Wellbeing text message service launched for teachers

A free text messaging service to support teacher wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis has been launched following a partnership between the Chartered College of Teaching and the Behavioural Insights Team.

TeachTogether sends stories from teachers, evidence-based wellbeing advice and links to useful activities every week.

The launch follows a pilot in the US and Canada which saw teachers, as well as 911 call handlers, receive the weekly message. The service was found to have reduced burnout and halved resignations. All of the TeachTogether messages are based on teacher interviews and the latest wellbeing evidence. 

Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, said: "We are living in a difficult and uncertain time, yet our teachers are doing an amazing job to support children and young people. With constantly changing requirements and expectations, it is more important than ever that our teachers have continued access to education support networks. The Chartered College of Teaching is proud to be supporting our fantastic teachers and we hope the free TeachTogether service will make a difference, however small. I encourage our teachers to join and benefit.” 

Anna Bird, Head of Education and Skills at the Behavioural Insights Team said: "Teachers are at the front line of the Covid-19 response, but helping children succeed in spite of school closures and providing care for key workers’ children is a huge extra burden. We hope this evidence-based service will help teachers stay connected and get the support they need during these challenging times.”

To join, teachers will need a UK mobile number or email. They will receive a welcome message followed by one text a week and can opt-out at any time. 

The project has been funded by the Helen Hamlyn Trust and Ian Armitage. 

To sign up, visit chartered.college/TeachTogether