OPE

Optimistic Pathways in Education

OPE helps schools create a learning environment where students’ well-being and academic success go hand in hand.

GA number: 101195850

Funded by: ERASMUS      Duration: 01/03/2025-29/02/2028


Challenge

Across Europe, schools face growing challenges in supporting student’s well-being, with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression affecting around 20% of learners (OECD PISA). At the same time socio-economic inequalities, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and exclusionary practices have further exposed the limitations of traditional education systems. Although there is increasing evidence that emotionally supportive, inclusive environments boost both well-being and academic success, many countries still struggle to apply these approaches in practice.

Innovation

OPE helps schools create a learning environment that supports both academic success and student well-being. It offers tools and training to teachers, school leaders, and psychologists to build students’ confidence, engagement, and emotional health. By updating teaching methods and promoting supportive policies, OPE strengthens educational communities across Europe.

Action

A practical guide for schools, rooted in Positive Psychology, that outlines how to build trust, resilience, and a positive learning environment for all students.

A full set of hands-on training materials that show educators how to build emotionally supportive classrooms, integrate well-being into teaching, and promote academic optimism.

Indicative Module Components:

  • Introduction to Academic Optimism
  • Practical Strategies for Optimism and Efficacy
  • Case Studies and Real-World Applications
  • Developing and Adapting Educational Content
  • Professional Development and Peer Collaboration

An open-access online learning platform offering interactive courses, downloadable tools, and space for professional exchange — available to all educators.

A self-assessment tool for teachers to reflect on and improve how their teaching supports students’ emotional and academic growth.

Detailed case studies from schools that piloted the OPE approach, showing how the training was applied and adapted in diverse school settings.

A report presenting the effects of the OPE approach on school climate, student well-being, and educator confidence, based on real data from participating schools.

The recommendations aim to promote academic optimism and efficacy, outlining approaches for scaling these policies for broader impact in the educational system.

A permanent online space where educators, trainers, school leaders, and policymakers across Europe can connect, exchange tools, and keep learning together to promote academic optimism and well-being in schools. exchange tools, and keep learning together to promote academic optimism and well-being in schools.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or INTERREG Europe. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Project Partners

KMOP, Greece
Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Western Macedonia, Greece (Coordinator)
T.C. MILLI EGITIM BAKANLIGI ISTANBUL – USKUDAR ILCE MILLI EGITIM MUDURLUGU, Turkey
INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT LTD, Cyprus
CENTRO PER LO SVILUPPO CREATIVO DANILO DOLCI, Italy
DIE BERATER UNTERNEHMENSBERATUNGS GESELLSCHAFT MBH, Germany

 

Leave a comment
or ask for help