In June 2025, the IDEA actively contributed to the Y-CARE project by organizing a series of focus groups and a roundtable discussion with teachers. The goal of these events was to gather in-depth insights into the emotional challenges, workload pressures, and support needs experienced by educators.
On June 27, 2025, two focus groups were held at the IDEA office in Łomża. The first focused on peer support structures, while the second addressed work-life balance strategies. Participants openly shared their experiences of emotional overload, administrative burdens, and difficulties in communicating with school leadership. Teachers highlighted the lack of formal support mechanisms, expressing a strong need for regular non-evaluative meetings, mentoring programs, and a workplace culture that fosters mutual support and trust.
The following day, on June 28, 2025, a roundtable discussion took place at MANS (Mazovian Academy of Applied Sciences) in Łomża. Educators from various institutions discussed systemic challenges within the education sector. Key issues included external pressure from parents and local communities, undefined job responsibilities, and the absence of formal psychological and peer support. Recommendations put forward included regular wellbeing audits, national guidelines for flexible work practices, and the creation of regional teacher support networks.
These sessions mark an important step toward improving the work environment for teachers. IDEA intends to use the collected insights to develop concrete recommendations and solutions in the upcoming phases of the Y-CARE project.
