Teacher competency and work engagement among secondary school physical education teachers: the multiple mediating roles of occupational stress, emotional exhaustion, and professional achievement

Teacher competency is a key driver of work engagement, operating through both direct and indirect mechanisms, particularly by alleviating occupational stress and enhancing professional achievement. These findings underscore the importance of interventions aimed at fostering teacher well-being, including stress management programs and professional development opportunities, while addressing demographic-specific needs. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and consider additional contextual factors to extend these findings.