphasizing the interconnectedness between education, health, and psychosocial support. The study identifies key challenges faced by educators, ranks the severity of COVID-19’s negative effects, and explores innovative strategies adopted by governments. It also provides recommendations for building resilience, improving infection control, and enhancing psychosocial support systems, aiming to inform policy and advocacy efforts across Africa.

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Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Africa
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

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

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

This document outlines a study conducted by UNESCO IICBA on the state of teacher professionalism in West Africa, focusing on professional standards, teacher education, and working conditions. It emphasizes the urgent need for countries to adopt and implement professional standards and competencies for teachers and school leaders. It highlights how inadequate professional support, poor working conditions, and lack of career development opportunities negatively impact teacher motivation, job satisfaction, and retention. Detailed case studies for Sierra Leone and The Gambia illustrate country-specific progress and challenges. The study highlights that while some countries like Sierra Leone and Nigeria have aligned with international frameworks, most are still in early stages, lacking formal regulations, national standards, and professional teaching councils. Teacher education remains weak, with many teachers insufficiently qualified, and continuous professional development is underutilized.

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Publisher: UNESCO IICBA
Country: Gambia Sierra Leone
Year of publication: 2023

Region: Africa
Topics: Salaries and remuneration Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers School leaders
Resource type: Downloadable file

Ei-iE

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

Showing 177 Resources Filtered by:

Activating the recommendations on teacher well-being

Teacher and education support personnel well-being : Vital for education

Teacher and ESP wellbeing and mental health: vital for quality education - Resolution from the 10th World Congress

Teacher well-being: A global understanding

Recommendations and summary of deliberations of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession (2024)

Disconnecting from work: Best practices guide

Occupational well-being programme

Social–emotional skills of teachers: Mapping the content space and defining taxonomy requirements

Joint union heatwave protocol

Violence and assaults against staff in schools model policy

Guide for the union representative on occupational health and safety committees

Assessment of the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on teachers, teacher educators and learners and psychosocial support needs in selected Sub-Saharan African countries

Mental health: A great investment for teachers in Africa?

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

West Africa – Investing in Teachers and School Leaders: Professional Standards, Working Conditions, and Teacher Education