From the Teacher Support Network, www.teachersupport.info.

PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES COMMIT TO PUT TEACHER WELLBEING AT THE HEART OF POLICY
More than 150 candidates sign up to Teacher Support Network awareness raising campaign

The commitment is part of a campaign to increase awareness of teachers' wellbeing issues, and encourage new action in the next Parliament to address their needs.

The full commitment reads:

"In order for teachers to deliver first class education they need the support of elected representatives who understand the scale of the challenges teachers face. Putting in place measures to support and improve teacher health, wellbeing and effectiveness should be at the heart of education policy. If elected I will campaign for this principle to be central to future party and government policy because I believe great teaching is critical to the delivery of a great education"

Since Teacher Support Network launched in 1999, usage of its resources, that include a free 24 hour confidential helpline providing expert coaching and support to staff in the education sector, has increased from below 20,000 in 1999 to more than 160,000 in 2009.

Data also shows that between January to March 2009 and the corresponding period in 2010, the number of Teacher Support Network service users who described their current emotional state as 'suffering from stress' increased by 6 per cent from 19 per cent to 25 per cent.

Teacher Support Network Chief Executive Julian Stanley said:

"We are pleased that so many prospective parliamentary candidates are showing their support for teachers by signing up to our candidate commitment. We hope that the next parliament will be 100 per cent committed to improving the health, wellbeing and effectiveness of teachers."