SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS' DEDICATION TO THEIR PROFESSION

Teacher commitment plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience, reflecting a personal dedication to the profession. It is a key factor in driving efforts to enhance school outcomes, particularly in terms of student academic achievement (Kushman, 1992). Defined by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE, 1998) as a complete devotion to the teaching profession, commitment embodies an inner recognition of the noble nature of teaching. Secondary education serves as the cornerstone of the educational system, with secondary school teachers bearing the vital responsibility of molding the current generation for the future. Recognizing the significance of their role, this study aims to explore the level of professional commitment among secondary school teachers. Using the Normative Survey Method, the study selected a sample of 108 secondary school teachers in the Paschim Medinipur district through Simple Random Sampling Technique. Data analysis involved t-tests and ANOVA to uncover insights into teacher commitment. The study's major findings revealed a significant difference in professional commitment among teachers based on their experience levels. However, there was no significant difference observed in commitment levels concerning gender and qualification. These findings highlight the importance of fostering a strong sense of commitment among secondary school teachers, as it directly influences the quality of education imparted to students and ultimately shapes the future of the educational system.