This blog post has been written by Salim Amieur, a student of Medicine at the University of Sheffield. Salim did a medical student placement at Minds Ahead to help improve the research base which we use to impact on children and young people.
Comparing reports on Teachers Mental Health in Education
Although the Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022 reported overall negative developments regarding teachers mental health in education, there are some positive developments that have occurred, especially over the past year.
In a survey of 3,082 education professionals:
- 36% in 2022 experienced a mental health issue in the past academic year, down 2% in comparison to the 2021 Teacher Wellbeing Index.
- 50% of teaching staff experienced symptoms of poor mental health in the last year. In 2021 the reported number was 52%.
- Overall, the well-being score for the education workforce was 44.01%, which is an increase of 0.11% in comparison to 2021.
- The national teacher well-being index score in England was 43.90% in 2020. Previously in 2021 it was 43.79%.
- Additionally, in Scotland the national teacher well-being index score was 45.02% in 2022. In contrast, in 2021 it was reported to be 43.97%.
- Furthermore, although senior leaders Wellbeing Index scores decreased slightly from 43.38% to 43.37%, schoolteachers scores have increased from 43.70% to 44.04%.
- A primary reason for reasons for staff wanting to leave in 2021 was volume of workload. This percentage has decreased to 68% in 2022 whereas in 2021 70% of staff reported wanting to leave due to an increased volume of workload.
Furthermore, between 2019 and 2021, the Teacher Wellbeing Index has improved for staff working in Northern Ireland in comparison to the staff working in other regions (Scotland, Wales, and England). This information suggests that Northern Ireland is taking a more effective approach at tackling mental health of teachers in education.
The rest of the UK should look into implementing strategies from the Northern Ireland teaching system as it is on a positive trajectory. However, it is worth noting that there was no data on Northern Ireland in the 2022 publication off the Teachers Wellbeing Index.
Although the report was slightly positive in comparison to 2021, it is clear that teaching staff are considering leaving the teaching sector due to mental health pressures in education.
It is crucial that the UK government onboards the recommendations outlined in the Teaching Wellbeing Index and develop fully funded initiatives, correctly fund the department of education, and ensure that the department of education correctly implements the wellbeing policy test that is outlined in the Wellbeing Charter.
To view a full copy of the 2022 report, visit:
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/zoga2r13/teacher-wellbeing-index-2022.pdf
To view full copies of the previous reports, visit:
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/resources/for-organisations/research/teacher-wellbeing-index/
AUTHOR BIO:
My name is Salim Amieur, and I am a 3rd year medical student at the University of Sheffield. I grew up in London and have previously completed a degree in clinical bioscience at St. Georges, University of London. I have a passion for medicine and enjoy combat sports, basketball, and football.
Mental health in education needs improvement
Headteachers, teachers, support staff, parents and young people tell and show us the potential for change. Research and data highlight that this is a national challenge, relevant to all schools and colleges.
We exist to be a part of this solution. We use our expertise and resources to generate novel ideas which make a tangible difference to the practice of schools and colleges. This then improves the mental health of the whole community. Check out our mental health qualifications:
Share this on social media:
References
Savill-Smith, C. and Scanlan, D. (no date) Www.educationsupport.org.uk, Teacher Wellbeing Index 2022. Available at: https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/zoga2r13/teacher-wellbeing-index-2022.pdf (Accessed: December 10, 2022).
Scanlan, D. and Savill-Smith, C. (no date) Education support, supporting teachers and Education staff, Teacher Wellbeing Index 2021. Available at: https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/media/qzna4gxb/twix-2021.pdf (Accessed: December 10, 2022).
