Professional Support and Its Effects on Teachers' Commitment

TLDR

The study proposes strategies to strengthen teachers' commitment to the profession. The authors analyzed a national survey database to assess how professional support affects teachers' commitment. Principal leadership/support directly and indirectly influences teachers' commitment, with peer support having the largest direct effect, underscoring the role of principals in fostering collegial relationships.

Abstract

Abstract A national survey database was used to examine the effects of professional support on teachers' commitment to the teaching profession. Principal leadership/support influenced teachers' professional commitment directly and also indirectly through peer support. The largest direct effect on teachers' professional commitment was from peer support. These findings indicate the importance of principals' leadership in enhancing teachers' commitment and the effect principals can have on teachers' collegial relationships. Ideas for enhancing teachers' commitment to the teaching profession are suggested.