Abstract

Teacher mental health and wellbeing is neglected in policy relative to student mental health and wellbeing. Yet there are ongoing concerns around teachers’ stress levels and their impact on students and teacher shortages. Through a desk-based literature review relevant literature, current reports and statistics were examined to ascertain definitions and understandings of wellbeing and mental health suitable for teachers. The study then examined the importance of teacher mental health and wellbeing, rates and causes of teacher stress and burnout and factors that could support enhancing teacher mental health and wellbeing. Mental health and wellbeing are both complex concepts to define, but the current state of teacher mental health and wellbeing in Australia is of concern. There are protective factors that can support teachers’ mental health and wellbeing, especially whole school approaches that embed the mental health and wellbeing of students, staff and community.