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Cultivating Commitment within Educational Ecosystems: Improving Teacher Satisfaction through Autonomy and Expertise

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Title: Cultivating Commitment within Educational Ecosystems: Improving Teacher Satisfaction through Autonomy and Expertise
Language: English
Authors: Jane McIntosh Cooper, Leslie Gauna, John Decman, Sheila Baker
Source: School Leadership Review. 2026 21(1).
Availability: Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration. Web site: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/slr/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 17
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Teacher Attitudes, Job Satisfaction, Professional Autonomy, Expertise, Teacher Persistence, Educational Objectives, Goal Orientation, Faculty Mobility, Self Determination, Teacher Competencies, Teacher Administrator Relationship
Geographic Terms: Texas
ISSN: 1559-4998
Abstract: This study explores the experiences of Texas educators' job satisfaction, focusing on their ability to enact curriculum and pedagogy within their school ecosystems. Reporting of partial qualitative results of a larger mixed-methods survey of teachers in Texas, the research examines how administrative and contextual stances impact teachers' professional and personal goals. Findings reveal that dismissive attitudes toward teachers' content expertise and micromanagement by evaluation-focused leadership lead to dissatisfaction and potential attrition. Conversely, growth-oriented leadership that values autonomy and respects teachers' practical knowledge enhances job satisfaction and commitment. The study, grounded in self-determination theory, highlights the critical role of intrinsic motivators--such as autonomy and competence--in sustaining educators. Recommendations include fostering teacher agency, reducing administrative overreach, and prioritizing educators' expertise to create supportive environments. These insights aim to inform strategies for improving teacher retention and satisfaction amid post-pandemic challenges.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507328
Database: ERIC
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  Availability: 0
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22School+Leadership+Review%22"><i>School Leadership Review</i></searchLink>. 2026 21(1).
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  Data: Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration. Web site: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/slr/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Texas%22">Texas</searchLink>
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  Data: This study explores the experiences of Texas educators' job satisfaction, focusing on their ability to enact curriculum and pedagogy within their school ecosystems. Reporting of partial qualitative results of a larger mixed-methods survey of teachers in Texas, the research examines how administrative and contextual stances impact teachers' professional and personal goals. Findings reveal that dismissive attitudes toward teachers' content expertise and micromanagement by evaluation-focused leadership lead to dissatisfaction and potential attrition. Conversely, growth-oriented leadership that values autonomy and respects teachers' practical knowledge enhances job satisfaction and commitment. The study, grounded in self-determination theory, highlights the critical role of intrinsic motivators--such as autonomy and competence--in sustaining educators. Recommendations include fostering teacher agency, reducing administrative overreach, and prioritizing educators' expertise to create supportive environments. These insights aim to inform strategies for improving teacher retention and satisfaction amid post-pandemic challenges.
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      – Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Job Satisfaction
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      – SubjectFull: Professional Autonomy
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      – SubjectFull: Expertise
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Persistence
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Objectives
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      – SubjectFull: Goal Orientation
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      – SubjectFull: Faculty Mobility
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      – SubjectFull: Self Determination
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Competencies
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Administrator Relationship
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      – SubjectFull: Texas
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      – TitleFull: Cultivating Commitment within Educational Ecosystems: Improving Teacher Satisfaction through Autonomy and Expertise
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