Representatives of the HAND:ET Consortium recently took part in the international conference "ARISE for WELL BEING - Improving the quality of educational experience by reducing the impact of inequalities” held in Tirana, Albania this November. The event provided a platform for researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers to convene, sharing their insights and expertise on the crucial topic of well-being in education. Through engaging panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, participants explored ways to mitigate inequalities and enhance the overall educational experience.

The conference, served as the perfect platform for the representatives of the HAND:ET Consortium to showcase its significant and now more than ever relevant work by providing a practical perspective on empowering educators. The project's outcomes at the conference were highlighted through one workshop and two presentations.

Bridging Research and Practice

Workshop "Well-being in Focus: Experiences and Exercises from the HAND Project" facilitated by Valerie Fredericks and Lisa Paleczek from the University of Graz, Austria, delved into the experiences and exercises derived from the Hand in Hand project. Participants had the opportunity to gain practical insights into fostering well-being among educators.

Presentation "Supporting Teachers' Wellbeing: Insights from Research and Practice" by Iris Marušić and Ivana Jugović from the Institute for Social Research Zagreb, Croatia, delved into valuable insights drawn from both research and real-world applications. The presentation shed light on effective strategies for supporting teachers' well-being, adding significant value to the ongoing conversation.

Moreover, Urška Štremfel from the Educational Research Institute, Slovenia, offered a comprehensive overview of the Hand in Hand Project's journey, emphasizing the transition from policy experimentation to generating meaningful recommendations. The presentation "Empowering Teachers Across Europe: From Policy Experimentation to Recommendations" underscored the collaborative effort required at a European level.

Concluding Thoughts: A Focused Endeavor

Representatives of the HAND:ET Consortium contributed to the open discussions about the supporting teachers’ well-being by bringing the knowledge and experience accumulated during the implementation of the HAND:ET project and beyond, putting the emphasis on emphasis on empowering educators and on the significance of practical experiences and collaborative efforts.