Abstract
INTRODUCTION: PERMA.teach is the largest Positive Education initiative in German-speaking countries, offering a structured training program to help teachers integrate well-being interventions based on the PERMA model into their classrooms. Embedded in the third phase of Austrian teacher training, the program aims to enhance the well-being and mental health of both teachers and students. METHODS: A representative sample was collected from primary and middle schools across five Austrian federal states. Schools were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which implemented PERMA-based strategies, or a control group (education as usual). Well-being was assessed using the PERMA-Profiler and the Satisfaction With Life Scale at three time points. The final sample included 155 teachers (65 in the control group) and 1,402 students (657 in the control group). Additionally, interviews with 10 randomly selected teachers and a survey of 120 participants were conducted to explore the program's implementation. RESULTS: Teachers in the intervention group reported significantly higher life satisfaction and greater positive emotions compared to those in the control group. They also experienced increased engagement, characterized by higher levels of flow and greater use of their character strengths in the school context. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of autonomy in applying Positive Education and highlighted emotional contagion among teachers as a key factor influencing both training and classroom implementation. DISCUSSION: The results confirm the effectiveness of PERMA.teach in promoting teacher well-being and fostering a positive school environment. The program's success is driven by the autonomy of its users and the need for a broad range of intervention options to support individualized application. PERMA.teach effectively enhances teacher well-being, fosters a flourishing educational environment, and provides valuable insights into the implementation of Positive Education.