National Education Summit partners with the Global Joy Mission to make joy a measurable driver of learning and educator wellbeing in 2026
The National Education Summit (NES) announced a landmark partnership with the Global Joy Mission (GJM), founded by Chartered Organisational Psychologist and author Simi Rayat, to position joy as a measurable and practical driver of learning and educator wellbeing across Australian schools in 2026.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in NES’s long-standing commitment to supporting the wellbeing of educators and students. As schools nationwide face rising pressures around mental health, burnout and engagement, NES recognises that wellbeing can no longer sit on the periphery of professional learning—it must be central to the future of schooling.
A Deep Commitment to Educator & Student Wellbeing
At the heart of the National Education Summit is a belief that healthy, future-focused schools begin with the wellbeing of the people who lead them. Through its Wellbeing for Future-Focused Schools Conference, NES brings together school leaders, wellbeing coordinators, counsellors, psychologists and educators to explore evidence-based practices that support emotional resilience, mental fitness and a thriving school culture.
The Wellbeing stream focuses on the belief that educator wellbeing is foundational. Schools flourish when teachers feel supported, equipped and energised. In turn, students benefit from calmer classrooms, improved emotional regulation and learning environments defined by connection and confidence.
“The mental health and emotional resilience of educators has a direct and measurable impact on student learning,” said Margo Metcalf, Creative Director, National Education Summit. “This partnership with Global Joy Mission deepens our wellbeing commitment by giving schools practical, scalable tools to build sustainable, positive school cultures.”
Global Joy Mission Joins the 2026 Wellbeing Program
As part of the 2026 Summits in Brisbane and Melbourne, Simi Rayat will deliver an inspiring and science-backed session within the Wellbeing program:
The Global Joy Mission: Empowering Educators and Students to Thrive, Not Just Survive
This session challenges the conventional view that joy is a reward at the end of a long term. Instead, Rayat explores how joy can be a daily strategy for performance, emotional regulation and resilience.
Participants will discover the 5Qs Formula®, a simple yet powerful five-minute-a-day mental fitness practice that strengthens focus, calm, connection and emotional wellbeing. Attendees will learn how schools nationwide are already embedding the formula into their classrooms, and how their school can join the national pilot program to make joy a daily habit, not an occasional wellbeing lesson.
“You’ll walk away inspired, equipped and ready to create a culture of calm, confidence and connection in your school community,” Rayat says.
A Partnership That Turns Wellbeing Into Measurable Change
The partnership between NES and the Global Joy Mission brings together two organisations united by a common goal: supporting educators and students to thrive.
“This partnership turns educator wellbeing from a conversation into a practice that can be measured, shared and scaled,” said Margo Metcalf. “Together with the Global Joy Mission, we’re helping schools create the conditions where teachers and students can truly thrive.”
“When teachers thrive, students flourish,” said Simi Rayat, Founder of the Global Joy Mission. “Partnering with the National Education Summit allows us to bring practical, science-backed tools to the people shaping the future every day—our educators and the young minds they inspire.”
This collaboration comes at a time of increasing national attention on the wellbeing of teachers and the growing evidence linking teacher energy to student engagement and learning outcomes. Both organisations share a commitment to building mentally healthy schools through practical, accessible and evidence-backed tools.
About the National Education Summit
The National Education Summit brings together educators, school leaders and sector experts from across Australia to exchange ideas, explore innovations and drive the future of learning. Through conferences, masterclasses and exhibitions, NES supports the professional growth and wellbeing of Australia’s teaching community.
Website: www.nationaleducationsummit.com.au
About the Global Joy Mission
Founded by Chartered Organisational Psychologist and author Simi Rayat, the Global Joy Mission exists to make joy a measurable outcome of how we lead, work, learn and live. Through its science-backed 5Qs Formula® and Joy Index, the Mission equips educators and professionals worldwide to shift from daily survival to daily thriving, with a vision to empower 5 million people by 2030.
Website: www.globaljoymission.com
Media Enquiries:
National Education Summit – Darshana Amarsi darshana.amarsi@iecgroup.com.au
Global Joy Mission - Simi Rayat simi@wellbeingface.com 0481 567 567