Teacher Wellness

Stress. Burnout. Long hours. Increasing demands. Insights into teachers’ mental and physical wellness and what schools can do

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The State of Teaching
New national data on the teaching profession, vivid reporting from classrooms, and resources to help support this essential profession.
Illustration of a close up head of a male educator from the eyes up with open head / mind. Creating a platform for a scene in which we find mental health counselor and empty seat across from him. Radiating lines acting as sun rays emanating from sun / mind. These elements are drawn in chalk on board. Radiating sun reflects the idea of the positivity found in the process of working with a mental health counselor.
Taylor Callery for Education Week
English Learners Why ESL Teachers Are Calling for More Mental Health Support
Survey data analysis found more mental health counselors at school can boost morale for English-as-a-second language teachers.
Ileana Najarro & Alex Harwin, July 25, 2025
3 min read
The National Education Association choir sings before the union's annual representative assembly on July 3, 2025, in Portland, Ore.
Attendees of the National Education Association's 2025 representative assembly cheer during a speech by NEA President Becky Pringle on July 3, 2025, in Portland, Ore. Delegates voted on a wide range of measures, including some related to teacher safety, immigration, and cellphones.
Kaylee Domzalski/Education Week
Teaching Profession Trump Looms Large as the Nation's Largest Teachers' Union Sets Its Priorities
During its annual meeting, the NEA strategized about its response to federal education policies.
Sarah D. Sparks, July 6, 2025
8 min read
Mindset growth woman self care concept. Mental health positive success person. Flower woman head happy think.
Madina Asileva/iStock
Teaching Profession Opinion ‘Gen Z Isn’t Lazy’: Let’s Rethink What We Expect of New Teachers
When a new teacher requested a mental health day, I flinched—then I listened.
Meagan Booth, May 22, 2025
4 min read
Student Carrera Crittenden participates in an activity during a theatre class at Weber High School, taught by Mark Daniels, on January 13, 2025 in Pleasant View, Utah. Daniels incorporates a lot of movement in the students during all of his classes.
Student Carrera Crittenden participates in an activity during a theatre class at Weber High School, taught by Mark Daniels, on January 13, 2025 in Pleasant View, Utah. Daniels incorporates a lot of movement in the students during all of his classes.
Kim Raff for Education Week
School & District Management Active Kids Are Better Learners. Here's How Principals Can Get Them Moving
In an era of waning recess, here are a few tips to make learning more than just a "sit-and-get" lesson.
Olina Banerji, May 20, 2025
4 min read
Teaching Profession Video In This School, Teachers Dance Their Stress Away
This New York charter school offers teachers a Friday afternoon dance class to decompress from the week and connect with each other.
2:22
Teacher Jazzmyne Townsend works with students during a small group reading lesson at Stanton Elementary School in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2025.
Teacher Jazzmyne Townsend works with students during a small group reading lesson at Stanton Elementary School in the District of Columbia on April 3, 2025.
Richard Pierrin for Education Week
Teaching Profession Movement Breaks Aren’t Just for Kids—Teachers Need Them Too
Teachers who integrate movement into their daily routines can enhance their well-being and effectiveness.
Sarah D. Sparks, April 8, 2025
4 min read
Overwork Burnout Symptom Concept. Tired Overloaded Teacher Character with Low Life Energy Power
iStock/Getty Images
Teaching Profession Teacher Burnout Is Real. What's to Blame—and How to Keep It at Bay
Teachers share their tips for avoiding burnout.
Elizabeth Heubeck, March 28, 2025
3 min read
Photo collaged illustration of teachers ad data
Vanessa Solis/Education Week via Canva
Teaching Profession Data Teachers Say These 5 Factors Could Boost Their Morale
Short of a pay raise, here are the things that could improve teachers' morale.
Holly Kurtz, March 4, 2025
8 min read
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Sam Mallon/Education Week
Teaching Profession Video ‘It’s Not All Rainbows and Butterflies’: SEL in the Early Grades
A veteran teacher reflects on how the classroom (and the kids) have changed, and on what's needed to fix education.
Jaclyn Borowski & Sam Mallon, March 4, 2025
1 min read
Illustration of teacher multitasking.
CreativaImages/Getty
Teaching Profession Q&A What Top Teachers Want From Their Principals, Work-Life Balance, and More
Finalists for Teacher of the Year weigh in on how the field is changing and supports educators need.
Sarah D. Sparks, February 20, 2025
7 min read
Tight cropped photograph of a martini glass held by a female with others blurred in the background partaking in a happy hour at a bar with purple lighting.
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Teaching Profession Why Stressed-Out Teachers Should Heed New Health Warnings About Alcohol
Teachers are at particular risk for misusing alcohol. Here's what you should know
Elizabeth Heubeck, January 17, 2025
6 min read
Education and Learning icons in the classroom or online. Idea knowledge of innovative technology, science, and mathematics.
iStock/Getty Images + Education Week
Teaching Opinion How Teachers Can Care for Their Students and Themselves This Year (Downloadable)
A veteran teacher suggests 8 essential practices to benefit everyone in the classroom.
Justin Parmenter, January 15, 2025
1 min read
Image of a cellphone on a desk.
iStock/Getty
Teaching Profession Will Your Classroom Get Enough 'Likes'? Teachers Feel the Social Media Pressure
Teachers active on social media feel the competition to showcase innovative lessons and beautiful decorations.
Sarah D. Sparks, November 6, 2024
5 min read
A student raises her hand to share her work with her teacher.
A student raises her hand to share her work with her teacher.
Allison Shelley for All4Ed
Teaching Profession New Findings on Teacher Morale Highlight Ways to Make It Better
A new College Board survey on teacher morale echoes some previous findings. But it also highlights opportunities for schools to improve it.
Ileana Najarro, October 29, 2024
4 min read