Öğretmen adanmışlığının mesleğe yeni başlayan öğretmenlerin bakış açısıyla incelenmesi

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of novice teachers regarding teacher commitment, their experiences of teacher commitment, and the factors causing changes in it. Also, it was aimed to be informed of the suggestions of novice teachers for the sustainability and increase of teacher commitment. In this study, phenomenology as a qualitative research design was used. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 30 novice teachers working their first three years of the teaching profession at public lower secondary schools. For the analysis of the interview data, content analysis was used. The findings of the study indicated that novice teachers perceived teacher commitment from emotional and practical aspects, which refers to their love of profession and students, and the enactment of these emotional aspects in the professional settings which are fulfilling job requirements, preparing for lessons, and devoting extra time and effort for students. Also, based on teachers' experiences regarding teacher commitment, the findings revealed four dimensions of it related to the teaching profession itself, teaching work, students and their learning, and professional development. Moreover, it was found that there are weakening and strengthening factors affecting teacher commitment. Regarding the weakening factors, the most striking one was the reality shock that all teachers experienced during their initial years of the profession. As for the strengthening factors, the most prominent ones were student engagement and getting the reward for the efforts. For the sustainability and increase of teacher commitment, suggestions of teachers were also taken in the study. In light of findings, it was concluded that teacher commitment is of great importance for continuance in the profession in a qualified and effective way. In line with this, implications for practice and further research were provided at the end of the study.