Teacher Wellbeing: A Systems Approach to Sustainable Schools

About The Speaker: Dr. Desiree Brown-Quilty is an international educator, wellbeing consultant, and coach who has spent over two decades teaching and leading in international schools across seven countries, including the UK, Japan, South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, China, and Angola. Her career has taken her into diverse school systems and cultures, where she has seen firsthand the hidden pressures international teachers navigate—workload creep, shifting leadership expectations, and the quiet toll of constantly adapting to new environments. Along the way, she developed a deep understanding of how school systems, not just individuals, shape teacher wellbeing. Now, Dr. Brown-Quilty works with international schools and educators to redesign the day-to-day experience of teaching so it is sustainable, focused, and human. Drawing on research such as the Job Demands–Resources model and her own leadership experience, she helps schools strengthen wellbeing through practical changes in workload, communication, and leadership practices rather than adding more initiatives. Known for her grounded, honest approach and deep understanding of international school contexts, she supports teachers and leaders to navigate complexity without burning out—creating environments where educators can think clearly, work sustainably, and stay in the profession they care about.