The well-being of education professionals is crucial for quality education, yet it faces significant challenges globally. Recognising the interdependence of education and health, key organisations are partnering with Education International (EI) to find solutions to advance the well-being of educators worldwide.
A flagship initiative of this collaboration is the International Barometer of Education Staff (I-BEST), which provides crucial data on education personnel well-being across different countries, including teachers, school principals, and education support personnel. The I-BEST is a collaborative effort led by the Education and Solidarity Network (ESN), with partners including MGEN, the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education, and EI.
The second edition of the I-BEST, published in 2023, reflects the experiences of over 26,000 teachers, school principals, and education support personnel across 11 territories: Argentina, French-speaking Belgium, Cameroun, Canada, France, Japan, Morocco, Spain, Switzerland (Cantons of Vaud and Geneva), the United Kingdom, and Quebec.
The findings revealed a troubling trend of education professionals feeling undervalued due to overwhelming workloads, challenging work environments, lack of recognition, and limited career advancement opportunities. Additionally, the report highlighted a significant rise in workplace violence, underscoring the urgent need for supportive and respectful environments for educators. The poor psychological health of education personnel and insufficient support systems further emphasised the necessity for a comprehensive approach to their well-being.
World Congress focus on educators’ well-being
As part of the activities surrounding EI’s 10th World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, MGEN and EI, in collaboration with the ESN and the UNESCO Chair Education & Health, organised an international event on July 27. Titled: "Tackling Challenges and Sharing Solutions for the Health and Well-being of Education Staff," the event aimed to address the pressing issues highlighted by the I-BEST findings. In his opening remarks, David Edwards, EI’s General Secretary, stated:
"Aspects related to health, well-being, and social protection have never been more relevant to the education sector. The Covid-19 pandemic has magnified the importance of fostering healthy and safe educational settings for both staff and students, highlighting the crucial role of mental health support."
David Edwards, EI’s General Secretary
Referring to the I-BEST, Edwards highlihted: “Education International is deeply committed to continuing developing this important initiative, together with our member organisations who have there an incredibly powerful tool to advance unions’ agenda on health and well-being at national level.”
Clotilde Truffaut, National Delegate Administrator of MGEN in charge of International Relations and Societal Engagement, stated: "The most beautiful profession in the world is in danger. According to the 2023 UNESCO Global Report on Teachers, we are facing a global teacher shortage, and by 2030, only 78 out of 197 countries will have enough teachers to ensure universal primary education."
Truffaut also highlighted: "A key component of health and well-being is social protection. This protection must be collective, inclusive, and supportive. That’s why we work closely with the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about social protection. And who better to promote this culture of social protection than education personnel who are present worldwide?"
Tackling challenges and sharing solutions
The event featured several key sessions, beginning with an overview of the current state of health and well-being of education staff worldwide, which set the stage for the subsequent Panel Discussion. At the Panel, experts from various international organisations presented their work and research findings, as well as examples of initiatives and public policies to promote the health and well-being of education staff.
The Solutions Forum followed, where working groups addressed topics emerging from the I-BEST 2023 survey. These included the prevention and promotion of the psychological health of education staff, creating a work environment conducive to well-being, establishing a safe and positive school climate to ensure zero tolerance against any form of violence, and raising awareness of health issues
The event concluded with a wrap-up session led by Didier Jourdan, Chair Holder of the UNESCO Chair Global Health & Education and Head of the WHO Collaborating Center for Research in Education & Health. The discussions and insights gained from the event aim to inspire good practices and draw mutual inspiration to improve the well-being of education professionals worldwide.