Caring as a salutogenic aspect in teachers' lives

•Caring relationships are vital for teachers' well-being.•Caring is channeled through “being” and “doing”.•Teacher education and management would benefit by including a health perspective.•The study contributes to knowledge on how to retain teachers in their profession.

This inquiry explored how a group of teachers experienced resources for their well-being, both at work and in their private lives. The findings indicate that caring, for others and for oneself, is central for teachers' well-being. Caring is manifested in being present in the moment, and in actions which promote the well-being of oneself and others. Implications from the findings suggest that both school administration and teacher education should pay special attention to the caring aspects of teaching, as they influence teachers' well-being and retention, as well as the pupils' learning. Health promotion interventions could benefit from these findings.