Issue Details

TEACHER SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES

ABSTRACT

Poor teacher health, low social support, and occupational pressure significantly impact teacher engagement. Studies consistently show that engaged teachers perform better in their roles, demonstrating higher levels of enthusiasm, commitment, and effectiveness in their teaching practices. Recognizing the importance of teacher engagement, this study aims to foster positive psychological qualities and enhance social support among teachers to increase their work engagement. By improving teacher engagement, the study seeks to benefit teachers directly and potentially lead to improvements in secondary and national education outcomes. The research specifically focuses on the relationship between social support and work engagement among secondary school teachers in India. To gather data, a total of 386 secondary school teachers were selected through basic random sampling to participate in the study. These teachers completed online self-administered questionnaires, providing insights into their experiences and perspectives. To analyze the collected quantitative data, the study employed various descriptive statistical methods, including frequency, proportion, correlation, and normal Q-Q plot analysis. These methods helped to identify patterns and relationships within the data. Additionally, an independent t-test was conducted to examine significant demographic differences among the participants, providing a deeper understanding of how various factors influence teacher engagement. The findings of this study on secondary school teachers’ social support and work engagement have practical implications for educational leaders and policymakers. By highlighting the importance of social support in fostering teacher engagement, the study offers valuable insights for principals seeking to support their teachers and address psychological health challenges. Furthermore, the results can inform teacher management practices and policies, helping teacher training institutions, principals, teachers, parents, and students to create a more supportive and engaging educational environment. Ultimately, this study underscores the critical role of social support and psychological well-being in enhancing teacher engagement and improve the overall quality of education in secondary schools.

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