This comes after one principal claimed that substitute teachers were refusing to teach at their school due to the behaviour of pupils
Education Minister Paul Givan has detailed a series of support measures available to teachers who find themselves in a “toxic” working environment as a result of pupil behaviour.
The Minister’s comments came in response to an Assembly question from UUP MLA Jon Burrows, who asked Minister Givan to detail any external support available for substitute teachers who find themselves in a toxic work environment, in terms of the behaviour of disruptive pupils.
Last week, the Principal of Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn claimed that a number of female teachers at her school had been left so upset by pupils’ behaviour that they had to go home.
In an email to parents, principal Nicola Stevenson said that the pupils’ behaviour “resulted in a number of substitute teachers refusing to teach in the school and a number of female teachers being upset to the point where they have had to go home.”
Responding to Mr Burrows, Paul Givan said: “The Department of Education is not the employers of substitute teachers and have asked the Education Authority (EA) to provide the necessary details for the response.
“EA has advised that all EA staff, whether temporary or permanent, are able to access the EA’s HealthWell Hub. The Hub is an external Digital Solution that provides a range of initiatives and information in relation to Health and Wellbeing.
“Within the Hub – Health Well, staff can access a range of mental health and wellbeing interventions within the Employee Assistance Program – Lena (by Inspire). In addition, Principals can contact EA’s Health and Wellbeing Service directly via their Helpdesk to discuss further bespoke support in relation to Health and Wellbeing interventions and training.
“EA has confirmed that the HealthWell Hub is accessible to all substitute teachers.”
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