Why do so many beginning teachers quit the profession or change schools? it’s not a heavy workload or lack of resources that has the most significant effect, but instead the relationship between teachers and their principal, on the study, said the findings reinforce the need for principals to serve as strong, supportive leaders in their schools.

“The principal isn’t there just to help the novice teacher handle discipline and classroom management,” Many new teachers said. “What really makes a strong administrative climate is when the principal also knows the academic content well and can work with the beginning teacher on curriculum and instruction.”

The study gauged novice teachers’ intent to remain teaching and the factors that might influence that decision. Some teachers  said he/she was surprised to learn the frequency with which novices met with their school-assigned mentor teachers did not make them more or less likely to continue teaching.

In fact, the most important factor that influenced commitment was the beginning teacher’s perception of how well the school principal worked with the teaching staff as a whole. This was a stronger predictor of intent to remain teaching than having adequate resources, the amount of administrative duties the teacher had or the size of their workload.

“Would be on how principals could increase their knowledge of setting a healthy, productive school climate and understanding ways that their actions and leadership can impact new teachers’ attitudes and outcomes.” 

By: Jocelyn M. Villegas | Teacher – I | Cabcaben Elementary School