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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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.

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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

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.

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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

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 (CAUT/ACPPU)
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 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.

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Publisher: National Education Union (NEU)
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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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Publisher: Union nationale des syndicats autonomes - Education (UNSA 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

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

The initiative of the organization Teachers Health, Reconciliation Action Plan, aims to bridge the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations by promoting understanding, respect, and support for Aboriginal communities. This initiative highlights the need for concrete actions to address disparities in health, employment, income, life expectancy, and discrimination.

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Publisher: Reconciliation Australia
Country: Australia
Year of publication: 2021

Region: Asia Pacific
Topics: Mental health Physical health
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers
Specific communities: Indigenous Peoples
Resource type: Video

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.

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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

The toolkit provides guidance on implementing the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (No. 190) and Recommendation (No. 206). It includes practical resources for trainers, such as facilitator guides, activities workbooks, and detailed briefings on key issues. The toolkit aims to raise awareness, encourage discussion, and support unions in developing workplace policies, integrating violence and harassment into occupational safety and health management, and campaigning for the ratification of C190. It emphasizes the importance of gender-responsive approaches and collective bargaining to create safer, more inclusive workplaces.

The resources in Arabic and Turkish can be downloaded from the resource page in English.

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Publisher: Education International (EI)
Year of publication: 2021

Topics: Safety Violence and harassment
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian Arabic Turkish
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel
Specific communities: Women
Resource type: Downloadable file

The report of the first edition of the International Barometer offers an overview of the health and well-being of education personnel, highlighting their working conditions, professional environment, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses factors such as organizational and motivational aspects, school climate, physical environment, work-life balance, and the prevalence of violence and security issues at work. The report also identifies the training needs, support systems, and social protection measures required by education personnel to improve their overall health and well-being.

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Publisher: Education and Solidarity Network (ESN) Foundation for Public Health
Country: France Gambia Mexico Morocco Canada Belgium
Year of publication: 2021

Topics: Cross-cutting resource Mental health Physical health Resources and conditions Working conditions
Available in: English French Spanish, Castilian
Categories of staff: Teachers
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.

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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

This newsletter centers on the impact of COVID-19 on educators, with a strong focus on teacher well-being during the circuit breaker period. It presents survey findings on Home-Based Learning (HBL) and Leave of Absence/Stay-Home Notice policies, highlighting increased workloads, uneven support across departments, and health concerns. The newsletter also introduces the “Teacher Wellness@STU” initiative, encouraging educators to build resilience and emotional strength, and offers resources, consultations, and wellness guidance to help teachers navigate the challenges of remote teaching and pandemic-related stress.

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Publisher: Singapore Teachers' Union (STU)
Country: Singapore
Year of publication: 2020

Region: Asia Pacific
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Social emotional skills Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Union representatives

This document places emphasis on teacher well-being amid the reopening of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from a large-scale survey, it reveals that many educators experienced heightened stress due to increased workloads, unclear expectations, and inconsistent school policies. While some schools implemented supportive measures, like flexible reporting times, reduced meeting durations, and remote work options—others maintained rigid practices that compromised teacher morale. The newsletter highlights calls for standardizing well-being policies across schools and advocates for greater empathy and recognition of teachers’ frontline roles during this challenging period.

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Publisher: Singapore Teachers' Union (STU)
Country: Singapore
Year of publication: 2020

Region: Asia Pacific
Topics: Mental health Pandemics and epidemics Working conditions
Available in: English
Categories of staff: Teachers Education support personnel School leaders Union representatives

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

Caring for educators, caring for our communities

Featured topics

Showing All 194 Resources

Mental health in academia: The challenges faculty face predate the pandemic and require systemic solutions

Supporting staff wellbeing in higher education

The psychological toll for academic staff of COVID-19

Wellbeing: Leading and managing a well workplace

Managing the menopause in the workplace

Health and safety handbook: Health, safety and welfare Issues

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

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

Teachers health fund mobilises for inclusion and respect of Aboriginal People’s rights

The global report on the status of teachers 2021

Training of trainers toolkit on the ILO violence and harassment convention (No. 190) and recommendation (No. 206)

International barometer on education personnel’s health and well-being - International report 2021

Teacher wellbeing index - 2021

Newsletter Vol. 1. No. 5.: Protecting & promoting teachers & teaching

Newsletter, Vol. 1. No. 8: Survey on reopening of schools