Ground-breaking program tackles principal burnout - The Educator

“A ground-breaking program supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australian educators will soon reach more than 1,000 teachers, leaders and staff members returning to school in Term 1.

The research-based Flourish program, which was co-created by principals, has achieved significant results, including a 56% increase in positivity at work and a 20% decrease in stress levels.

Principals have also reported an 18% reduction in the amount of pressure felt at work, a 16% increase in energy levels at the end of the day and an 11% increase in the level of enjoyment experienced at work.

Bob Willetts, vice president of the NSW Primary Principals Association (NSWPPA), instigated the program before commissioning peak performance researcher Dr Adam Fraser and Dr John Molineaux from Deakin University, who ran the successful two-year trial.

Willetts said the Flourish Movement began in response to state and national principal wellbeing surveys to address principal wellbeing in a constructive, positive and proactive manner.

“At the true heart of the program are the students. Principals have the greatest impact on the culture of schools,” Willetts told The Educator.”