The annual Youth Survey Report from Mission Australia shows young people in Australia are becoming increasingly concerned about equity and discrimination, and remain affected by stress levels and mental health. Here, we look at the survey findings which detail the experiences of over 25 000 young people in 2020.

‘While this crisis has exposed the many inadequacies and inequities in our education systems, this moment also holds the possibility that we won’t return to the status quo when things return to “normal”,’ Andreas Schleicher writes in his latest Teacher column.

It is widely acknowledged that teaching is a stressful job, and the global events of this year have added an enormous amount of extra pressure on those working in education. In today’s article, we take a look at the research into the prevalence of stress and burnout for teachers and school leaders, and explore some of the protective factors.

‘There are several cognitive strategies that support the development of resilience … these are the skills we want to encourage children to develop in the early years.’ In part two of her series on resilience, Dr Sarah Tillott discusses the adaptive and maladaptive traits of resilience.

Dr Pauline Ho and Dr Katherine Dix share the findings of a systematic review investigating the impact of wellbeing-related interventions on student academic and wellbeing outcomes, including four ingredients for effective implementation and three recommended actions for schools.

‘Being exposed to adversity is inevitable. How we manage and adapt as a response is what can make the difference between poor outcomes, or outcomes that signify growth from the experience.’ Dr Sarah Tillott explores resilience theory and the brain, and the importance of developing resilience skills from an early age.

Media coverage of the Californian wildfires has evoked reminders of Australia’s past bushfires and prompted discussion about the coming season. In today’s article Patrice O’Brien, Chief Community Officer at Beyond Blue, discusses why talking about bushfires with your students, no matter where your school is located, can help ease anxiety.

It is important that teachers are empowered to develop strategies and resources to support the emotional, cognitive and psychological development of students experiencing trauma. In today’s article, we speak to a principal about why she participated in a trauma-informed workshop, and how it has helped her staff to better support students in their learning.

Our annual Teacher reader survey has just concluded for another year. As your responses have been coming in, we have been making note of your suggestions and requests, and have been reading about your experiences with the challenges of this pandemic. You’ve also let us know how you’re taking care of your own wellbeing outside of work.

A primary school in Melbourne will be implementing a new four-week program for incoming Foundation students next year to better prepare them for learning following disruption to their kindergarten year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.