As a teacher and dietitian herself, University of Newcastle researcher Tammie Jakstas from HMRI’s Food and Nutrition Research Program knows first-hand what the challenges are for teachers.

“I used to be a teacher, so I know that a lot of teachers run on empty. The focus is always on helping students and being available to them throughout the school day. As a result, I would often eat only after school was finished.

“Eventually, I changed my own behaviour and started having morning tea and lunch. I quickly realised that I was more switched on and I enjoyed the whole experience of teaching more,” says Ms Jakstas.

It was this experience that inspired the Teacher Nutrition Study, that is now in its third and final stage.

Ms Jakstas will roll out three online modules designed to support teachers’ in improving their nutrition in late-January 2025.

The first module looks at why diet is important for health and wellbeing. The second module centres on the key food skills and nutrition knowledge to help teachers improve their health and wellbeing. The third module explores the benefits of cooking and meal sharing, encouraging fresh perspectives on these activities.

“We are taking a teacher-first approach and saying, ‘We know you’re important’ and these are some simple strategies that can help boost your nutrition-related health and wellbeing,” says Ms Jakstas.

Once the testing on the modules is done, Ms Jakstas wants to take them to school principals as part of each school’s wellbeing strategy.

Teachers aren’t meeting Aussie nutrition guidelines

“Only six per cent of Australian adults, including teahcers are eating the recommended five serves of vegetables. So these online modules focus on simple steps teachers can use to improve their diet for better health outcomes. We also want to encourage them to stop and share a meal with collegues,” says Ms Jakstas.

The feedback on the first two stages of the Teacher Nutrition Study has been that teachers are excited that this research is focussed on their health.

“I really want to reinforce the message that this is something for teachers; not just in their professional roles but as people! Better nutrition also makes for better teaching and role modelling healthy habits to students where the real purpose of this research is to drive change that better supports teachers’ health and wellbeing,” says Ms Jakstas.

The Teacher Nutrition Study is seeking teachers and school staff from around the country to complete the three test modules. There is one month to complete each online module. Would you like to join the Teacher Nutrition Study?

Would you like to join the Teacher Nutrition Study?