Strengthening Teacher Wellbeing: Insights from the OECD

The latest findings from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) highlight a growing global concern: teacher wellbeing is under pressure. As schools navigate workforce shortages, rising complexity in classrooms, and increasing administrative demands, supporting teachers has never been more critical.

Rising Workload, Declining Time

Across participating countries, teachers consistently report high workloads, with many working well beyond standard hours. Administrative tasks, lesson preparation, behaviour management, and reporting requirements are contributing to stress and reduced job satisfaction. While most teachers remain deeply committed to their vocation, sustained pressure is impacting morale and retention.

Wellbeing and Retention Risks

The OECD data reveals a clear link between teacher wellbeing and workforce sustainability. Increased stress, emotional exhaustion, and concerns about student behaviour are contributing to higher attrition intentions—particularly among early-career teachers. Systems that fail to address wellbeing risk losing experienced educators at a time when demand is growing.

The Importance of School Culture

Positive school climates matter. Teachers who feel supported by leadership, trusted in their professional judgement, and connected to colleagues report higher job satisfaction.

Collaborative cultures, mentoring, and strong leadership are protective factors against burnout.

Targeted Support Matters

Effective responses identified in the report include:

• Reducing unnecessary administrative burden

• Strengthening professional learning pathways

• Supporting principal and teacher wellbeing together

• Using workforce data to inform policy and planning

• Investing in early-career teacher support

  
  

Importantly, wellbeing is not simply an individual responsibility — it is shaped by policy, leadership, and system-level decisions.

A Shared Responsibility

The OECD findings reinforce a broader message: high-quality education depends on thriving teachers. Supporting teacher wellbeing is not optional; it is essential to improving student outcomes and sustaining the profession.

As Catholic education systems across Australia consider workforce strategy, data-informed approaches and collaborative reform will be vital in ensuring teachers feel valued, supported, and equipped for the future.

Read the full report here.