Mental well-being and difficulties of Polish teachers during remote education in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic negatively affected the mental and social well-being of people worldwide. While most research focused on children's difficulties, such as mood changes and social withdrawal, few studies explored the challenges faced by teachers, especially in the context of mental health. This study aimed to understand teachers' views on their well-being during and before COVID-19. A survey of 216 teachers was conducted, of whom 115 worked in mainstream primary schools and 101 in special schools in Poland, during a period of severe pandemic conditions and social isolation measures. The findings showed that the pandemic had significant effects on teachers' mental health in some aspects, but this was not always negative. This highlights the need to prioritize teachers' well-being, not only during crises but also on a daily basis. Ultimately, the quality of children's education depends on the mental state of their teachers.